Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café upon arrival
- Begin your exploration by visiting the Historic Center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to Independence Square (Plaza de la Independencia), where you'll find the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral.
Explore the Basilica del Voto Nacional, an impressive neo-Gothic cathedral known for its unique gargoyles and panoramic views from its towers.
Walk along the charming streets of the historic district, admiring the colonial architecture and colorful buildings.
Enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at one of the local restaurants in the historic center.
Visit the Compañía de Jesús Church, renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture and intricate gold leaf decorations.
Explore the San Francisco Church, a historic landmark with a stunning interior and a courtyard featuring a unique mix of colonial and indigenous art.
Head to La Ronda, a narrow street filled with artisan shops, cafés, and cultural activities. This is a great place to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy live music or traditional dance performances.
Have dinner at a local restaurant in the historic center, savoring Ecuadorian cuisine.
- Start your day with breakfast and get ready for a day of modern Quito exploration.
- Visit the TelefériQo, a cable car that takes you up to Cruz Loma on Pichincha Volcano. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Explore La Carolina Park, a large urban park where you can stroll, rent paddle boats, or visit the botanical garden.
Visit the Guayasamín Foundation, a museum dedicated to the renowned Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. The museum showcases his powerful works of art.
Have lunch at a local restaurant near La Carolina Park.
Visit the Middle of the World Monument, located just north of Quito. Here, you can straddle the equator line and learn about the unique geographical location.
Return to the historic center and stroll through its charming streets one last time.
- Depart from Quito and head to Cotopaxi National Park, which is approximately a 2-hour drive.
- Arrive at the park entrance and pay the entrance fee.
- Start your day with a hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon, a beautiful glacial lake located at the base of Cotopaxi. Enjoy the stunning views of the volcano and surrounding landscapes.
- Have a packed lunch or enjoy a picnic near the lagoon.
- Visit the Cotopaxi Interpretation Center to learn about the park's ecosystem, wildlife, and history of volcanic activity in the area.
- Enjoy a warm dinner at your accommodation or nearby.
If you're an experienced climber and have made prior arrangements, start your day early with a guided hike to the Cotopaxi Volcano's Refuge (Rifugio José Ribas). The hike is challenging but offers incredible panoramic views from the refuge.
- Note: Summiting Cotopaxi requires proper mountaineering equipment and experience. Ensure you're well-prepared and physically fit.
Alternatively, for those not hiking to the refuge, consider taking a guided horseback riding tour in the Cotopaxi area. This allows you to explore the landscapes at a different pace.
Morning: Exploring the Indigenous Market
Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or at a local café.
Otavalo Market: Head to the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. Explore the stalls filled with colorful textiles, handcrafted goods, jewelry, and local produce. Engage with the local artisans and learn about their crafts.
Plaza de Ponchos: Spend time wandering around the main square, known as Plaza de Ponchos, where you'll find a variety of goods for sale.
Afternoon: Cultural Exploration
Museum of Otavalo: Visit the Museum of Otavalo to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the indigenous people of the region. The museum provides insights into the rich heritage of Otavalo and its surroundings.
Parque Bolívar: Take a leisurely stroll through Parque Bolívar, a park located in the heart of the town. Relax on a bench, people-watch, and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Peguche Waterfall: If you have time, consider visiting Peguche Waterfall, located just a short distance from Otavalo. Enjoy a walk through the forest to reach the waterfall and take in the natural beauty of the area.
- Depart from your starting point and head towards the Quilotoa region. The journey from Quito takes about 4-5 hours.
Midday: Arrive at Quilotoa
- Arrive at Quilotoa and check in at your chosen accommodation.
Afternoon: Hike to Quilotoa Crater Lake
- Embark on a hike to the Quilotoa Crater Lake. The hike down to the lake takes around 30-45 minutes, but be prepared for a more strenuous uphill return.
- Enjoy the stunning views of the turquoise lake surrounded by the crater's steep walls.
Evening: Relax and Stargazing
- Return to your accommodation and enjoy a warm meal.
- If the weather is clear, spend some time stargazing at the incredibly clear night skies in the Andean highlands.
Morning: Sunrise at Quilotoa
- Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Quilotoa Crater Lake. The changing colors of the lake and the surrounding landscape create a magical sight.
Breakfast and Cultural Interaction
- Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
- Explore the local indigenous communities near Quilotoa, such as Shalala or Guayama, where you can interact with locals and learn about their traditional way of life.
Depart from your starting point and head to Tena.
Midday: Arrive in Tena
- Arrive in Tena and check in at your chosen accommodation.
Afternoon: Jungle Excursion
- Join a guided jungle excursion in the surrounding rainforest. Depending on your interests and the tour you choose, activities may include hiking, birdwatching, and learning about local flora and fauna.
Evening: Relax and Enjoy Nature
- Return to your accommodation and have dinner.
- Spend the evening relaxing, perhaps reading or listening to the sounds of the rainforest.
Morning: Indigenous Community Visit
- After breakfast, visit an indigenous community near Tena. Learn about their way of life, traditions, and cultural practices.
Midday: Lunch and Preparation for Rafting
- Enjoy lunch at your accommodation.
- If you're interested in adventure, get ready for a thrilling afternoon of whitewater rafting.
Afternoon: Whitewater Rafting
- Embark on a whitewater rafting adventure on the Napo River. Tena is known for its exciting rafting opportunities, providing both adrenaline and a chance to appreciate the Amazon's beauty from a different perspective.
Late Afternoon: Return and Departure
- Return to Tena after your rafting experience.
- Gather your belongings and start your journey back to your next destination or home.
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, offers a variety of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some popular things to do in Quito:
TelefériQo: Take a cable car ride up Pichincha Volcano for spectacular views of the city and the Andes mountains.
La Ronda: Explore this charming street filled with artisan shops, galleries, cafés, and traditional Ecuadorian arts and crafts.
Mercado Central: Experience local life at this bustling market where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts, and street food.
El Panecillo: Visit the hilltop statue of the Virgin of Quito for panoramic views of the city.
Parque La Carolina: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic in this expansive park, which offers walking trails, sports facilities, and a botanical garden.
Live Music and Performances: Attend cultural performances, traditional music shows, and dance performances to immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture.
Cafés and Gastronomy: Explore Quito's food scene by trying local dishes like "ceviche de camarones" (shrimp ceviche) and "llapingachos" (potato patties), and indulge in Ecuadorian coffee.
Plaza Foch: Experience Quito's nightlife by heading to Plaza Foch, a vibrant area with bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Parque Metropolitano: Go for a hike or nature walk in this urban park, which offers trails and impressive city views.
Departure for your flight back home
