8 Days Exploring Nature, Culture, and Wonders in Quito

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome: Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Quito

1. Quito
   12h
   As you wing your way into Quito, the walls of this Andean valley rise up to greet you as do the volcanic peaks all around. The city spreads across the valley floor, climbing its sides up narrow, winding roads. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
   Once you land and take care of the formalities, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel, a charmingly colorful place with welcoming rooms.

Day 2: Quito City Tour & Middle of the World

1. Quito Old Town
   3h · Admission ticket included
   The day begins with a lovely breakfast at your hotel. Then you will join a group for a tour of Quito’s centro histórico, the historic city center. As you stroll around well-preserved buildings from the Spanish colonial era, you enjoy the open plazas with trees and flowers alongside the rich architecture of the civil and religious buildings that line the streets. Built in the 16th century, Plaza Grande – the colloquial name for Plaza de la Independencia – is bordered by landmark buildings: Palacio de Carondelet, the presidential residence and seat of the national government; the mayor’s office directly across; and the Archdiocese of Quito on the northeast side. In the plaza itself is a lovely garden with a statue of heroes from Ecuador’s fight for independence.
   As you explore the city’s nooks and crannies, the guide will tell you about its history as well as its present. Check out La Ronda, the oldest street in the city.
2. Mitad Del Mundo
   3h · Admission ticket included
   After lunch, the group will head north to the Equator. First, you visit the monument called Mitad del Mundo, which was constructed at the location French scientists determined to be the Equator in the early 1700s. Not until recent decades did GPS technology make it possible to measure more accurately, showing the location designated as the Equator centuries ago was, in fact, off by a few hundred yards/meters. However, the monument is impressive and fun to visit. Be sure to take your passport if you want a stamp from the Equator! Next, you head a few hundred yards north to the line currently recognized as the Equator, in the solar museum Intiñan. Here you can experiment with the Coriolis effect while checking out the sun dial, seeing traditional buildings of the area, and learning about history and science.
   Once you have had your fill of balancing eggs, the tour takes you back into the city. You can spend the evening as you wish.

Day 3: Ecuadorian Roses and Papallacta Retreat

1. Pifo
   3h
   Following a delightful breakfast at the hotel, our journey will take us to the picturesque town of Pifo, where an exclusive and scenic farm awaits. This enchanting plantation offers an immersive experience as you explore its greenhouses, showcasing a mesmerizing variety of roses in diverse colors and shapes. Among them, you'll even encounter the world's largest blossoms. During your visit, gain insights into the meticulous selection standards, witness the intricate cultivation process, observe the delicate artistry involved in crafting exquisite bouquets, and conclude with an inside look at the packaging procedures for distribution across continents.
2. Termas de Papallacta
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Our journey continues to Papallacta, an Ecuadorian town nestled in the Andes at 3,250 meters above sea level. This unique environment, flanked by the Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes, offers self-guided hikes to explore diverse flora and fauna, including over 160 bird species. The highlight is the Hot Springs Spa, featuring nine pools with temperatures ranging from 97°F to 104°F, sourced from rainwater in a volcanic crater, offering relaxation and mineral-medicinal benefits.
   
   After this soothing experience, we return to your hotel for rest.

Day 4: From Cayambe to Cuicocha: A Day of Andean Discovery

1. Otavalo Market
   4h
   We begin our journey by heading down the iconic Pan-American Highway to reach the Quitsato solar clock, nestled in the Cayambe canton, aptly named after the nearby snow-capped Cayambe mountain peak. This unique site marks the equator's crossing amidst the Cayambe mountain, often referred to as the "other middle of the world." It serves as a cultural monument, dating back to pre-Hispanic times, designed for measuring solstices and equinoxes. To immerse ourselves in local cuisine, we pause to savor a cup of authentic Ecuadorian coffee or indulge in delectable Bizcochos.
   
   Our journey continues to the charming town of Otavalo, where we're treated to breathtaking views from a vantage point overlooking San Pablo Lake and the majestic Imbabura hill in the backdrop. Nestled in the northern Imbabura province, Otavalo boasts the largest and most renowned market for indigenous handicrafts in all of South America, a bustling hub of culture and commerce that operates daily.
2. Laguna de Cuicocha
   2h · Admission ticket included
   On the day of the grand fair, all craftsmen converge at La Plaza de los Ponchos, granting us two hours of shopping bliss before we proceed to Cotacachi. In this charming town, we explore another artisan market, renowned for its fine leather goods, with 45 minutes to discover its treasures. Our final destination is the breathtaking Cuicocha Lagoon, nestled within an active volcanic crater at an elevation of 3,068 meters (10,065.62 feet). Here, you can peruse handicraft stores and embark on a leisurely 20-minute stroll to the Cuicocha viewpoint, offering an ideal backdrop for photos and a panoramic view of the lagoon's impressive 3-kilometer diameter and its picturesque islets. We then return to the hotel to unwind and relax.

Day 5: Cotopaxi Adventure: Exploring the Majestic Volcano

1. Cotopaxi National Park
   6h
   Embark on a thrilling journey from Quito, winding through the Andes and the town of Machachi. Our first stop at 2,945 meters provides acclimatization, optional breakfast, and fantastic photo opportunities. Next, we reach Cotopaxi National Park at 3,200 meters, known for its stunning beauty and the towering Cotopaxi Volcano at 5,987 meters. Here, you can enjoy mountain activities like hiking and biking.
   
   Our adventure combines a glacier hike (accessible without prior experience) to 5,100 meters and an exhilarating optional downhill bike ride from the volcano's upper parking lot to Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3,850 meters. Finally, we return to your Machachi hotel for well-deserved relaxation.

Day 6: Quilotoa Crater Lake: A Natural Wonder

1. Laguna Quilotoa
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Experience a day of art, culture, and adventure as we journey to the famous turquoise Quilotoa Lagoon. After a morning breakfast, we explore the vibrant Saquisilí market and gain insights into indigenous highland life. The route leads us to the renowned Tigua community, known for its artists and their colorful wooden sculptures and paintings.
   
   En route, we pause at the Toachi River canyon viewpoint for picturesque photo opportunities. The Quilotoa Lagoon, nestled within a volcanic crater, beckons with its emerald waters. You can hike down to the lagoon or enjoy kayaking and even a refreshing swim for the daring.
   
   Wrap up the day with local gastronomy before heading back to Quito, making this a rich and diverse cultural adventure.

Day 7: Mindo Rainforest Escape: Nature and Wildlife Delights

1. Mindo
   6h
   Venture to Mindo, a captivating destination nestled near the Middle of the World monument, just a stone's throw from Quito. We kickstart the day with an optional breakfast in Calacali before delving into the lush cloud forest of Mindo. This unique ecosystem, positioned between the Andes and the Ecuadorian coast, is renowned for its hot and humid climate and is a haven for diverse bird species.
   
   Our journey takes us to the Butterfly and Orchidarium, a key stop on our shared tour, and then to the heights for an optional canopy adventure over the cloud forest. With a bit of luck, you might encounter various bird species in flight alongside you. Returning to the community, we explore an artisan chocolate factory, witnessing the intricate chocolate-making process.
   
   As the day winds down, we return to Quito, cherishing the memories of our incredible Mindo adventures.

Day 8: Farewell and Departure: Transfer Out from Quito

1. Quito
   Pass by
   Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before we ensure a smooth transfer to the airport for your international flight.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness