Step into Ecuador’s heart and soul through an unforgettable journey that seamlessly weaves together traditions, nature, and rich culture. The country reveals its complete essence through a journey that starts in Quito’s colonial streets before moving to Mindon’s misty cloud forests and ends at the stunning natural beauty of Cotopaxi National Park. The authentic flavors of local cuisine join with Ecuadorian hospitality and the nation’s historical background and diverse wildlife to create an unforgettable adventure.
- Immersive cultural and sensory experiences in colonial Quito.
- Sustainable travel experiences rooted in local communities.
- Discover the biodiversity of Mindo Cloud Forest, home to colorful birds, orchids, and butterflies.
- Admire the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano and explore its surrounding national park and Limpiopungo Lagoon.
- Transfer in/out.
- Guided tours.
- Indicated Meals.
- Transportation.
- Bilingual guide.
- Mentioned activities.
- Emergency contact24/7.
- Hotels accommodations.
- Domestic Flights.
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses.
- Meals not described in the program.
- Tips.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Quito
Upon arrival at Quito airport, you will meet with your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.
Situated in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital, with arguably one of the finest settings in the world. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was an important part of the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-founded by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534.
The colonial center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America. It is home to excellent museums, churches, and art galleries.
Overnight, Wyndham Garden or similar.
Day 2 : Full Day Quito City Tour
Early in the morning and right after breakfast, you and our local guide start the travel tour in the downtown area, well known as Quito Colonial. You start your journey along the “churches´ trail” by visiting the cathedral first. In the cathedral, you learn about its history and the guide explains the internal design of the cathedral, such as the “mudejar´s” influence on its first stage, the area with 3 longitudinal wings, and a small transversal wing behind the choir.
After finishing the round in the cathedral, we have a short walk to the church La Compañía, along with the guide’s expertise. The guide will enlighten you with the history and fun facts of every place, in this case, La Compania. Its decoration is based on muslim features, and the altars are covered by gold leaf, along with faces and birds carved. It is considered an architectural jewel in the American Baroque style. It also has a religious value, because the rest of Saint Marianita of Jesus is located there, and according to some, she was the protector of the city.
Afterwards, we visit San Francisco, which is famous for the Cantuña story. San Francisco is well known due to its legends and stories, which make the place culturally wealthy. At the San Francisco church, there is a local handcrafted store called Tianguez, where you can find a variety of items from the Ecuadorian culture. Here, you can buy postcards, books, Ecuadorian music, natural products, and even get a coffee with Humitas (which is a sweet corn tamale) offered at the local Café Cantuña located at the Plaza San Francisco.
After touring the historic center, you will be able to visit another part of the city according to your choice and availability.
After the tour, you will return to your hotel.
Overnight, Wyndham Garden or similar.
Day 3 : Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure to the lush cloud forest of Mindo. In the morning, your guide and private transportation will pick you up from your hotel at the time your group decides. This tour has an approximate duration of 4 to 6 hours and offers a complete immersion in nature.
Upon arrival in Mindo, you can choose from these exciting activities (not all visits will be made due to tour duration):
Chocolate Route: Discover the fascinating process of chocolate production, from the cocoa bean to the delicious bar, and enjoy irresistible tastings.
Orchid Garden: (Orquideario): Marvel at the exquisite beauty of a vast collection of orchids, one of the most diverse and beautiful flowers in the world.
Butterfly Farm (Mariposario): Walk among hundreds of butterflies of various species and colors, closely observing their delicate flight and life cycle.
Waterfall Route: Explore a series of stunning waterfalls by hiking through the lush cloud forest. You can even take a refreshing dip in some of the natural pools.
Adventure Sports (Rafting or Tubing): For thrill-seekers, dare to enjoy an exciting descent down Mindo’s rivers, either in a raft (rafting) or an individual tube (tubing), always with the safety of expert guides.
Overnight, Wyndham Garden or similar.
Day 4 : Cotopaxi National Experience
After enjoying an early breakfast, the tour will depart Quito heading south through the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” At almost midday, we will arrive in the National Park, which is located 60 km away from the city of Quito.
The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most important landmarks in Ecuador because it is the highest active volcano in the world. Lush endemic flora and fauna of the area can be observed, including: one of the most representative species is the Chuquiragua (also known as the mountaineer’s flower), wild horses, deer, llamas, and more.
Whilst in the National Park, you can also visit Limpiopungo Lake, located near Rumiñahui volcano (149.96 meters), or go hiking to observe the birds.
Overnight, Wyndham Garden or similar.
Day 5 : Day At Leisure
Spend the next few days at your own pace. The local markets, together with museums and Ecuadorian food experiences from classic dishes to modern fusion offerings, will provide you with multiple choices.
Overnight, Wyndham Garden or similar.
Day 6 : Transfer Out
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Ecuador. At the scheduled time, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Quito’s international airport. One of our staff members will personally assist you during the check-in process to ensure a smooth and comfortable departure. Take with you unforgettable memories of Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes, warm people, and rich cultural heritage — the essence of a truly authentic experience.
