Sacred Traditions: Holy Week in Quito, Ecuador
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Easter and Holy Week with an 8-day journey through Quito and Ecuador’s highlands. Witness breathtaking processions, historic ceremonies, and the blending of Catholic and indigenous cultures during this profound celebration. Led by expert guide, Jacqueline Granda, this trip offers a rich exploration of faith, history, and the majestic Andean landscapes.
Where: Quito, Ecuador
When: April 12-19, 2024
Who: Private groups of 4-6 guests
Cost: $2,575 per person, double occupancy
About Jacqueline Granda
With over 20 years of experience, Jacqueline Granda, is dedicated to regenerative tourism in Ecuador and beyond. Jacquie holds deep connections with residents and is committed to preserving Andean traditions. She is uniquely positioned to offer immersive tours that benefit guests, hosts, and communities.
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Itinerary: Sacred Traditions: Holy Week in Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to Quito
Arrive at the Quito International Airport
Most international flights to Quito arrive in the late afternoon or evening. Your arrival might be in the wee hours of the morning of Day 2. Therefore, this first day is travel only.
After passing immigration and customs, we will be waiting to take you to your lodging in North Quito.
Overnight in North Quito.
Domingo de Ramos
Celebrate Palm Sunday in Historic Quito
After an early breakfast at our hotel, Jacquie will lead us to Quito’s beloved Basilica del Voto Nacional where residents will gather to take part in the Palm Sunday procession, hosted by Jacchigua, a performing arts conservatory long considered Ambassadors of Ecuador’s cultural heritage. We will walk alongside the procession as figures dressed in traditional costumes stroll down cobblestoned streets to the Plaza de San Francisco. We can stay for the outdoor mass, held around midday.
Our afternoon activity is flexible, depending on our energy levels on this first day at high altitude.
Overnight in Quito.
Quilotoa National Park
Visit a Stunning Crater Lake
We start our day early with a scenic drive to Quilotoa, passing through Andean villages and breathtaking highland landscapes. Once there, we’ll take a short walk along the crater rim to enjoy stunning views from various angles, including the famous Shalala viewpoint. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to a cozy hacienda near Cotopaxi Volcano, where dinner awaits at the hacienda restaurant, featuring excellent local dishes crafted by their talented chef.
Overnight near Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi National Park
Enjoy a leisurely start at the hacienda, though early risers may catch a stunning view of Cotopaxi from the grounds before the clouds roll in. After breakfast, we head to Cotopaxi National Park, where our group will decide how to spend the day. We might take a relaxed stroll around Lake Limpiopungo, soaking in views of Cotopaxi’s towering cone while watching for wild horses and a variety of bird species. If the group feels more adventurous and the altitude isn’t an issue, we could hike to the José Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters for a breathtaking panorama of the high páramo.
Return to Quito in the late afternoon.
Overnight in North Quito
Arrastre de Caudas
An Ancient Ceremonty with Roman Roots
The Arrastre de Caudas is a rare and sacred ceremony, performed only at Quito’s City Cathedral during Holy Week. This centuries-old ritual, once practiced by early Christians to honor Christ’s sacrifice, features six clerics dressed in long black capes, symbolically cleansing sins as they process to the altar.
The ceremony reaches its powerful climax when the clerics lie face down, capes spread over their bodies, the cardinal waving a large black banner emblazoned with a red cross over their prostrate bodies, representing the transition from death to resurrection.
Part of the experience includes waiting outside the Cathedral to be granted access. Only a limited audience is permitted inside and entry cannot be guaranteed, adding to the anticipation and reverence of this unique event.
To top off our day, we will treat you to dinner at a local restaurant known for its chicha-tasting and delicious traditional dishes like Mote con Chicharron. All with a gorgeous view of Historic Quito at night.
Overnight in North Quito
Maundy Thursday
Calle de los 7 Cruces and a Candlelight Procession
Maundy Thursday is a special day in Quito when residents and visitors alike visit many of the seven churches along the iconic street bearing that name. We will join in this tradition, entering those churches open to the public.
Today is ideal for a traditional Holy Week meal, fanesca. Every year, restaurants around Quito compete to win the title of the most delicious one and Jacquie will be sure to know where we should go to try it.
