Quito and Andes Tour – 5 Days

Our journey begins upon arrival in Ecuador. A specialized guide will meet us at the airport in Quito and accompany us to our hotel, where we will check in and rest.

Meals: None

Accommodation Hotel Ikala Quito

Discover one of the natural viewpoints, where you can enjoy a view of the city at 4,000 meters, on the Quito Cable Car. We will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast. Upon arrival at the cable car, we will take the gondola that will take us to the Cruz Loma area. There, we can take a short walk and enjoy the spectacular view of the city.

In the afternoon, we will head to the northern part of the city to visit the Middle of the World and enjoy the satisfaction of taking a photo with one foot in each hemisphere or raising our hands to create the illusion of holding the sphere atop the Equatorial Monument.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Hotel Ikala Quito

Nature lovers will find unique places to explore in Ecuador, and one of the most iconic is undoubtedly Cotopaxi National Park.

After breakfast at the hotel, the guide will be ready to begin the excursion. On this tour, we will first visit the Interpretation Center known as Mariscal Sucre, which features several exhibition rooms, a souvenir shop, and a cafe. Then we will head to the parking area of Cotopaxi National Park, where the trained guide will provide general information about the area, its flora and fauna, and of course, about the Cotopaxi volcano.

We will then begin our hike to the first refuge, “Jose Rivas,” which offers food services and also provides the option to stay overnight as part of the acclimatization process before summiting the volcanoes. We will return to the parking area and take a walk around the Limpiopungo Lagoon. This site features viewpoints from which you can observe various species of aquatic birds such as coots, teals, and gulls. Due to the surrounding slopes, the lagoon fills with water depending on the season, making it an ideal habitat for biodiversity.

Finally, we will return to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Hotel Ikala Quito

After breakfast, we will head to the town of Otavalo for a rich encounter with the Kichwa Andean culture. Following a warm welcome, an Indigenous family will invite you to take part in their daily activities.

Put your bartering skills to the test and shop for the perfect gifts at the bustling market, famous for its textiles and Spanish-inspired handicrafts. Then, visit Cotacachi, renowned for its leather craftsmanship, including jackets, gloves, belts, bags, hats, and shoes. Nearby lies the glorious Cuicocha caldera (guinea pig lagoon).

Walking or boating across the lake, you can see the guinea pig-shaped islet as well as the immense beauty of the lake.

In the afternoon, we will return to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Hotel Ikala Quito

If you still have some time in the morning, take the opportunity to buy souvenirs during one last stroll through the city. A driver will take you to the airport in time for your flight. Return home with countless and impressive memories. See you soon and goodbye!

 Meals: Breakfast