Quito & Surroundings

8 days / 7 nights

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Spend 8 days exploring the magical city of Quito, residing high in the Andes at 2,850 m above sea level. Marvel at its many architectural wonders and natural beauty, and visit the Middle of the World monument, right on the Equator. Then, visit the Cloud Forest at Mashpi, where you can take a skybike across the top of the forest canopy, and experience the breathtaking landscapes of Zuleta and Cayambe.

Key sights to see

Quito
Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, resides high in the Andes at 2,850m above sea level, flanked by the impressive Pichincha Volcano. The city's key attractions are the beautifully preserved historic center, the botanical garden, the trendy neighborhoods of La Floresta and Guapulo, and the Middle of the World monument, located on the international Equatorial line!
Cloud Forest, Mashpi
Cloud Forest, Mashpi
Ecuador's cloud forests are found on the slopes coming down from the Andes. With pleasant climates and great biodiversity, orchids, hummingbirds, butterflies and more are all popular highlights for visitors. The cloud forest offers several activities like ziplining and river tubing, and sights like waterfalls and sweeping forest canopy views, chocolate and coffee farms.
Imbabura
Imbabura
Imbabura is a province famous for the Imbabura Volcano, which towers 4,600 meters above sea level, and its beautiful collection of lakes and lagoons, which has earned it the nickname “Land of the Lakes." Each town and village in the province proudly boasts traditional cultures and practices unlike anywhere else in Ecuador.

Exciting and memorable things to do

Dragonfly Experience, Mashpi, Cloud Forest
Dragonfly Experience, Mashpi, Cloud Forest
The highlight of any trip to Mashpi is the Dragonfly – an exciting, open-air cable car system that carries you over the forest canopy. The setup consists of two main stations, six towers, and four gondolas that move at a low speed of 50 meters/160 feet per minute. A roundtrip takes about 40-minutes to complete.
Selected Optional Activity
Selected Optional Activity
Visit the Hummingbird Garden, or the Butterfly Farm, where you can explore the life of the many species found in the Masphi area. The guides will also point out various species of plants such as passion flowers, birds of paradise and milkweeds. Alternatively, walk to a waterfall near Mashpi Lodge where you can bathe in the pools with the water crashing behind you.
Quito Historical City Tour
Quito Historical City Tour
Explore the best preserved colonial center of South America. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the San Francisco de Quito and La Compañia Church, and the Plaza Grande to see the Presidential Palace, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace. Visit other highlights such as the Panecillo, for an amazing 360 degree view of Quito.
Middle of the World Monument, Quito
Middle of the World Monument, Quito
The Middle of the World Monument is a must-see in Quito. Built to honor the French and Ecuadorian scientists who studied the curvature of the planet and determined the supposed location of the equator, this unique location allows you to take a picture with one foot in each hemisphere!
Compania de Jesus Hacienda and Rose Plantation
Compania de Jesus Hacienda and Rose Plantation
Ecuador is the third largest exporter of roses in the world. The roses are known for their size, longevity and color variations (over 500 colors). The Compania de Jesus hacienda belonged to the Jesuit order around 300 years ago. Today it has an exquisite, permanent exhibition of over 5,000 varieties of roses.
Otavalo and Surroundings
Otavalo and Surroundings
Visit the town of Otavalo, famous for its indigenous market that is held every day. Then, visit the peaceful town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products such as shoes, purses, coats and belts. Browse the products and meet the local craftsmen who create these beautiful pieces.
Cuicocha Lagoon
Cuicocha Lagoon
Visit the beautiful, Cuicocha volcanic crater lagoon, located at nearly 3,246 meters in a part of the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Walk around the lagoon to enjoy the biodiversity of the region, the deep blue hues of the lake, and on a clear day, views of the Imbabura and Cayambe volcanoes.
Cycling
Cycling
Mornings are the best time to take advantage of the sun and warm weather in the cooler section of the Andes. Take a morning bike-ride to experience scenic roads and high grasslands. It will be just you and the wide open Sierra.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
An exclusive stable with the Hacienda Zuleta’s own breed of Zuleteño horses gives you the opportunity to discover the magnificent surrounding landscape in true style! The Hacienda has horses for every level of expertise and provides you with good quality helmets, half chaps, rain ponchos, and a saddle bag so you can feel at ease while exploring some of the Hacienda’s glorious horse trails.
Embroidery Class
Embroidery Class
Become part of the famous creative tradition of Zuleta and try your hand at embroidery with the help of our friendly local experts.

Great places to stay

Casa Gangotena, Quito
Casa Gangotena, Quito

The most prestigious five-star hotel in Quito, Casa Gangotena, a fully-restored mansion with a rich history, overlooks the important San Francisco square. Finely-furnished rooms blend contemporary elegance with antique ambience, while the interior courtyard’s native flowers provide a tranquil retreat from the bustle of nearby streets. The hotel’s restaurants offer exemplary gourmet cuisine.

Mashpi Lodge, Masphi Cloud Forest
Mashpi Lodge, Masphi Cloud Forest

The Mashpi Lodge is a modern haven of opulence deep within a dense cloud forest. Birds and monkeys observe guests enjoy exotic drinks on the breakfast terrace, bathe in the jacuzzi, or dine on gourmet cuisine. A variety of expert-led excursions include use of a “Sky Bike” canopy gondola, best enjoyed in the morning mist.

Hacienda Zuleta, Imbabura
Hacienda Zuleta, Imbabura

Dating from the late 16th century, Hacienda Zuleta lies in the Andean mountain range at 9,600 feet above sea level, with a spectacular view of the Cayambe volcano. The hacienda has 14 beautifully decorated bedrooms, delicious home flavored Ecuadorian cuisine and a great variety of activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, embroidery and cooking classes.

What’s Included
  • Airport transfers in Quito
  • Accommodation (Suite or Deluxe Double Room) including breakfast
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • English speaking driver/guide or driver + guide
  • Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
  • AIG insurance (liability insurance)
What’s Not Included
  • Excursions not mentioned in the program
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • International flights
You are responsible for verifying the visa requirements of your destination country and then obtaining the visa accordingly. In addition, most countries require that travelers hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the day of entry into the country, so confirm that you meet the passport, visa and medical requirements (if applicable) of the country of entry in advance.
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