Ecuador Gateway 5 Days Tour

Day 1: Quito City Tour - Transport to Mindo

1. Quito Old Town
   4h
   Early in the morning we will start our city tour at Panecillo viewpoint to admire the Quito´s wonders from above, then we will walk around two hours visiting the highlights of the old city such as; San Francisco Church, Compañia de Jesús Church and Sagrario Church located on “Calle de la Siete Cruces” or Garcia Moreno Street. Then we will visit the Presidential Palace lobby at Quito´s main Square. Finally we will visit the first Gothic Church of Ecuador, considered the highest one in the city. This is another beautiful viewpoint to observe “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”.
   Then we will drive towards to the Equator Line Museum, finally we will drive towards to Mindo cloud forest for overnight.

Day 2: Mindo Full Day Tour - Transport to Otavalo

1. Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
   8h · Admission ticket not included
   We will take the road to the Waterfalls Sanctuary just 5 miles far from Mindo . At the waterfalls, you will decide how far you prefer to explore with our guide (the waterfalls sanctuary is a large complex of several waterfalls, that depending of your physical conditions, it is possible to visit up to 5 in a roll or simply walk a little bet around, take a short cable car ride and visit one of the nicest ones. we will help you to decide while there)
   Then we will return to Mindo town to have lunch in one of the local restaurants (OPTIONAL), after this you will visit the Butterflies, Orchids and the famous hummingbird’s farm known as Nataly in town.
   Finally it is time to visit the Chocolate farm , where you will learn the entire process before chocolate brownie will go to your mouth (Ecuadorian Jungle Cultures started preparing chocolate before the Mexicans Aborigenes 5000 years ago)
   At the end of the afternoon, we will continue to Otavalo city and drop off at your hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Otavalo Market and Surroundings

1. Otavalo Market
   8h
   Morning visit to Otavalo Handicraft market (one of the oldest Indigenous markets in Latin-American), from this moment you will have enough time to explore and enjoy the area on your own pace. After that, we will take you to visit a sacred waterfall called Peguche, at this place you will walk for 15 minutes between a nice eucalyptus forest surrounded by colorful landscapes. Also, you will visit a textile workshop to learn more about this ancient weaving technique
   Then it is time for lunch! You can enjoy it in a local restaurant in Cotacachi town also known as “the Leather town”, after this you will have some time to explore that famous leather shops with beautiful things to look out.
   Before we finish the day , you will visit on of the most impressive crater lakes in the Andes known as Cuicocha ( Guinea pigs lake) to take awesome photos and hike for a little than 1 hour. Finally we will return to Otavalo for overnight.

Day 4: Otavalo Market - Papallacta

1. Termas de Papallacta
   7h · Admission ticket not included
   After breakfast we will continue our sightseeing through the Andes, visiting a Rose Farm and all its process. Then we will stop at San Pablo Lake viewpoint to take some photos, this is the most scenery area. After this place we will continue towards Cayambe town to try the famous biscuits and a cup of hot chocolate. Then we will drive 2 hours to Termas de Papallacta to look for Condors flying (if time and weather conditions permits)
   The rest of the afternoon, you will have free to enjoy the hot springs complex and maybe a nice massage with volcanic stones for a complete relax. Overnight at Termas de Papallacta

Day 5: Flying back Home

1. Termas de Papallacta
   6h
   Today is your last day in Ecuador with us , so you can choose besides taking a free morning to relax at the resort pool or SPA , or take a very nice hike around the area .
   
   in both cases the Check Out Time is at 1:00 pm , then we will drive you to Quitos International Airport for your flight back home.
   
   Unfortunately we have to say good bye and we invite you to see one of our other tours in Galapagos and Peru Tours..
   
   However if you desire to add one more night in Quito City or extend your staying in Ecuador , we can always help you out with free advise to make sure you optimize the time and continue exploring this paradise called Ecuador
   
   PLEASE CONFIRM WITH US THE DEPARTURE OF YOUR FLIGHT HOME I ADVANCE.
   
   END OF THE SERVICES

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels