8 Days Ecuadorian Andes, Exploring Nature & Culture

As you wing your way into Quito, the walls of this Andean valley rise 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.

Begin with breakfast, then explore Quito's Historic Center, known for XVI-XVIII century buildings. Visit the neo-Gothic Basilica with stained glass, San Francisco convent, and baroque La Compañía church. After lunch, head to the Middle of the World visit a museum of chocolate and beer, and enjoy panoramic views. Conclude at Intiñan, an interactive museum showcasing Ecuador's cultural and natural diversity. Return to rest at the hotel in Quito.

After hotel breakfast, visit a rose farm in Pifo with diverse rose varieties. Explore greenhouses, and learn about cultivation, selection, and bouquet preparation. Continue to Papallacta, a town at 3,250 meters, nestled between the Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes. Enjoy self-guided hikes, observe diverse flora and fauna, and relax in the Hot Springs with pools ranging from 97 F (36 C) to 104 F (40 C). Return to the hotel for rest.

Travel down the Pan-American Highway to the Quitsato solar clock in Cayambe, a cultural site on the equator. Experience local cuisine with Ecuadorian coffee and cakes. Continue to Otavalo, boasting South America's largest indigenous handicraft market. Explore La Plaza de los Ponchos for two hours before heading to Cotacachi for a 45-minute artisan leather market visit. Finally, reach Cuicocha Lagoon, an active volcanic crater with handicraft stores and a scenic viewpoint. Return to the hotel for relaxation.

Travel one and a half hours from Quito, stopping for acclimatization, breakfast (optional), and photos at 2945m (9,662.07 ft). Proceed to Cotopaxi National Park at 3200m (10,498.69 ft) to explore the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Hike to the glacier at 4600m (15,091.86 ft), then optionally bike down to Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3850m (12,631.23 ft). Finally, drive to your Machachi hotel.

Get on an art, culture, and adventure-filled tour to the famous turquoise Quilotoa lagoon. After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Saquisilí market, explore an indigenous hut, and descend to Tigua, known for vibrant wooden sculptures and paintings. Capture the Toachi River Canyon viewpoint before reaching Quilotoa's emerald-colored lagoon inside a volcanic crater. Visit the Quilotoa Community lookout and optionally kayak or swim at 3914m (12,841.21ft). Enjoy local cuisine before returning to Quito.

Visit Mindo, northwest of Quito, near the Middle of the World monument. Begin in Calacali for optional breakfast and proceed to Mindo's cloud forest with diverse bird species. Stop at the Butterfly and Orchidarium before optional canopy adventure. Descend to a chocolate factory to observe production. Return to Quito, celebrating our adventures.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you can enjoy on your path the city before we ensure a smooth transfer to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport so you can take your international flight.