Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Quito
Your driver meets you at Quito Airport and takes you into Ecuador's capital. As you head through the mountains, you'll see the Andean landscape stretching out around you. The drive gives you a good first look at the region's geography and terrain.
- Day 2
Mitad del Mundo - Otavalo
After breakfast, you can walk through Quito's historic old town on your own schedule. Later in the afternoon, head to the Mitad del Mundo to stand directly on the equator and visit the Inti Ñan Museum for hands-on cultural exhibits. Your guide then takes you north to Otavalo, traveling through Imbabura province.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour through Quito's old town
- Visit to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)
- Interactive experiences at Inti Ñan Museum
Landmarks/POIs Mitad del Mundo Inti Ñan Museum 
- Day 3
Cuicocha - Mindo
Start early at Otavalo's traditional market, where vendors sell handmade jewelry, woven clothing, and local food. From there, you'll visit Cuicocha crater lake at the base of Cotacachi Volcano. The hike follows the crater rim with several spots offering great views of the area. Later you'll drive to Mindo in the cloudforest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided stroll through Otavalo traditional market
- Crater rim hike at Cuicocha crater lake
Landmarks/POIs Otavalo Market Cuicocha Crater Lake Cotacachi Volcano 
- Day 4
Mindo
Mindo gives you freedom to choose your activities in the cloudforest. Hike to waterfalls, swim in natural pools, visit the butterfly garden, or catch early morning birdwatching. If you want more action, tubing and ziplining are available options for the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking to pristine waterfalls
- Swimming in natural pools
- Visit to Mariposario de Mindo butterfly garden
- Early morning birdwatching
- Tubing
- Ziplining
Landmarks/POIs Mariposario de Mindo 
- Day 5
Quito
Start early with birdwatching in the native cloudforest near your hotel, where you might spot hundreds of different bird species. After that, you'll participate in a hands-on chocolate-making experience. By afternoon, head back to Quito.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Early-morning birdwatching expedition
- Hands-on chocolate-making experience
Optional Activities
- Visit to Pre-Incan ruins of Tulipe
Landmarks/POIs Tulipe Pre-Incan Ruins - Day 6
Cotopaxi National Park - Quilotoa Lake
Drive about 2.5 hours to Cotopaxi National Park to see one of the world's highest active volcanoes. You'll walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon with views of Cotopaxi's cone-shaped peak and other surrounding volcanoes. Trek options include the refuge at 4,800m, the glacier's base, or a horseback ride through the park. Later move to Quilotoa Lake and stay in a mountain lodge.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon at Cotopaxi National Park
Optional Activities
- Trek to refuge Jose Rivas at 4,800m
- Trek to glacier's base
- 2-hour horseback ride through Cotopaxi National Park
Landmarks/POIs Cotopaxi National Park Cotopaxi Volcano Limpiopungo Lagoon 
- Day 7
Quilotoa
Explore the Quilotoa region at your own pace. Pick from hiking options of various lengths, visiting a local market, touring a local cheese factory, or horseback riding through the Andean landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Guided hikes of varying lengths in Quilotoa region
- Visit to local market
- Tour of local cheese factory
- Horseback riding adventure
Landmarks/POIs Quilotoa Lake - Day 8
Baños
Hike down into Quilotoa Lake's turquoise crater for about 45 to 60 minutes. The 360-degree views from inside the crater are spectacular, and you can rent a kayak to paddle on the lake if you want. Hike back up or explore the crater rim path for different angles. Browse the nearby market for local crafts and paintings. In the afternoon, drive to Baños, the gateway to the rainforest and known for outdoor sports.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike into Quilotoa crater lake
Optional Activities
- Kayak rental to paddle on Quilotoa lake
- Optional lunch at crater top
- Exploration of nearby market
Landmarks/POIs Quilotoa Crater Lake 
- Day 9
Baños
After breakfast, check out the Avenue of Waterfalls and visit Pailón del Diablo. Walk 15 minutes downhill to the viewing platform or bike from your hotel instead. For the rest of the day, you can soak in local hot springs, visit the Casa del Árbol treehouse with its famous swing over the valley, or take short hikes. Head back to Quito in the late afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Pailón del Diablo waterfall
Optional Activities
- 15-minute walk to Pailón del Diablo viewing platform
- Scenic bike ride to Pailón del Diablo
- Relax in local hot springs
- Visit to Casa del Árbol treehouse
- Short hikes in surrounding area
Landmarks/POIs Pailón del Diablo Casa del Árbol - Day 10
Quito Departure
Your final day starts with a private guided tour of Quito exploring its history and UNESCO World Heritage architecture. You'll visit the 17th-century Baroque church La Compañía with its gold-covered interior and the neo-Gothic La Basílica. Walk down La Ronda, one of the city's oldest streets, and climb Panecillo Hill for panoramic views of the skyline. Your guide gets you to the airport on time for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private guided tour of Quito
- Visit to La Compañía church
- Visit to La Basílica
- Walk down La Ronda street
- Ascent of Panecillo Hill for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs La Compañía La Basílica La Ronda Street Panecillo Hill
