Welcome to Quito! Transfer in Quito from the airport to the hotel.
Overnigh at select Hotel in Quito (Standard Room)
Included: transportation, English speaking guide, accommodation
Day 2: Quito
SHARED CITY TOUR OF QUITO + NORTHERN AND SOUTH HEMISPHERE EXPERIENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD (9 hours )
We begin in the northern part of the city with a tour along the most important commercial areas, where most of the hotels in Quito are located. Then we head to the historic center to visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional, where we will make a brief stop and explanation to later reach the Plaza de la Independencia, where through a walking route you will see the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and the La Compañia Church, recognized for its adornments and gold altars. Tour will continue towards the Church of San Francisco, built in the seventeenth century. (Entrance to churches are not included). Then headed to the Mirador del Panecillo, a place renowned for its beauty, where you can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. We will stop at the “Zona Rosa” of the city, approximately an hour and a half to have free time for lunch (not included), and then continue to the northem part of the city, heading up to the “Middle of the World City”(entrance is included) where the monument that divides the Northern from the Southern Hemisphere will be observed. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. Includes entrance to Middle of the World where you can enjoy the cultural experience of the attractions of this privileged place.
NOTE: On Sunday, this tour operates in an inverted way, first you visit Middle of the World and then the city tour.
Overnigh at select Hotel in Quito (Standard Room)
Included: breakfast, transportation, local english speaking guide, excursion, accommodation
Day 3: Surroundings of Quito
Today you can enjoy one of the following share options: (reserved in advance)
OPTION 1: SHARED TOUR SUMERGE INTO ANCESTRAL OTAVALO CULTURE
SIB: Tuesday, Saturday -Pick-up time approx: 7h45m
Depart from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving to Cayambe, where the passengers will have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Bizcochos de Cayambe”, a type of cracker or bread baked in a clay oven (greatly paired with local cheese or caramel sauce). Afterwards, we will make a brief stop at “Miralago”, to admire a wonderful view of Lago San Pablo, amazing views. The tour then continues to Otavalo where Otavaleños (natives) set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is taken place. The market hosts a variety of different handcrafted items. Passengers may choose between staying longer in Otavalo or go to visit to the leather shops at Cotacachi. On the way to Cotacachi, we will visit a traditional workshop of Andean instruments "Ñanda Mañachi" located in Peguche. In Cotacachi you have enough time to visit the village, the shops of leather goods and free time for lunch, (not included). Return to Quito picking up passengers in Otavalo (spot determined by the Guide).
** Bus will wait for 10 minutes in Otavalo to pick up passangers that stayed there, after that will return to Quito with passengers that are on board.
OPTION 2: SHARED TOUR FEEL THE ANDES VOLCANOES ADVENTURE (COTOPAXI & QUILOTOA VOLCANOES) (12 hours)
SIB: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday - Pick-up time approx: 07h00
Departure by bus from through the Panamerican Highway admiring the diverse ecosystems of the route, as a clear sign of the majesty of the Andes. We continue to the Cotopaxi National Park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano. Visit the Museum Park, the Limpiopungo Lagoon and and through an interesting hike will reach the forest of chuquirahuas to 4200 meters. (if the weather permits). We reach the Quilotoa Volcano, which has in its crater a stunning turquoise lagoon, making it one of the most beautiful landscapes of Ecuador. We take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent view of the volcano (if weather conditions allow). Free time for lunch (not included).
OPTION 3: SAHRED FULL DAY MINDO
SIB: Monday and Friday - Pick-up time: 07h43
We will leave from Quito and take the road to the Coast and in only two hours, we will arrive to Mindo, located in the middle of a humid forest. This is a considered one of the most biodiverse areas in Ecuador and home to some of the most amazing hummingbirds and butterflies. Once in Mindo, if you choose the option without tickets, you are free to enjoy Mindo at your own pace. For those who purchase the option with tickets, we will start our day before the sun goes away with the famous Butterfly Farm where thousands of butterfly grow (there are more than 100 species here), you will certainly be greeted by some of them! We will then go up the hill where people who want to enjoy some of the most adrenalineintensive experiences can zip line in 20 lines across the forest. The rest will still get the chance to admire this forest in its full splendor by crossing it in a cable car. On the other side of the river, you can hike (beginner level) to Mindo's best waterfalls. Feel free to bring your swimsuit and go in, the water is fresh and very enjoyable! We will have lunch (not included) in town where many options are available to choose (from vegan to oven-baked pizzas). However, resist from dessert as we will take you to a full chocolate experience, where you will learn how cocoa is planted and then used for chocolate making! This experience is hosted by a socially-responsible and women-only local business.
We will finalize this around 4 PM and arrive approximately at 6:30 PM.
Overnigh at select Hotel in Quito (Standard Room)
Included: breakfast, transportation, local english speaking guide, excursion, accommodation