When you arrive in Ecuador, you will be met by our representative and will be transferred to your charming hotel in Quito.
Accommodation: Ilatoa Lodge
After breakfast you will visit “Quito”, the most beautiful and colonial city in South America, declared by UNESCO part of the Cultural Heritage of mankind. First, you will explore the colonial part of the city starting at the Independence square, with the presidential palace, the city hall, the Sagrario church and the Cathedral. You will then, visit San Francisco church and museum-monastery (1535), the San Agustin monastery and the finest example of baroque art in America, La Compañía church (1605) and its breathtaking gilded altars. Your next stop will be the art & crafts gallery of Tianguez and finally, you will drive up to the Panecillo hill. From here you can enjoy an amazing view of Quito from above and admire the only winged-Virgin statue in South America. This is a great spot to take pictures above Quito.
After visiting the Colonial center of Quito you will arrive to the Middle of the World Monument and Museum, located 25 km north of Ecuador’s capital. There you will find the monument on the equatorial line marking latitude 0° 0´0”, where you can stand in both hemispheres and take wonderful pictures. Here you can also visit the ethnographic museum on site as well.
Accommodation: Ilatoa Lodge (Breakfast)
Today you will discover the cloud forest; a beautiful area between the Andes and the Pacific Coast. Here the clouds and trees blend in a tapestry of mystery and magic. This area is home to hundreds of species of plants, birds and other animals. During the day you will be able to take a hike into the forest and discover the incredible variety of butterflies and birds in their natural sanctuary. Also, you will visit a butterfly farm where you can admire many butterflies and learn about their process of life.
Accommodation: Hotel Patio Andaluz (Breakfast)
Your adventure today starts driving south from Quito to admire the Cotopaxi (19,347 ft.): one of the highest active volcanoes on earth. Upon arrival to the hacienda, you will receive a brief instruction about how to ride while getting acquainted with the horses. Wearing the typical “Chagra” attire, you will start your tour visiting the foothills of Rumiñahui Volcano, riding side by side with herds of wild horses and bulls. Your native guide will share his knowledge about the flora and fauna in the area.
The ride will take about four hours and offers you some of the most breathtaking views of the Ecuadorian Andes; an experience you will not forget. A delicious lunch of local dishes will wait for you at the hacienda. In the afternoon you will continue to the Quilotoa area where you will spend the night in a charming family hotel.
Accommodation: Hostal Mama Hilda (Breakfast & Dinner)
At the Quilotoa area, indigenous communities keep crops at altitudes of over 13,120 ft. and live a traditional lifestyle. Although farming is the main livelihood in this region, art is also important: the famous Tigua paintings were born here. You will visit the blue green Quilotoa Crater Lake inside an extinct volcano (12,497 ft.), where you can hike to the crater or just admire the beautiful landscapes of the highlands of Ecuador. After your tour you will be brought to Baños, passing charming villages and beautiful landscapes on the way.
Accommodation: Sangay Spa Hotel (Breakfast)
It is time to explore Baños, the entrance to the Amazon Rainforest. It is a small city surrounded by the Andes and located near the active volcano Tungurahua. It offers a large number of adventurous activities, beautiful surroundings, peace and tranquility. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the Pailón del Diablo waterfall and admire the route of the waterfalls. You will have a free afternoon in Baños, where you can do any adventure activity like mountain biking, rappelling, rent a motorcycle or bike and explore the area.
Accommodation: Sangay Spa Hotel (Breakfast)
In the morning you will be transferred from Baños and up to the Papallacta Hot Springs. You will visit one of the most beautiful hot Springs in the Andes of Ecuador; the hydrothermal value of Hot Springs is thanks to Papallacta’s location between two volcanoes, Cayambe and Antisana.
The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste. Here you will be able to relax in the private pools of hot water or enjoy one of the varieties of massages or treatments that they offer.
Accommodation: Termas de Papallacta Spa (Breakfast)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
