QUITO AND SURROUNDINGS

 

Quito, the fist city in South America declared as “Cultural World Heritage of Mankind”, lodges a great cultural and historic richness. Though, the main vestiges found in Quito date from the Colonial Period, it is not possible to deny the importance of this city as a meeting point even before Inca’s arrival in Ecuador.

 

We invite you to enjoy a day visiting the main tourist places of the city, such as Colonial Churches and Squares, as well as Indian Markets and of course the Equator Monument, which shows the exact place where the Equator Line crosses.

Due to its strategically geographical situation, Quito is also known as the departing point for other tourist attractions.

 

From Quito it is possible to start a wonderful adventure to the main Indian Markets. If you prefer more adventure, we invite you to visit the highest Active Volcano in the World, the Cotopaxi, or maybe visit Mindo, a subtropical Valley, which lodges a great flora and fauna variety.

 

However, if you are looking for a relaxing day, a visit to the Papallacta Hotsprings shall be your choice, a place where you will be able to enjoy the magnificent Andean landscape.

 

 

 

	COLONIAL CITY TOUR AND/OR THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD
	(3 or 5 HOURS)

Church of San Francisco

The tour begins with a great view of Orellana’s way and Guapulo Sanctuary. We will continue towards the downtown, where we will take a walk visiting the Independence Square, surrounded by historically important buildings, such as the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church, and one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America, La Compañia de Jesus.

 

Aftewards visit the Panecillo Hill where the Virgin of Quito is located. From this perspective you will be delighted by the spectacular view of Colonial Quito mainly.

If you desire to continue this amazing tour, we will drive 1,5 Km. north of Quito, towards the Middle of the World.

 

 

Here you will have two options, either to visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument, which shows a display of the main cultures of Ecuador. Or, visit the Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum, located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses and where you will be shown with different scientific experiments that you are truly stand on the 0° Meridian.

 

 

 

 

 

	CITY BY NIGHT
	(3 HOURS)

 

We will enjoy a panoramic tour on a Chiva, a typical bus from the coast. During the tour you will be delighted with the impressive night view of the main historical sightseeing of the old city, while enjoying typical Ecuadorian music played by a group of musicians that accompany you and a special warm typical drink called, canelazo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

	OTAVALO MARKET SURROUNDINGS
	(1 OR 2 DAYS)

 

We will drive north towards the Province of Lakes, Imbabura. During the trip you will taste the different flavors of northern highlands cultures and landscapes. On the way visit Calderon Village, well known for its bread figures , Guayllabamba Valley, where you will be delighted by the different tastes of typical exotic fruits.

 

Continuing north we will arrive in Cayambe town, where you will enjoy the magnificent view of the snow-capped mountain, Cayambe (5,790 m), the world highest point where the Equator Line crosses, and off course taste the famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese.

 

Arriving to our final destination, Otavalo, you will be impressed by the picturesque view of the Imbabura Mountain and the San Pablo Lake. We will visit the famous Otavalo Indian Market, Cotacachi Village, well known for its leather products, and the Cuicocha Crater Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

	COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK AND INDIAN MARKET
	(1 OR 2 DAYS)

 

We will drive along the Panamericana highway well-known as “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters). During the trip, we will be delighted by the impressive view of different mountains and volcanoes, such as the Pasochoa, the Illinizas, and the Sincholagua.

After crossing a Pine forest, we will arrive in Limpiopungo Lake (Clean Lake) which is located 3,800 meters above sea level along the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. If you wish, we can drive further to the parking lot located at 4,500 meters in order to hike up to the Rivas Refuge at 4,800 meters.

 

(Good health condition is required in order to hike). Afterwards visit one of the different Indian Markets of the region, where you will have the opportunity to buy typical products of the southern highlands, while getting involved with the local people.

 

 

 

 

 

	PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
	(1 DAY)

 

We will drive the same route taken by Francisco de Orellana on his way to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, towards the Paramo at the Eastern Cordillera. During this trip you will appreciate the radical change of the landscape due to the altitude variation; many photo stops will be done.

 

Surrounded by a beautiful landscape at 3,300 meters above sea level we will arrive in Papallacta Hot Springs. Here you will enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural, heated waters, of volcanic origin. Afterwards it is possible to take a short walk to observe the Paramo flora and fauna.

 

 

Papallacta is a small village in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes just off of the Eastern Cordilleras on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. The scenic drive from Quito to Papallacta passes through several towns and small villages before ascending to a peak of over 4,000 m where views of mountains and glaciers are visible. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, one passes through the portal where the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle.

 

 

The village of Papallacta itself is not known as a tourist destination but houses several hot springs and spas. Many of the local restaurants are known for their steamed trout and a hearty meal can be had for just a few US$. For lodging, there are several tourist hotels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

	MINDO VALLEY
	(1 or 2 DAYS)

Casacada of mindo

We will drive towards the northwest of Ecuador towards the Mindo Valley, an ecological paradise where a hike through the cloud forest gives you the possibility to learn more about the world famous diversity of plants and animals.

 

As Mindo lodges more than orchids species, and more than butterflies species, besides the different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles found in the region.

 

You will be involved with local people and learn more about the typical uses of the different plants and their benefits to human beings. And if you are looking for more adventure, you can try a rafting tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

	RAFTING TOUR
	( 1 DAY )

 

Ecuadorian Rivers are fascinating for River Rafting. Flowing off the coastal side of the Andes they have some of the longest navigable sections of whitewater in the country.

Combine this with the sights and sounds of the forest environment we pass through and you are guaranteed a day to remember.

 

Rafting Tour in Ecuador

Before setting off we will fit you with life jackets and helmets, give you a comprehensive safety briefing and train each crew in the paddling techniques needed to navigate our way down the river.

 

Once on the river you can expect both the action of thrilling whitewater and the tranquility of drifting silently through tropical rainforests.

 

So while you´re guaranteed to get wet you´ll also have the opportunity to be absorbed by the sounds of the forest and to see wildlife up close from our mobile "viewing platform".