Tour Quito City Escape 5 Days / 4 Nights - Ecuador

Our helpful guide will meet you at the airport and will also assist in the transfer of you and your luggage to the hotel.

Quito, a jewel of the Andes, is a captivating city that blends history, culture, and natural beauty in perfect harmony. Located in Ecuador, South America, this ancient metropolis was founded in 1534 and holds a rich colonial heritage. In recognition of its outstanding preservation, UNESCO declared Quito's historical center a World Heritage Site in 1978. With its stunning architecture, picturesque plazas, and fascinating museums, Quito offers a journey through time. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and nestled in the highlands, the city boasts a unique location that provides awe-inspiring views and a delightful climate year-round. Whether exploring its cobbled streets or venturing to nearby natural wonders, Quito is an enchanting destination that promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Overnight in Quito

Meals: Breakfast

After an energizing breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide.

In a sensory-stimulating adventure, your day begins with a stroll through the streets and plazas of this largest historical center in America. We will explore the history, traditions, and daily life of this fascinating city.

We follow the road of the Seven Crosses. The old colonial buildings and church facades are a sight to behold before you enter Quito Main Square, also known as Independence Square. This is where the Government Palace can be found.

We will continue our walk through the historic streets and meet local families who make traditional sweets. You will have a chance here to try them out and discover new tastes.

As you continue to the center of Quito and pass by historical buildings constructed of volcanic stone, it becomes more difficult to see. You will be captivated by the sculpted Compania church and its stunning interior.

We visit the "Escuela Quitea" to learn more. They are the ones who keep secrets about colonial art in Quito’s museums and churches. These artists have restored the altars of these historic churches and painted them. You will learn their secrets there and be able to use your creative skills to make your own craft.

La Ronda is our next destination, a historical neighborhood in the heart of Quito. This is an old street that's associated with art, craft, food, and the fun of Quito. This is the oldest street in Quito.

You will then visit the San Marcos Neighborhood. The architecture, which dates back to 1580, is mainly republican and neoclassical. You can see this in the pastel-colored buildings, the clean curtains on the windows, and the banners that hang from balconies. The Munoz Marino Watercolor Museum is colonial with its stone interiors, corridors, and open space. The Neighborhood is home to three museums, as well as art galleries, family-run shops, and quirky cafes and restaurants.

You will also visit an old house that was converted into a hotel. There you can do local activities with the neighbors of San Marcos and finish the tour by enjoying a drink on the rooftop terrace with its breathtaking view of Panecillo Hill, surrounded by the Old City.

You will be returning to Quito at night.

Meals: Breakfast

Start your day with an early breakfast as we embark on a mesmerizing journey from Quito to Mindo, heading northwest on the Nono-Tandayapa-Bellavista Highway. Nestled within the cloud forest, the enchanting valley of Mindo awaits, teeming with an abundance of unique bird species, butterflies, and mammals.

A cable car ride will offer a panoramic view of the cloud forest's diverse fauna and flora, allowing you to immerse yourself in this natural wonderland. Delight in a visit to the exquisite orchid garden, where you'll encounter a myriad of different species in all their splendor. Another must-visit is the captivating butterfly garden, a haven of vibrant colors and delicate wings.

Take a break for lunch and recharge before an exhilarating adventure and extreme sports options. Whether you seek the thrill of tubing, rappelling down cliffs, mountain biking through lush trails, kayaking in serene waters, or trekking into the wilderness, Mindo offers endless opportunities for excitement and adrenaline-fueled fun.

Join us on this unforgettable day tour to Mindo, where the allure of nature's wonders and thrilling adventures await at every turn. Experience the magic of the cloud forest, its vibrant biodiversity, and the adrenaline rush of extreme sports, all in one unforgettable day!

We advise our clients to travel with Medical and/or Travel insurance.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will head to Otavalo to visit the famous artisan market. On the way, we will stop to enjoy the scenery and the snow-capped mountain ranges. Continue on and make a quick stop at San Pablo Lake before reaching Otavalo. We will then visit the famous textile market at "Plaza of Ponchos", one of South America's most popular markets. There are many different types of crafts, including handcrafted tapestries and indigenous backstrap weavings. Then you can enjoy some time to bargain and buy with friendly Otavaleños.

Otavalo is rich in culture, and it extends beyond the markets to its native communities. Otavaleños, descendants of ancient Kichwas, proudly maintain their culture and traditions. The Otavaleños' distinctive clothing, which is made up of intricately embroidered garments and textiles, is an expression of their culture.

Our day tour will allow you to visit local communities and immerse yourself in the rich culture of these indigenous people. You can learn more about their ancestral farming methods, witness rituals, and participate in cultural exchanges.

The picturesque Cuicocha Lake is located within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Enjoy a cruise on the lake and the volcanic scenery surrounding it. Around the lake, there are hiking trails that offer breathtaking views as well as opportunities to spot wildlife.

Depending on your schedule of visits, you may be able to see the chapel from the 17th century. The Quito School of Arts created the altar sculptures, one of which is dedicated to San Ignacio de Loyola. He was the founder of The Society of Jesus. The old granary is located in front of the chapel. It houses a stunning exhibition that features up to 70 different varieties of roses grown at Hacienda de la Compania de Jesus. Together, the vibrant colors and rural architecture create an enchanting scene. You will also tour a part of the plantations and, if you are there during the working hours, see how the roses are grown.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Quito.

Meals: Breakfast

After enjoying a wonderful breakfast, depending on the time, we will be taken to the Airport for your national connection if you have planned to visit any other unique destination in Ecuador, like the enchanted islands of the Galapagos or the Amazon region. The transfer can also be to the airport for your international connection.