San Jorge Ecolodges
The Magic Birding & Hiking Circuit.

Cultural and History Tours

In addition to giving naturalist tours, it is important to us to keep our history alive and share it with others. We are proud that visitors want to come to our country and learn about our culture. Get to know a little more about Ecuador's fascinating history, and how the many indigenous tribes and Spanish colonial history together weave a rich cultural tapestry with one of the cultural tours we offer.

Shamanism & Medicinal Plant Tours

Shamanism is a vital part of native Ecuadorian culture. Few villages are without a local shaman who has wide-ranging knowledge of the healing properties plants, and can cure physical and spiritual imbalances. People of the forest have become sophisticated chemists by necessity over the generations, utilizing plants for every aspect of their lives.

We will begin by hiking through the highland rainforests, visiting a number of sacred waterfalls, where we will learn about the medicinal properties of some of the over 250 native plants in the region. During the hike, you will be able to take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, its valleys and mountains along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalo. After a picnic lunch, we will return to the lodge for an afternoon of relaxation by the pool and jacuzzi.

In the evening, we will meet with a shaman from Andean highlands to learn about medicinal plants and their shamanic usage. He will discuss his experiences, ancestral beliefs, and secrets which are traditionally passed down from generation to generation. You will have the opportunity to participate in a "cleansing" ritual performed by the shaman in an introduction to Andean shamanic practices. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions of this wise man, for what promises to be an incredible, unique experience.

San Jorge Quito City Tour.

Old Town Quito Tour

Quito was a city of utmost importance in both the Incan empire and in colonial times, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. You will learn about the forces that shaped Quito over time, and see some remarkable landmarks in our nation's capital.

We will visit La Compañía, a church with an entirely gilt interior, and a beautiful example of Baroque school of Quito design; the city's major plazas (Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Santo Domingo); and El Panecillo, the hill topped with a winged statue that watches over the city. (Note: If participants would like, we can take the Old Town tour by bike if it is a Sunday and car traffic is light.)

Otavalo Indian Market Tour

Otavalo Indian Market

The world-famous Otavalo Indian Market is a large craft market held daily in the village of Otavalo, a few hours north of Quito. There you will find a wide range of beautiful handmade crafts and souvenirs, including alpaca wool garments; silver, inlaid, and tagua nut jewelry; embroidered textiles; handpainted bowls; paintings; weavings; and many other special goods not found at home. The tour includes lunch at a typical Ecuadorian restaurant in Otavalo.

Other Tours

In our cooking class you can learn about Ecuador's food heritage first hand with our staff chef Rosa. Learn how both familiar (potato, corn) and less familiar (yucca, lupin bean) ingredients come together to form a fabulous cuisine that is part New World, part Old World. (Groups of six or more.)

Take a day trip over the Andean High Barren Plains to the Papallacta Hot Springs. We start the day by visiting the charming villages of Tumbaco and Cumbaya, and through Pifo Valley. We will climb up the Central Andes chain, where your guide will explain many of the botanical and ecological features of the area. Our last stop of the day is Papallacta Lake, where we will stop at the wonderfully relaxing natural hot springs.

Mitad del Mundo

We will make several stops along the way in various villages to sample local food specialties and visit artisan shops. Stops may include a fruit stand in a small village to sample a cherimoya fruit; a stop at the leather market in Cotacachi; a side trip to the sacred Indian lagoon of Cuicocha; or several of many other options. There is much to see and experience outside of the big city!

Visit the famous pilar that marks the equator--the center of the world--at Mitad del Mundo. Learn some curiosities about life on the center of the earth! (Can be added Old Town Quito Tour for reduced charge.)

Ecuador History Tours Gallery