7 Days Adventure In The Ecuadorian Andes

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.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a guided tour of Quito’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, charming plazas, and landmarks like Plaza Grande, surrounded by the presidential palace, the mayor’s office, and the Archdiocese of Quito. Stroll along La Ronda, Quito’s oldest street, while your guide shares fascinating stories of the city’s past and present. After lunch, travel north to visit the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument, marking the Equator as determined by 18th-century French scientists, and the nearby Intiñan Museum, where interactive exhibits and experiments bring the science and culture of the Equator to life. Return to Quito for a relaxing evening to cap off the day’s adventures.

After breakfast, you will leave Quito and head South to Cotopaxi National Park. You will visit Lake Limpiopungo, located in the highlands of the park. Here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano's gigantic cone. Lake Limpiopungo offers a variety of birds, and occasionally even wild horses. A short walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life along the way. If time permits and the altitude doesn't affect you, hike to the refuge Jose Rivas at 4800 m and enjoy the spectacular view. In the afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel to spend the night.

Wake up very early! The day loop takes you across deep valleys, along dusty paths, around rolling green hills, and either starts or finishes at the azure-colored crater lake high up in the mountains. An enormous eruption created it around 600 years ago. The hike will take 4 - 5 hours. You will hike around the Quilotoa Lagoon – an emerald green crater lake formed after the last eruption of the Quilotoa volcano in 1280 – arguably the highlight of the Quilotoa Loop. Beyond the many awe- inspiring landscapes, you’ll also gain a fascinating insight into the region's indigenous cultures. Then, you will head to Baños de Agua Santa.

Experience the magic of Baños, the doorway to the Amazon rainforest, nestled in the shadow of the lively Tungurahua volcano. Here, you'll find a climate that's just right, setting the stage for thrilling adventures and encounters with nature. And of course, you can't miss a dip in the inviting hot springs that have made this village a must-visit for travelers. Start your day by following the picturesque Route of the Waterfalls, beginning at the Agoyan dam. You'll make your way to the stunning Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where you'll have the chance to hop on the Tarabita (a cable car) for a ride across the Rio Patate to explore the waterfall on the other side. As you journey on, you'll reach the Mirador de San Jorge viewpoint before arriving at the awe- inspiring Pailón del Diablo, a waterfall that stands tall at around 100 meters. A leisurely 30-minute stroll through a tropical mountain forest will take you to the base of this natural wonder, followed by a relaxed 45-60-minute walk back up.

Venture to Mindo, a captivating destination nestled near the Middle of the World monument, just a stone's throw from Quito. We kickstart the day delving into the lush cloud forest of Mindo. This unique ecosystem, positioned between the Andes and the Ecuadorian coast, is renowned for its hot and humid climate and is a haven for diverse bird species. Our journey takes us to the Butterfly and Orchidarium, a key stop on our shared tour, and then to the heights for an optional canopy adventure over the cloud forest. With a bit of luck, you might encounter various bird species in flight alongside you. Returning to the community, we explore an artisan chocolate factory, witnessing the intricate chocolate-making process. As the day winds down, we return to Quito, cherishing the memories of our incredible Mindo adventures.

At the designated time for your international flight, your private driver will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby to help you with your luggage and drive you to the airport for your departure. Thank you very much!