6-Day Ecuador Culture and Nature Tour with Mindo and Papallacta

• Receive a warm welcome to Ecuador.
• Begin your journey with relaxation and anticipation.
• Embark on a scenic 45-minute drive into the enchanting city of Quito.
• Enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the way.
• Receive a comprehensive overview of the itinerary.
• Check in at the hotel.
• Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Quito.
• Discover its captivating cultural offerings.
• Experience the astonishing elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters).
• Marvel at the breathtaking views.

Meals: Not included.

• After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel.
• Enjoy a morning walking city tour of Quito.
• Explore the colonial center, designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.
• Visit Plaza Grande, La Compañía, and La Basílica churches.
• Walk down Quito's oldest street, La Ronda.
• After lunch, head to the equatorial monument, Mitad del Mundo.
• Mitad del Mundo is located just 26 km (16 miles) north of Quito.

• Explore the lush green cloud forest of Mindo.
• Located on the western slopes of the Andean highlands.
• Enjoy mild temperatures and abundant rainfall.
• Experience the incredibly high biodiversity of the Mindo forest.
• Encounter countless birds, butterflies, and insect species.
• Visit the butterfly garden.
• Hike to beautiful waterfalls.
• Fly between the treetops on a zipline.
• Learn to make chocolate.
• Taste your creations.

Meals: Breakfast.

• Wake up early to visit the biggest indigenous city in Ecuador.
• Explore the well-known indigenous market, where artisans sell colourful textiles and other traditional goods.
• Snack on fruits and other treats while browsing the stalls, and discover paintings, carvings, and hand-painted bowls.
• Enjoy street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote (fried pork with cooked corn).
• Continue to the nearby town of Cotacachi for more shopping. Cotacachi is famous for its leather products.
• In the afternoon, stroll along the shores of the volcanic crater lake of Cuicocha.
• Learn about the high-altitude flora and fauna, as well as the history of the lake, from your guide.
• Optionally, take a boat ride around the two islands.

Meals: Breakfast.

• Wrap up the trip with a relaxing visit to a hot spring in Papallacta.
• Papallacta is home to the Termas de Papallacta spa, which consists of eight natural geothermal pools.
• Take a dip in the warm water and unwind while admiring views of polylepis trees and Antisana Volcano. Papallacta Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination known for its therapeutic and healing powers.
• Located in a mountain valley near the Andes, the hot springs boast a high mineral content.
• Enjoy activities such as soaking in hot pools, steam baths, and Jacuzzis.
• Choose from a variety of treatments, including massages and mud baths.
• Additional amenities include a spa, restaurants, a pool, and various lodging options.
• Papallacta Hot Springs offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for visitors.

Meals: Breakfast.

• At the designated time for your international flight, your private driver will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby.
• They will assist you with your luggage.
• Drive you to the airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast.