They say the early bird catches the worm. That's why we're starting this trip early in the morning. Hop on the bus for a short ride to the train station located in the southern part of Quito. From there, join the locals aboard a train that will chug along peacefully for nearly two hours from Quito to Machachi. The sights you'll pass along the way more than make up for the length of the journey.
Once in Machachi, take the bus that will drop you off at your destination, the colossal Cotopaxi. Explore this active volcano, standing over 5,000 meters tall. During your time in this national park, in addition to strolling through its vast natural surroundings, you'll also have the chance to visit its fascinating museum. Learn all about the historical context, as well as the plants and animals of the area. Finally, stop at the stunning Limpiopungo Lagoon, which reflects the sky like a natural mirror. Last but not least, continue on to a traditional hacienda where you can tour the grounds and learn all about its fascinating history. Relax as you return to Quito in the afternoon.
In one epic week, this 7-day Ecuador trip serves up the country's greatest hits. Discover Quito's colonial beauty, stand on the Equator at Mitad del Mundo, venture deep into the Amazon rainforest and chase waterfalls in the adventure capital of Baños. From soaking in hot springs and meeting an indigenous community to getting up close with an active volcano in the Andes, every day brings another unforgettable icon.
With 6 days island hopping through the unexplored waters and hidden treasures of the Galapagos islands, this trip is a must for the lovers of the great outdoors. Whether you are snorkeling with sea lions & rays, or chilling with the Galapagos giant tortoise, this adventure is epic.
From the heights of the volcanoes to the unexplored waters of Galapagos, this tour is a must for the lovers of the great outdoors. Whether you are snorkeling with sea lions & rays, or chilling with the giant Galapagos tortoise, this adventure is epic!
After being picked up from the hotel, you will head towards the centre of Quito, the first city in UNESCO World Heritage. We follow the Av.Gran Colombia through to the Church of the Basilica of the National Vow to Square Independence through the colonial streets.
Take a tour of the Cathedral, the Government Palace and Archbishop, the Church of the Society of Jesus, where you can appreciate their adornments and gold altars, the tabernacle and the church of San Francisco that was built in the sixteenth century
Before visiting the Mirador del Panecillo where the sculpture of the Virgin Mary is located. Here, you can admire the beautiful landscapes and the modern colonial Quito before returning to your hotel.
In the morning you will head to Papallacta through the waterway to the east of the country after admiring a wide variety of flora in the journey. The inn is located 40 miles from Quito, a gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle high Andean valley.
This Resort specialized in Hydrotherapy, offers tourist, health, recreation, adventure and rest on their premises. The hot springs of Papallacta are medicinal waters, colorless volcanic origin with temperature 35 deg and 64 deg C. The hot springs are one of the biggest attractions of this part of the province, its waters are credited with relieving various ailments such as arthritis. It is a wonderful and very natural area renowned for its hot springs, from here you can see the Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes. This activity has free time for lunch and at the end of all activities, you will be taken back to your hotel in Quito.
Your driver will pick you up in the morning from your hotel, then this will be directed to Mindo which is a region in northern Ecuador and one of the two Parishes of Los Bancos Canton in the province of Pichincha, this is especially renowned for its natural beauties that call for nature lovers attracted by its exceptional flora and fauna. It is located in a valley, of which some 19,000 hectares are protected in what is called the Bosque Protector Mindo Nambillo ecosystem in which live about 500 varieties of birds and 90 species of butterflies. Also in the park reserve Mindo have identified more than 170 species of orchids here you can see the impressive change of vegetation and climate, once in mindo visit the cloud forest, where you will make hiking in this forest will have the opportunity to see rivers crystal clear waters and over 400 exotic species of birds, butterflies and orchids. Upon completion of this activity you will be transported back to your hotel in Quito.
Languages
English and Spanish (From 1 to 4 passengers: bilingual driver-guide.
5+ passengers: bilingual driver-guide and tour guide).
We started the tour from the lobby , to go to the Museum Intinan where we can experience and really feel in the middle of the world , then we headed to the shops where we will visit "" Middle of the World "" and we see a representation of the cities of the colonial era in its architecture, also we see the monument that divides the Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere planet, where you can take pictures with one foot in each hemisphere . It was built in the XVIII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the line Ecuador that divides the world .
Early departure for Quilotoa Lagoon, an ancient volcanic crater where there lies a beautiful lagoon, with water as clear as glass. Continuing the hike, we will visit the shores of the lake, the descent lasts about 30 minutes, and the return may be slightly longer so there is the possibility to rent mules. After we enjoy a splendid landscape, we return to Quito.
Head north Intinan town where we can experience Museum and really feel in the Middle World, then headed to the "Middle of the World City" where they will visit their shops and observe a representation of the cities of the colonial era in its architecture also see the monument that divides the Northern Hemisphere southern hemisphere of the planet, where you can take pictures with one foot in each hemisphere.
It was built in the eighteenth century when a French Expedition defined the position of Ecuador exact the line that divides the world.
We return to Quito by one of the expressways that lead us to the cable car City located on the Av. Occidental becoming to 4,000 m.s.n.m. in the last station. the unique viewpoint of the city and if the weather permits to be able to observe the Avenue of the Volcanoes (Andes).
