Surrounded by snow-capped mountains but only 15 miles from the Equator, Quito enjoys spring-like climate almost all year around. Nestled at the foot of the 15,710-foot Pichincha Volcano, Quito sits at approximately 9,200 feet (2.800m) above sea level. Once a major center of the Inca Empire, Quito is now one of the two largest cities in Ecuador, with a steadily increasing population of approximately 2 million people (depending on where you say the city stops). Within Quito, you can find both the old and the new, clearly seen by the stark contrast between the historical center and the northern and southern sections (The historical center was the first sight to be designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978).

Outside of Quito are a series of valleys, which have become very populated in the last few years due to Quito’s exponential growth. Thirty minutes north of Quito, you will find the Equator line, and further north the Otavalo Market. A couple hours west of Quito, you will find the small village of Mindo nestled in the cloud forest and full of flora, fauna, and adventures.

Airport Transfers

A LATIN TRAILS / ECUADOR BOUTIQUE TRAVEL guide/representative will be waiting for you and accompany you to/from the airport. For Galapagos, Amazon, Cuenca or beach departures, our guide will introduce you to our representative that will have your airline tickets at the airport.

Tour (Teleferico)

Historic plazas, buildings, and churches display a fascinating mixture of Spanish and indigenous architecture. Visit the teleférico (“Quito from the sky”).

City Tour (Equator)

Visit the colonial center and then make the short trip to the Middle of the World Monument, 30 minutes north of Quito. Optional visit to the Intiñan Museum.

Pre-Galapagos Package

We offer 2 in / 2 out transfers, a city tour and 2 nights’ hotel stay at the hotel of your choice. Includes breakfast daily.

Health & Therapy Day

The Health and Therapy Tour is probably the best way to keep in mind health, body and spirit. Relax while enjoying techniques of different arts, making this an EXPERIENCES OF RELAXATION, REST and BEAUTY.

Canopy (Full Day)

We depart from Quito until we arrive at Santa Rita Reserve, where we will find 5 steel cables, each approximately 300 meters long, stretching over the El Salto River.

Papallacta (Full Day)

East of Quito, on the main road that leads into the Amazon basin, you will find Papallacta. Known primarily for its mineral hot springs, you will also have the opportunity to go hiking, birding, and horseback riding.

Mindo Cloudforest (1 Day)

Northwest of Quito you will find the valley of Mindo and its cloud forest, containing an extensive flora and fauna including medicinal plants, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and mammals. You may visit a Butterfly Farm or Orchid Garden, and if you take the cable car across the creek, you can walk and swim by waterfalls.

Mindo Birdwatching (2 Days)

We offer a 2 day tour to the Mindo Valley; a true paradise for birdwatchers with over 500 classified species.

Whitewater Rafting (1 Day)

We travel west down through beautiful cloud forest to the shores of the river. You can expect both the action of thrilling whitewater and the tranquility of drifting silently through tropical rainforests.

Whitewater Rafting (2 Days)

The Double Run: two days of rafting west of Quito. Expect both the action of thrilling whitewater and the tranquility of drifting silently through tropical rainforests. Spend the night at a hosteria along the river.

Basic Quito A (3 Days)

We offer 1 in / 1 out transfers, a city tour, visit to equator, and 2 nights hotel stay at the hotel of your choice. Includes breakfast daily.

Basic Quito B (4 Days)

We offer 1 in / 1 out transfers, a city tour and Otavalo Market tour, and 3 nights hotel stay at the hotel of your choice.

Basic Quito C (5 Days)

Visit colonial Quito, the Otavalo Market, and Mindo´s cloudforest: all in five days!