4 Days or 5 Days Tour of Ecuador Quito Otavalo more From Quito

Day 1: Home --Airplane-- Quito

1. Quito
   Pass by
   With a relaxed and happy mood, you will be taking a flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador! The tour guide will raise a sign to pick up at the airport, and guests who are close to the flight will be arranged to take the same bus to the hotel. Three meals at your own expense.
   
   Free pick-up airport on the first day of your tour: Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO)
   
   Free pick-up time on the first day of your tour: 09:00, 20:00. This time is the time for the guests to meet with our staff after picking up their luggage at the baggage claim area of the airline they are taking.

Day 2: Quito City Tour

1. Quito
   Pass by
   oday we will visit Quito, the capital city closest to the equator. We will first visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional. It is considered the largest Neo-gothic temple in the Americas, and the most important piece of Neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. Then we will continue to Independence Square. Admire the historical buildings surrounding the square. Afterwards, we will visit the Iglesia de San Francisco. The church houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artists from the famous methods of "Escuela Quiteña" Quito School. One of the highlights of the city tour is the visit of Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, considered to be a masterpiece of the baroque style. The facade is made of volcanic stone and the interior is all covered with gold. Following, we will go to the Equatorial Tablet, which is the central point of the equator and has great commemorative significance. Finally, we will visit the Intiñan Site Museum to learn about Ecuador's culture and history.
2. Quito
   6h
   Itinerary:
   
   Basílica del Voto Nacional → Independence Square → Iglesia de San Francisco → Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus (include ticket) → Equatorial Tablet (include ticket)→ Intiñan Site Museum (include ticket)
3. Basilica del Voto Nacional
   Pass by
   Basílica del Voto Nacional
   The Basilica del Voto Nacional is one of the most unique and stunning buildings in the entire city of Quito, Ecuador. Not only can you explore the ground floor full of altars, chapel rooms, and more, but you can also climb a few staircases and ladders to a viewpoint from the towers.
4. Quito
   Pass by
   Independence Square (Plaza Grande)
   Independence Square ( or colloquially as Plaza Grande) is the principal and central public square of Quito, Ecuador. This is the central square of the city and one of the symbols of the executive power of the nation. Its main feature is the monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809, the date remembered as the first cry of independence of the Royal Audience of Quito from the Spanish monarchy. The square is flanked by the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza Grande Hotel.
5. Pass by
   Iglesia de San Francisco
   The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, commonly known as El San Francisco, is a Catholic Basilica that stands in the middle of the historic center of Quito, in front of the square of the same name. It is the oldest and most significant religious site in Ecuador. The structure is the largest architectural complex within the historic centers of all South America, and for this reason it was known as "El Escorial of the New World". San Francisco is considered a jewel of continental architecture for its mixture of different styles combined throughout more than 150 years of construction. San Francisco is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "City of Quito".
6. Pass by
   Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus
   The Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus was a summit of the Baroque period in Latin America, built by outstanding Jesuits between 1605 and 1765, inspired by two iconic Roman Jesuit temples: Il Gesu and Saint Ignacio. This temple was built by countless artists from the Quito School, who continued their abilities and dedicated themselves to carving and gilding with thin gold foil of 23 carats per centimeter from the church.
7. Pass by
   Equatorial Tablet
   The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) is a tract of land owned by the prefecture of the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. It is located at San Antonio parish of the canton of Quito, 26 km (16 mi) north of the center of Quito. The grounds contain the Monument to the Equator, which highlights the exact location of the Equator (from which the country takes its name) and commemorates the eighteenth-century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission which fixed its approximate location; it also contain the Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo, Ethnographic Museum Middle of the Earth, a museum about the indigenous people ethnography of Ecuador.
8. Intinan Equator Museum
   Pass by
   Intiñan Site Museum
   The Intiñan Museum is located just outside of Quito right next to the Mitad del Mundo monument. Most people know that Mitad del Mundo's equator line is a bit off. Intiñan has its own marker and it's closer to the right spot.

Day 3: Quito-- Otavalo --Quito

1. Quito
   6h
   Today, we will head towards Imbabura known as “The Province of the Lakes”. The highway offers a lovely view passing through Calderón and Guayllabamba valleys. We will make a short stop here to get to know more about local culture. Passing through Cayambe we can get a sight of the snow-capped volcano, the world´s highest point crossed by the Equator Line. This small town is also famous for its salt biscuits with “leaf cheese” and “manjar”. We can make a stop here to try this delacy before we continue to the Imbabura province, named after the Imbabura Volcano, where we will then head to the largest lake in Ecuador, the San Pablo. Next, we will enter Otavalo City that holds a local market every day, an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. Following, we will visit the peaceful Cotacachi Village, famous for its leather.
   
