Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city in America – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.
Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. We can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time, we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar 

Meals included: In-flight 

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On the first day of our adventure, we will drive north of Quito to witness the Equator Monument complex. Visiting the middle of the world is a mandatory stop once you are in Ecuador. You'll have the opportunity to simultaneously stand on both sides of the hemispheres, north and south, and feel the equator's neutral forces.

On our way, we will also stop for a view of the Pululahua crater, the third-largest inhabited volcano crater in the world, hosting more than 400 people.

After, we will reach the little town of Mindo, nestled in the cloud forest. This area is filled with a wide variety of plants and animal life – perfect for a nice introduction to the diversity of Ecuador. Mindo and its surrounding cloud forest are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially for hummingbirds!

In the afternoon, we will visit a chocolate distributor, where you can tour the cocoa production process, from harvesting the seed to the final product, like a delicious brownie or a cup of really hot cocoa.

Accommodation: Séptimo Paraíso Hotel or similar 

Meals included: Breakfast

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We will explore Mindo's pristine cloud rain forest, crossing cable cars and hiking along waterfalls, surrounded by a lush green forest filled with toucans, hummingbirds and colorful birds. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to enjoy the several optional outdoor activities offered in this area.
You can go whitewater rafting or "tubing" (several large inner tubes tied together) as our steely-nerved guides steer you through thrilling rapids. Or try a canopy zip-line (sailing along one of 13 zip-lines over the beautiful cloud forest canopy.)
One of the highlights of today was the visit to the butterfly nursery, where we watched gargantuan butterflies dry their wings after emerging from their jewel-like cocoons. You can dip your fingers into a banana concoction and then be thrilled as butterflies the size of birds land on your hands for a snack.

Accommodation: Séptimo Paraíso Hotel or similar 

Meals included: Breakfast

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Drive back up into the highlands and reach the Pan-American Highway, heading north on the way to the famous indigenous town of Otavalo. Here, admire the endless number of handicrafts from the local people. Take time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, which are filled with Otavalo indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos. Visit their handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries and more at bargain prices. In Otavalo, there will be enough time for shopping and cultural interaction.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Cotacachi to witness the impressive leather goods of the town and enjoy the beauty of this small village. There will be some free time for you to explore the shops or simply relax while sipping on one of the best coffees in Ecuador in the main plaza.
Later, we will arrive at the beautiful and comfortable Hacienda Cusin, where we will stay overnight.

Accommodation: Hacienda Cusin or similar 

Meals included: Breakfast

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We will first visit Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve to see the breathtaking scenery of the crystalline-clear waters of this active volcano. At the end of an hour-long hike along the rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake, we will take a boat ride to the center of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano.

Hands-on cultural experience – AJ Sustainable Sacha WarmiKuna women project. 

For lunch, we will head to Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes, to visit one of the AJ sustainable projects called Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This is one fantastic effort developed by AJ and the local women to support their families and provide them with alternative side work besides housekeeping as a new option for an income. You will be part of the preparation of “Aji”, a local spicy salsa which is part of their identity. You will also share a tasty traditional lunch prepared using the fresh products harvested from the surrounding organic fields. Later, we will learn more about the weaving process of their textiles. Don’t miss the amazing opportunity to give back by buying handmade scarves here. Later, we will arrive at the beautiful historical hacienda of Pinsaqui, where we will stay overnight. Enjoy a typical Andean cocktail as a welcome, and learn about the history of this place.

In the late afternoon, we will reach the luxury volcanic hot-springs resort of Papallacta, where you will have the chance to relax at the spa resort surrounded by the view of the majestic Andean mountains.

Accommodation: Papallacta Hot Springs

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

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After breakfast, following a last dip in the open-air hot springs, we will drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. The national park, home to abundant plant life, rich fauna, and Inca ruins, surrounds the snow-capped volcano. We will begin our visit at the interpretation center at the park entrance before continuing our drive across the páramo to the Limpiopungo Lake. During a short walk around the lake, we can observe various birds and enjoy the stunning views of the almost symmetrical cone of the Cotopaxi volcano. Afterwards, we will drive back to Quito for our last dinner. 

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

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Today, our trip will end, and you will have your international departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”! 

Meals included: Breakfast

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