7 Day Best Of Ecuador

After breakfast, we will drive north of Quito to witness the “Middle of the world.” equator monument. This is an obligatory visit, to be able to stand on both sides of the planet's hemispheres, one of only a few place in the world you can do so! We will stop for a view of the Pululahua volcano crater, the third-largest inhabited volcano crater in the world, with over 400 people living there. 

We will then continue to the small town of Mindo, nestled in the cloud forest. This area is filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna, perfect for a nice introduction to Ecuador's biodiversity. Mindo and its cloud forest are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially for spotting hummingbirds! 

On arrival, we will visit a chocolate producer, where we will learn about the processing of cocoa, from harvesting the seed to the final product, with some delicious samples to be enjoyed!

We will explore the pristine cloud rain forest of Mindo, via cable cars and hiking to stunning waterfalls, surrounded by a lush green forest, the habitat for toucans, hummingbirds and other colourful birds. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to enjoy the several optional outdoor activities offered in this area. 

You can go white-water rafting or "tubing" as our guide steers you through the rapids. Or maybe a canopy zip-line over the beautiful tree canopy of the cloud forest. 

We will then visit the butterfly nursery, where we watch enormous butterflies dry their wings after emerging from their giant cocoons. You can dip your fingers into a banana concoction and then be truly amazed as these gigantic butterflies land on your hands.

Today we will head back to the highlands to the famous indigenous town of Otavalo. In Otavalo, you will have plenty of time to wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, filled with the Indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Learn all about their way of life and their native language. We will visit the famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries. In the afternoon. We will then head to Cotachi to see the impressive leather goods of the town and enjoy the picturesque beauty of this small village. There will be some free time for you to explore the shops or simply relax while sipping on one of the best coffees in Ecuador.

After breakfast, we will head to the Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve to see the breathtaking scenery around this active volcano. We will hike along the Cuicocha Crater Lake's shores, taking a boat ride to the middle of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano, watching bubbles rising up from the centre. We will then head to Peguche, a small village located in the heart of the Andes, where we can experience an unforgettable cultural adventure. We will help the local people prepare a delicious lunch using the fresh products from the surrounding organic fields and share precious moments, getting to know these incredible people. In the evening, we will head to the volcanic hot-springs resort of Papallacta, where we can relax at the spa, surrounded by the magnificent Andean mountains. We will spend the evening in this incredible spa resort.

Today, we will head to the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. The snow-capped volcano is surrounded by its national park, home to abundant flora, fauna and Inca ruins. We will begin our visit at the interpretation centre at the park's entrance before continuing our drive across the paramo to the Limpiopungo Lake. During a short walk around the lake, we can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the conical Cotopaxi volcano. We will then head back to Quito for our final dinner in the capital!

After breakfast, we will head to the airport for your flight back home or to your next exciting destination!