Each June, thousands of Ecuadorians congregate in Pujili for the Corpus Christi festival which features the El Danzante parade. This fiesta is a fascinating mix of Christian (celebration of Holy Communion) and traditional (celebration of the harvest and to Inti, the Inca sun god) religious practices. This multi-day fiesta is an exhibition for the region's folkloric dance, music, cuisine, and art, and you will have the flexibility to visit Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilatoa Lagoon.
Highlights
Watch as two cultural traditions come together into a unique celebration
Spend the weekend watching processions throughout Pujili
Drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and overnight at a classic hacienda
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Head south, along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", viewing the breathtaking high plains surrounding the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi - the earth's highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). This area provides excellent opportunities to spot the Andean Condor. You'll ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m). From this point, there is an optional hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano's refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m).
Tonight you will overnight in one of Ecuador's most famous haciendas, the 400 year old Hacienda La Cienega. This enchanting hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi has hosted many of Ecuador's former presidents as well as Alexander von Humboldt, founder of modern geography.
Today you will visit Pujili to watch and participate in the celebration of the Corpus Christi festival. This is traditionally a Catholic celebration that celebrates the Holy Communion or Eucharist. Introduced by the Spanish during their conquest of South America, this celebration falls sixty days after Easter and falls during the Inca's ceremonial calendar for giving thanks to the sun and harvest. Two religions and cultures have shared a common celebration for centuries, and over time, the customs and traditions have intermingled to create a unique celebration.
The town of Pujili has become famous for its celebration of Corpus Christi. With your guide's knowledge of the history of the festivities, you will experience why and learn the stories associated with the music, costumes, and dancing during the parade. Saturday is the "mestizo" parade with schools and other social groups participating
In the afternoon, you will leave Pujili and travel west to Quilotoa, a village located next to a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes. A stop in Tigua allows you to meet the famous Tigua painters. Their sheepskin paintings of traditional Andean village life have been highly regarded since before Incan times. Return to Hacienda la Cienega in the evening for dinner.
Day 3: Pujili Celebrations
1 Breakfast
Return to Pujili for more excitement! Sunday's procession includes indigenous groups from the region and the El Danzante parade that celebrates Inti, the Inca sun god, the harvest, and the rain, while honoring the Andean condor.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7532-3 travelers
Notes
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This festival is approximately 60 days after Easter.
Initial deposit is $400 + Internal Flight Cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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