This extension tour offers tourists the opportunity to explore the best of Quito City and its best surroundings. Quito boasts the most well-preserved colonial town in all of South America. Beyond the city, you can enjoy a full day exploring one of the top nearby tourist destinations. Choose from the following exciting options:
1. Mindo Cloud Forest: Home to thousands of bird species, beautiful waterfalls, and the opportunity to taste freshly harvested cocoa and coffee directly from local farms.
2. Cotopaxi National Park: Enjoy an easy hike around the park with stunning views of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano.
3. Otavalo Town: Experience the vibrant culture at one of South America's most colorful indigenous markets, "El Mercado de Ponchos”. The best day to visit is Saturday.
Accommodation: This program is available in standard, superior and deluxe categories.
Discover Quito's most iconic landmarks, many dating back to colonial times.
Choose one of Quito’s surrounding areas to explore for an enriching experience.
Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, offering a wide range of activities, from birdwatching and exhilarating hikes to swimming in refreshing natural pools.
Marvel at the grandeur of Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second tallest volcano, with its breathtaking views.
Or immerse yourself in the indigenous culture by visiting Otavalo, home of great artisans, visit their workshops and get to taste their particular cuisine.
Soft Hiking
Culture
Wildlife
Shopping
Honeymooners
Friends
Couples
Families with infants are welcome
Year around
5 years old
Full Itinerary
Arrival in Quito
Overnight: Standard / Superior / Deluxe
Meals included: No.
Private City Tour in Quito including: Historical town, Panecillo hill &Equatorial monument
Overnight: Standard / Superior / Deluxe
Meals included: Breakfast and Box lunch.
Private Full day tour at your choice
This day adventure begins by driving northwest of Quito. As we meander down towards our destination you will be able to see the stark contrast between that of the rocky high Andean mountains and lush green cloud forest that covers the area. Our first stop will be at the Tarabita (cable car) in Mindo Nambillo Forest; here we will hike for about thirty minutes down to a waterfall where you will be able refresh yourself in the cool waters. Afterwards we will visit the hummingbird reserve, dominant in the area, which is home to over 500 species of other birds. Our day ends with an optional visit to the Quetzal de Mindo chocolate factory. Named after one of the local birds, this family-owned operation supports local farmers and is the sweetest way to bid adieu to this charming town.
b) Cotopaxi National Park; or
After picking you up from your hotel our day’s adventure starts heading south to Cotopaxi National Park. The park is named after Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes on earth. Perfectly conical and surrounded by views of other volcanoes such as the nearby Rumiñahui, it is a sight to behold. The park is also home to horses and bulls which can sometime be seen trotting about the variable landscape of lagoons, pine forest, and rocky terrain that were strewn about during the last major eruptions. Once reaching the National Park we will trek upwards to the base of the glacier, nearing 17,000 feet! Our trek will take about three hours and afterwards we will return to Quito.
c) Classic Otavalo market
In the morning we will head northbound on the Panamerican Highway, first stopping to catch some spectacular views of San Pablo Lake and Imbabura Volcano. Here we will treat ourselves to a local delicacy, bizcochos with caramel before going to the famous Otavalo Market. Stroll through aisles of locally made handicrafts and let the sights and sounds of the market transport you to another world. From intricate fabrics, alpaca sweaters, and wood crafts, this will be an opportune moment to find the perfect souvenir to take home to commemorate your trip to Ecuador- all whilst directly supporting local families with your purchases. Before returning to Quito, we will also visit Peguche Falls or head up to Cotacachi where they sell world renowned and high-quality leather goods.
Overnight: Standard / Superior / Deluxe
Meals included: Breakfast, and Box lunch.
Departure Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Let's design your adventure
Airport transfers
English Speaking Guides for activities
Private transportation
3 nights of accommodation at selected hotel category
Meals according to the Itinerary
Snacks and water
Entrance fees to museums, reserves or local visits
International or domestic flights
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance
Optional activities
Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
Accommodation: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service.
Single Supplement Costs: Solo travelers are subject to a 100% supplement of the 2-3 pax rate.
Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 1 out of 5, meaning you don´t need to have experience, also, your guides will take care of every detail and brief you in daily.
Weather and Elevation: In Ecuador the weather can be very variable depending on which side of the Andes you are traveling to, so it is highly recommended to come ready for all kinds of weather. When they say “Ecuador, All in One Place” they mean it! The altitude determines the temperature and the higher you go the colder it gets. Don’t let the geographic location of the country fool you. Even at a mere 15,000 feet the temperatures can feel like those of a winter in the northern United States. The coastal lowlands in the western part of Ecuador are typically warm with temperatures in the region of 25 °C (77 °F). Coastal areas are affected by ocean currents and between January and April are hot and rainy. The weather in Quito is consistent with that of a subtropical highland climate. The average temperature during the day is 70 °F (21 °C), which generally falls to an average of 50 °F (10 °C) at night. The average temperature annually is 64 °F (17.8 °C). There are only really two seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October to May.
Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so, we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University, this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath Advisory: No vaccinations needed for this trip.
We do recommend travelling super light for this expedition. A backpack of 20 litters should be sufficient, if possible to bring a saddlebag for extra items.
Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight pants
One bathing suit
Four non-cotton T-shirts
One winter warm jacket
One fleece
One rain jacket
One pair of rain pants
One buff
One pair of flip-flops
One pair of sneakers
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Camera
NOTE: Laundry is available almost at every location and is quite cheap, this helps traveling light too.
Considerations
• Room configuration: Double with twin beds or matrimonial bed. Triple room with twin beds or matrimonial bed plus sofa bed
• The extension program is operated on a private basis.
• Extension programs are flexible and can be scheduled either before or after any other itinerary.
• This program is adjustable: it can either be shortened or added extra days.
• For passengers preferring to arrive and depart from Guayaquil, please consider our extension programs in Cuenca.
• Accommodation: This program is available in standard, superior and deluxe categories.
• Optional activities:
- Culinary experience within Quito City Tour $50
- Beer tasting at Equatorial monument $ 40
Priced based on standard category accommodation and number of guests:
2 - 3 guests
$690/per person
All premium features
Departure any day of the week operation in private
4 or more guests
$535/per person
All premium features
Departure any day of the week operation in private
Further assistance
We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.