   Itinerary:
   
   Quito → The San Pablo → Otavalo Town Markets → Cotacachi Village → Cuicocha Crater Lake → Quito
2. Lago San Pablo
   Pass by
   Lago San Pablo
   The largest lake in Ecuador, Lago San Pablo.
3. Otavalo
   Pass by
   Otavalo Town Markets
   This colorful indigenous market takes place each Saturday and features some of the finest woven products in the region including ponchos, sweaters, wall hangings and shawls.
4. Cotacachi
   Pass by
   Cotacachi Village
   Cotacachi is a town that is the seat of Cotacachi Canton, Imbabura Province, Ecuador, in South America. Cotacachi is located at an altitude of 2,418 metres (7,933 ft) and had a population of 8,848 in 2010. Cotacachi is an artisan city that is famous for its leather goods and handicrafts. Cotacachi residents are also well known for their carne colorada (filet of pork cooked in red achiote sauce), and queso de hoja (soft cheese wrapped in a plant leaf).
5. Cuicocha Lake
   Pass by
   Cuicocha Crater Lake
   Cuicocha (Kichwa: Kuykucha, "lake of guinea pigs" or Kuychikucha, "rainbow lake") is a 3 km (2 mi) wide caldera and crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano in the Cordillera Occidental of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Day 4: Quito--Papallacta Hot Springs--Quito-- Airplane-- Home/Quito-- Cotopaxi National Park-- Quito

1. Quito
   Pass by
   4 days Tour itinerary:
   Departing from Quito in the morning, we will drive through the Cordillera Mountains to the town of Papallacta.On a clear day, you get amazed by magnificent views of the Antisana Volcano and the surrounding paramo highlands. In this beautiful region you can spot birds, wild horses, and even spectacled bears, with some luck. It is a breathtaking and mystical area. Upon arrival in Papallacta, we will visit the thermal hot springs of Papallacta that are naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the area. This water contains minerals that make bathing here benefiting your mind and body. With this tour you will experience ultimate relaxation in a beautiful environment. If you like, there is also time for a short hike to explore the area further. Finally, we will take you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Please book a flight departing after 18:00.
   
   Itinerary:
2. Quito
   6h
   4 days Tour itinerary:
   Itinerary:
   
   Quito → Papallacta → Papallacta Hot Springs (include ticket) → Quito → Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) → Home
   
   This 4 days tour itinerary ends in fourth day and there is not accomodation and lunch for guests
3. Pass by
   Papallacta Hot Springs
   Relax and enjoy these hot springs with magnificent views of the cloud forest and the mighty Antisana Volcano
4. Quito
   6h
   5 days Tour itinerary:
   Today’s adventure starts early in the morning when you drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. We will first visit one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most popular highlights: the elegant Cotopaxi Volcano. This impressive, snow-capped volcano stands proudly in the middle of the beautiful national park that bears its name. Upon arrival at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, your guide will explain about the unique flora and fauna of the area, and about the history of the volcano. Subsequently, you’ll continue to the Limpiopungo Lake, to enjoy a hike through the stunning “paramo”, or grassland, landscape where you can see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other wildlife.
   
   Itinerary:
   
   Quito → Cotopaxi National Park → Limpiopungo Lake → Quito
5. Cotopaxi National Park
   Pass by
   Cotopaxi National Park
   Cotopaxi National Park is located in the central region of Ecuador found with the Andes Mountains. The national park boundaries encompass an area of 128.9 square miles (333.9 sq km). Named for the highest active volcano in the world (5,897 meters), this national park is dedicated to protecting llama and other animals such as bears, wolves, puma and deer.
6. Laguna de Limpiopungo
   Pass by
   Limpiopungo Lake
   Limpiopungo Lagoon is a beautiful lake formed by water from the glaciers. It is located very close to the Cotopaxi volcano. Limpiopungo lagoon is like a mirror that reflects the beauty of the surrounding peaks. In fact, the image of the Cotopaxi volcano reflected in the middle of the lagoon. The hike around the lagoon offers excellent views and lots of birds.

Day 5: Quito --Airplane --Home

1. Quito
   Pass by
   After breakfast, we will take you to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) to end your pleasant journey.
   
   Our staff only provides drop-off service from the hotel at 8:00 in the morning. If the guest has an early flight and needs to leave the hotel before 8 o'clock to the airport, the guide can help the guest take a taxi.

Pickup details

Boarding location：Total 1 boarding locations
Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO)；Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí, Quito, Ecuador；
Free pick-up time on the first day of your tour: 09:00, 20:00. This time is the time for the guests to meet with our staff after picking up their luggage at the baggage claim area of the airline they are taking.

Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO)；Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí, Quito, Ecuador；
For 4 days tour:Please book the flight depart after 18:00.
For 5 days tour:For detailed information, please refer to the last day’s itinerary.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• For safety and communication purposes during the trip, a valid and reachable phone number is required for participants.
• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant travelers may join if they are under 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the trip.
• Tickets and Admission Policy: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted for participation in the tour. All admission tickets must be purchased either during booking or directly from your tour guide on the day of the tour.
• Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law. Most tours operate with coach buses where booster seats are not required. However, for certain winter departures that may use vehicles such as minivans or vans, booster seats may be needed. Please contact the tour operator in advance if needed. Rental service is also available upon request.
• You must contact the tour operator at least 3 days prior to the departure date to provide the pick-up location. If no information is received by the deadline, the default pick-up location and time will be automatically assigned: 7:00 AM at Red Lobster, Times Square--5 Times Sq #5, New York, NY 10036.
• For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration.
• Discounted tour rates apply to the 3rd and 4th guests sharing the same room. Admission fees, service fees, and other mandatory costs apply to all travelers at full price.
• Please double-check your booking details (name and contact info), as any errors may result in additional personal costs.