Traverse the very best of the Ecuadorian highlands in this seven day itinerary. Starting and finishing in the capital of Quito, our bilingual guide will introduce you to bustling marketplaces including South America’s most famous market Otavalo, awe-inspiring volcanos, centuries-old colonial towns and Inca ruins. Experience the “Middle of the World” by being on two hemispheres at the same time! Hike around the rim of the Quilotoa Volcano and then descend to shores of the lake where kayaking is an option. Experience the famous Cotopoxi National Park which highlights Ecuador’s most famous volcano.

Upon arrival to Quito airport, we will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for some rest.

Overnight: Quito

This tour will take you in the heart of Colonial Quito, as it begins with a visit to the Independence Square where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and EI Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compania(1605), with its amazing gilt altars, is considered as one of the finest examples of baroque art in America. The Moorish influence is evident in the intricate designs carved on the church and monastery of San Francisco(1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, where the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures and furniture dating bake to the 16th century. Finally, we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, “EI Panecillo” hill from where we will have a spectacular view of Quito. After the visits, we will find a place for lunch(on our own). In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Capilla del Hombre(Chapel of Man) a purpose-built art museum dedicated to the people of Latin America exhibiting the art of Oswaldo Guayasamin. At the end of the visit, we will return to our hotel for some rest.

Overnight: Quito

Meals included: Breakfast

Just 30 minutes north from Quito, is the location of the Equator at “La Mitad del Mundo”(“the middle of the world”). This is the site where, in 1736, the expedition directed by Charles-Marie de la Condamine, made the measurements that demonstrated that this was indeed the equator. Here visitors have the rare opportunity to be two hemispheres at the same time!

A monument marks the site, where visitors can take an elevator right to the top, as well as visit the excellent ethnographically museum inside. Around the monument, buildings and restaurants designed to represent those of a typical colonial town can be enjoyed.

Additional visit can be done depending on time and our preferences.

Overnight: Quito

Meals included: Breakfast

Departing from Quito, we will drive north to the city of Cayambe to try the famous “Biscochos” biscuits, and then continue to the city of Otavalo. After arrival, we visit the famous indigenous market which is considered as one of the biggest and most colorful of South America. Then, we continue to visit the beautiful Cuicocha Lake. We will have some free time for shopping in the nearby Cotacachi town, famous for its quality leather goods. Finally, we will visit the indigenous village of Peguche where we can meet the well-known Otavalo Indigenous people. Transport back to Quito in the afternoon, where we will be transferred to the hotel of our choice.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will begin our car ride through the Andes to the beautiful Quilotoa Lagoon – a lake located inside of the crater of the Quilotoa Volcano. Upon arrival, depending on what we agree on with our driver and guide, we can look for a nice place to have lunch. Afterwards, we can choose to do hikes around the rim of the crater or descend to the shores of the lake and rent kayaks.

Overnight: Quilotoa

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we will take our private transportation and head towards the famous Cotopaxi National Park which highlights Ecuador’s most famous – currently active – volcano. The area has a unique vegetation and provides wonderful opportunities for photography. We will look for a nice place to have lunch and do some hikes. Upon arrival to our accommodation, we will have some time to rest.

Overnight: Cotopaxi

Meals included: Breakfast

We will have the morning available for photography on our own. Depending on our flight schedule, we will head towards Quito airport where we will say good-bye to our Ecuadorian adventures.

Meals included: Breakfast

Tentative time period: November through April – please contact us for details. We have planned trips for December 3-10 and January 5-12.

*We would love to have you join us on any of our scheduled trips. Please know that we are always happy to customize a trip for your specific dates or itineraries.

Prices exclude: Airfare and airport taxes; tips; personal expenses; personal travel insurance

Pricing