The highlight of Maundy Thursday is a candlelight procession starting at the Basilica del Voto Nacional and ending at the Plaza de Santo Domingo. You will have the option to walk behind the traditional figures carrying a candle or to observe at various points along the route and admire the traditional costumes of the Cucuruchos, Veronicas, and other significant figures of Holy Week.
Overnight in North Quito.
Good Friday
Celebrating Urban and Rural Traditions of Viernes Santo
This day begins early with a visit to see the preparations for the Jesús del Gran Poder procession, an expression of deep Catholic faith. After visiting the Church of San Francisco to leave offerings and view the ancient wood figures like Jesús del Gran Poder, the Virgin Mary, and various Angels, that will be carried in the parade, we’ll position ourselves above the crowd for a safe and excellent view. From here, we will learn more about the history of this stark pilgrimage, observing the cucuruchos, Veronicas, multiple Jesus Christs carrying the cross, Roman soldiers, and other symbolic figures.
In the late afternoon, we will travel to the rural town of Alangasí, where we’ll witness a unique local telling of the Good Friday story. This tradition includes devils that parade into the church. Residents take great pride in creating the scariest devil costumes, usually wearing red and donning huge masks bedecked with animal horns. The day will conclude with a meal shared with a local family, where we will enjoy traditional cuisine and hospitality before returning to Quito in the evening.
Overnight in North Quito.
Mitad del Mundo
Spending a Final Day on the Equator Tasting Agave
For our final day, after a leisurely breakfast, we’ll visit the monument, Mitad del Mundo, the ideal place to place a foot on either side of the Equator line and stand in two hemispheres at once.
In an exclusive experience, we’ll visit La Casa del Agave, South America’s first combined museum and distillery. Alongside our private guide, we’ll learn about agave and its many uses, including ancestral harvesting methods. We will be offered the chance to taste innovative items like a prebiotic drink called chawarmiske, a spirit similar to tequila called Miske, agave sap beer, vegan honey, vinegar, and ice cream. You may even find some nice gifts to take home.
For departing guests, we will arrange a late afternoon or early evening transfer to the airport. For those extending their stay with us for another week for our tour Heritage and Harmony: Exploring Ancient Cultures and Living Landscapes, we will transport you to our next hotel in the beautiful valley just outside of Quito.
If you require an additional night in Quito to accommodate a flight the following day, we can happily assist with those arrangements as well.
Late evening transfer to airport with option to extend in Quito.
Included:
- English-language Guide
- Lodging, including breakfast, for 7 nights
- Other meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Unlimited refills for your water bottle
- Entrance Fees
- Transportation, including transfers to and from Quito’s International Airport
Not Included:
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips for staff and guides
- Personal expenses like laundry
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Fees for bank transfers or credit cards
More Information About Sacred Traditions: Holy Week in Quito, Ecuador
Booking Your Flights
When booking your international flights to Quito, Ecuador, please note many international flights arrive in the evening. If you would prefer to arrive a day or two earlier, we can arrange for your pick-up and reserve your hotel.
For international flight bookings to Quito, we suggest using Expedia to find the best options.
Geography
Nestled high in the Andes at 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito is a city of dramatic geography, surrounded by towering volcanoes and rolling highland valleys. The capital of Ecuador is cradled in a long, narrow valley, with its colonial heart set against the stunning backdrop of the Pichincha Volcano, an ever-present reminder of the region’s volcanic origins. To the south of Quito lies Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, its perfectly conical peak often capped with snow, rising majestically above the páramo, or high-altitude grasslands. This national park is a haven for wildlife, offering breathtaking views of open plains, glacial streams, and vibrant Andean flora.
Further afield, the Quilotoa Crater Lake adds to the area’s natural splendor. This stunning emerald-green lake, formed within the caldera of a dormant volcano, is surrounded by rugged cliffs and traditional villages. Its shimmering waters, fed by rainfall and geothermal activity, offer an unforgettable sight, contrasting sharply with the earthy hues of the surrounding highlands. Together, Quito, Cotopaxi, and Quilotoa form a geographic tapestry that showcases the Andean region’s diverse landscapes, blending raw natural beauty with cultural richness.
