Ecuador Mainland

This morning we will explore Quito’s colonial center, enjoying this urban jewel and its artistic and architectural treasures. One of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America, Quito’s “Old Town” area was declared the first “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO, in 1978.

The visit to the historic center begins with the Basilica del Voto Nacional, one of the largest churches in Ecuador and one of the most important works of Ecuadorian neo-gothic architecture. We will continue to Plaza Grande (“Independence Square”), which is surrounded by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. We will then visit the church of the “Compañia de Jesus” to find its impressive interior inlaid in gold.

Your tour of historic Quito will end with a birds-eye view of the city from the panoramic “Virgin of Quito” monument a top El Panecillo Hill, which overlooks the capital.

Price per person:

Included in the price
Private transportation
Services of a professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees

Not included in the price
Personal items and expenses
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and bottled drinks
Other expenses not specified

This morning we will explore Quito’s colonial center, enjoying this urban jewel and its artistic and architectural treasures. One of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America, Quito’s “Old Town” area was declared the first “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO, in 1978. The visit to the historic center begins with the Basilica del Voto Nacional, one of the largest churches in Ecuador and one of the most important works of Ecuadorian neo-gothic architecture. We will continue to Plaza Grande (“Independence Square”), which is surrounded by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. We will then visit the church of the “Compañia de Jesus” to find its impressive interior inlaid in gold. Your tour of historic Quito will end with a birds-eye view of the city from the panoramic “Virgin of Quito” monument atop El Panecillo Hill, which overlooks the capital. Afterwards we have approximately one-hour drive to Mitad del Mundo meaning ‘middle of the world’. This is the point where you can stand with one foot in the Southern hemisphere and the other in the North. The Intiñan Museum shows an interesting range of experiments to demonstrate the uniqueness and magic of this special location. After the visit, we will drive you back to your hotel.

Price per person:

Included in the price
Private transportation
Services of a professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees

Not included in the price
Personal items and expenses
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and bottled drinks

Activities: Early in the morning, you will be picked you up at your Quito hotel and driven south along the Pan-American Highway past scenic valleys and plains filled with multicolored fields. After an hour and a half, we will reach the main entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, a spectacular ecological reserve covering 139 square miles (36,000 hectares). Within this area is the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 3.66 miles (5,897 meters) above sea level. Your guide will then explain the culture and natural history of the Andean ecosystems here.

After a few more minutes of travel, we will make our way to the edge of Lake Limpiopungo to admire a variety of birds and occasionally even wild horses. On clear days, you can spot the magnificent cone of Cotopaxi, which appears like a postcard-perfect sight. A short walk around the lake will also allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life of the area.

Price per person:

Included in the price
Private transportation
Services of a professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees

Not included in the price
Personal items and expenses
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and bottled drinks

We start early in Quito taking the Middle of the World – Calacalí – Los Bancos – Esmeraldas highway. We will visit the sprawling Mindo Cloud Forest is located high on the Andes’ western slope, at the mid-point elevation between the highland Quito area and the Pacific coast. Stretching out over an impressive 19,200 hectares, the altitude ranges from 1,400 to 4,778 meters above sea level.

When we get to Mindo we visit the butterfly farm. This farm has some of the most beautiful butterflies that can be seen in Ecuador. Here, you can also see orchids, birds, but most importantly the hummingbird. After this stop, we go on an ecological walk some great waterfalls in Mindo- Nambillo Waterfall is one of the most popular destinations (just make sure to pack your bathing suit, as visitors can swim and relax here).

Finally, after lunch, you will get the chance to visit the famous Mindo chocolate factory. This tour offers you an insight into the products and produce. It is also a nice way to try some delicious chocolate.

Price per person:

Included in the price
Private transportation
Services of a professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees

Not included in the price
Personal items and expenses
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and bottled drinks

This tour begins with a scenic drive north of Quito through the Sierra highlands. We will go to Cayambe where we can taste and learn about the town’s famous bizcochos. From that point, we will continue to the famous market of Otavalo where you’ll have the option to purchase local handicrafts. The main market day in Otavalo is Saturday; however, this tour can be operated throughout the week (Tuesdays). Our professional guide will provide you an explanation of the indigenous people of this area, such as the Quitu, Cara and other pre-Inca groups, and some extra information of the city.

Depending on your interests, you can add to this excursion by learning about indigenous weaving through a visit to a home workshop in the nearby village of Peguche. Here, a family of weavers has amazing wares and will actually demonstrate how they weave on their traditional back-strap looms and how they make striking colors from local plants. Around the corner from there lives a family of musicians, where you’ll get a feel for Andean music and watch as perfectly tuned Andean flutes are crafted in minutes.

Price per person:

Included in the price
Private transportation
Services of a professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees

Not included in the price
Personal items and expenses
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and bottled drinks
Other expenses not specified

Today we will take a two-hour car journey through the western Andes mountain range, one of the most impressive areas of Ecuador. Heading south, the tour will take us to Zumbahua, a small colorful town consisting of just 40 families. Ten kilometers farther lies the blue and green Quilotoa Crater Lake, one of the most beautiful volcano lakes in the Ecuadorian Andes. From the crater, you can see various snow-topped volcanoes in the distance. After a 1-1/2 to 2 hour hike down to the bank of the lake with the option of kayaking when you arrive You will enjoy a traditional lunch

Finally you can explore local indigenous markets – Saquisili (Thursdays), Zumbahua (Saturdays) or Pujili (Wednesdays & Sundays). Then you will return to Quito

Price per person:

Included in the price
Private transportation
Services of a professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees

Not included in the price
Personal items and expenses
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and bottled drinks

Enjoy a relaxed day in the Andes. After one hour you will arrive at the village of Papallacta once we reach Papallacta, you can swim, play and relax in the medicinal hot springs of the exceedingly natural environment of the Termas de Papallacta Resort & Spa.

During your visit to the Termas de Papallacta, if you wish, you can enjoy addition optional activities that include bird watching, hiking where you can enjoy beautiful scenic hike and trials and the massage of your choice at the spa, their most popular treatments are cochoclate body wrap, hydro-massage baths, hot stones massages, wine therapy, pressure massages, aromatherapy and therapeutic massages, face and body treatments, and more!). In the afternoon, we will return to Quito.

Price per person:

Included in the price
Private transportation
Services of a professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees

Not included in the price
Personal items and expenses
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and bottled drinks

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