We will go to the Historic Center of the First City Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We follow the Av. Gran Colombia through the Church of the Basilica of National vote to the Plaza de la Independencia for the colonial streets visited on a walking tour the Cathedral, the Government Palace and Archbishop, the Church of the Society of Jesus, where you can appreciate their adornments and gold altars, the tabernacle and San Francisco church built in the sixteenth century, later arrived at the Mirador del Muffin where the sculpture of the Virgin Mary to admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito.
From ceremonial plazas to lived-in lanes, Quito reveals its beauty in both grand views and quiet details. On this private walking tour, your host adapts the day to your pace--whether you're drawn to iconic architecture, local workshops, rooftop lookouts, or shaded courtyards. After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire so we can pair you with a host who shapes your route around your interests.
Highlights:
- A private, fully personalized walking tour of Quito
- Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the day to your interests
- Start in Independence Square, the city's historic heart
- Option to explore courtyards, rooftops, and local markets
- Flexible pacing and route adjustments guided by your host
The Unforgettable Night tour begins with passenger boarding at the Historical Park of Samborondon.Once onboard, the catamaran crew completes the check-in process, provides safety instructions, and ensures all guests are properly wearing life vests.
With everything ready, the journey starts by sailing along the Guayas River. From the very beginning, passengers enjoy a panoramic night view of Guayaquil: the modern neighborhood of Puerto Santa Ana shines with its illuminated buildings, framed by the historic Santa Ana Hill, where colorful houses light up the hillside. One of the first highlights is The Point, the tallest skyscraper in Ecuador, which dominates the skyline with its striking presence.
The experience continues toward Malecon 2000, Guayaquil's most visited attraction. From the river, guests can admire the dazzling lights of the Ferris wheel "La Perla", the largest in South America, beautifully glowing against the night sky. Sailing along the Malecon, passengers also enjoy views of its plazas, monuments, and green spaces, until reaching the elegant Crystal Palace, a 19th-century glass-and-iron landmark now used for cultural and social events.
The full tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is specially designed to enjoy the magic of Guayaquil by night, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere while exploring the city from the river.
This package is ideal for celebrating special moments as a couple -- whether it's an anniversary, a proposal, or simply a meaningful date. It includes a bottle of wine, two rounds of appetizers, and simple romantic decoration to create an intimate setting onboard.
Throughout the journey, guests enjoy attentive waiter and bartender service. Complimentary soft drinks such as iced tea and water are offered, while cocktails and snacks are available for purchase.
To make the evening even more personal, couples may provide a custom playlist, which will be played during the experience to set the mood and make the celebration truly their own.
Early in the morning, we head south of the city along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, named as such because, if the weather allows, we will be able to observe hills and volcanoes such as Pasochoa, Corazon, the Ilinizas, among others, until we reach Cotopaxi National Park. Here, we will visit the Interpretation Center, where our guide will explain and answer all your questions about the highest active volcano in the world.
After learning more about the history and interesting facts about Cotopaxi, we continue to visit Limpiopungo Lagoon and take an interesting walk to observe birds and plants that have perfectly adapted to the cold climate of the area.
Continuing our journey towards Quilotoa Volcano, we will pass through the indigenous community of Tigua, famous for its handicrafts with Andean indigenous themes; we will continue until we reach the community of Zumbahua, where we will make a stop at the viewpoint of the Toachi River Canyon to take photographs.
Then, we will proceed to the lagoon viewpoint, from where we will have a magnificent view of the entire volcano crater and, inside it, the stunning turquoise-colored lagoon. From this point, the hike begins; if the weather and time allow, we will take a short walk to appreciate the impressive view of the volcano. Free time for lunch. Return to the city of Quito.
The Sunset Tour begins with passenger boarding at the Historical Park of Samborondon, a cultural and natural landmark on the banks of the Guayas River.
Once onboard, the catamaran crew completes check-in procedures, provides safety instructions, and ensures all guests are properly wearing life vests.
With everything ready, the catamaran sets sail along the Guayas River, perfectly timed to enjoy the beauty of the sunset. At the start of the experience, each guest is welcomed with a complimentary cocktail to set the mood.
As the journey unfolds, passengers enjoy a panoramic view of Guayaquil. The tour passes by the vibrant neighborhood of Puerto Santa Ana, framed by the historic Santa Ana Hill, with its colorful hillside houses that reflect the city's heritage. Rising above is The Point, the tallest skyscraper in Ecuador and one of the most iconic symbols of modern Guayaquil.
The route continues toward the famous Malecon 2000, Guayaquil's most visited attraction. From the river, guests admire the dazzling Ferris wheel "La Perla", the largest in South America, glowing as the daylight fades. Sailing along the Malecon also reveals plazas, monuments, and gardens, until reaching the elegant Crystal Palace, a 19th-century glass-and-iron landmark that today hosts cultural and social events.
Onboard, guests enjoy attentive waiter and bartender service throughout the journey. Complimentary soft drinks such as iced tea and water are available, while additional cocktails and snacks may be purchased.
The atmosphere is festive, with upbeat music or live DJs, plus interactive games and contests with small prizes for participants. Toward the end of the tour, a lively and colorful "hora loca" celebration fills the boat with energy, music, and fun -- the perfect finale to the evening.