Climate
The climate of Quito and the surrounding highlands is characterized by its equatorial location, tempered by the high-altitude Andes. Known as an eternal spring, Quito enjoys mild temperatures year-round, with daytime highs averaging 65-70°F (18-21°C) and cooler evenings dropping to 50-55°F (10-13°C). The region experiences two primary seasons: a wet season from October to May and a drier season from June to September. Even during the wet months, mornings often begin clear and sunny, with rain typically arriving in the afternoon or evening. Recently, all of Ecuador has experienced warmer and drier than usual weather.
In the surrounding highlands, such as Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, temperatures can be cooler due to higher altitudes. The páramo ecosystems near Cotopaxi, for example, are known for brisk winds and dramatic temperature shifts, with daytime highs around 50°F (10°C) and nighttime lows that can dip below freezing. Layers and waterproof gear are essential for travelers exploring these areas, as the weather can change rapidly. Despite these variations, the region’s climate is generally pleasant and ideal for outdoor adventures and cultural exploration.
Pace
This trip is designed with a balanced pace, offering a mix of immersive experiences and ample opportunities to rest and acclimate to the high-altitude environment. Activities are carefully planned to include breaks and optional participation, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the journey at their comfort level. For those who may need extra time to adjust to the altitude, flexible schedules and alternative options are available, such as shorter walks or more leisurely exploration. Our experienced guides are attentive to your well-being, allowing you to experience the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Quito and the highlands at a pace that suits you best.
Accomodations
During your stay in Quito, you’ll enjoy the comforts of a boutique hotel designed to feel like a home away from home. Each spacious room includes an ample private bathroom, while common areas like the cozy sitting room provide a perfect space to unwind after a day of exploring. A delicious breakfast is included each morning, and guests have the option to dine in the evening at the hotel’s dining room, which offers a menu of local and international dishes.
In the highlands, your accommodations will be at a welcoming hacienda surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. Each morning, guests are treated to a hearty breakfast, and dinner is available for purchase from a menu featuring regional specialties. Evenings at the hacienda are made extra cozy by wood-burning stoves, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that blends comfort with authentic charm.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of this trip is to foster meaningful cross-cultural communication by immersing travelers in the rich traditions and vibrant heritage of Ecuador during Holy Week. By engaging with local communities, supporting small businesses, and exploring deeply rooted customs, this journey contributes directly to the local economy, ensuring that your visit leaves a positive and lasting impact. Aligned with principles of regenerative tourism, this trip is designed to reward both travelers and hosts, creating authentic connections, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable practices that benefit everyone involved.
Health and Safety
Health and safety are top priorities for this immersive journey through Quito and the highlands of Ecuador. Here’s an overview of key considerations:
Altitude and Acclimatization: With Quito’s elevation at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) and excursions reaching even higher altitudes, some travelers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Staying hydrated, taking it slow during the first few days, and listening to your body are essential. Our guides are trained to recognize altitude-related symptoms and provide assistance as needed. If you want more information on how to precautions against altitude sickness, read our article, 7 Essential Tips for Tackling High Altitude Travel.
Vaccinations and Precautions: Routine vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your medical history and travel plans.
Food and Water Safety: To avoid waterborne illnesses, only drink bottled or filtered water throughout the trip. Meals included in the itinerary are prepared by trusted local providers, ensuring safe, fresh, and authentic Ecuadorian dishes.
Physical Readiness: This tour includes walking on cobblestoned streets and uneven highland terrain. A moderate fitness level and sturdy footwear are recommended to navigate these paths comfortably. Changing weather conditions mean layered clothing is ideal to adapt to sunny days and cooler evenings.
Emergency Preparedness: Our guides are equipped with first-aid training and carry a basic first-aid kit. They are familiar with local healthcare facilities and emergency protocols should medical assistance be required. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for emergency evacuation to ensure peace of mind during your journey.
By keeping these health and safety considerations in mind, you can fully embrace the cultural, spiritual, and scenic wonders of Ecuador with confidence and comfort.