Our favourite option owing to the myriad possibilities, is a full-day tour of Quito! Start the morning with either “Colonial Quito” or “Quito Like a Local.” Round out the day with visits to both the Archeological Museum and the Mitad del Mundo, plus lunch in a local restaurant.
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Quito
Here at the foot of Mt. Pichincha (15,700 ft), an active volcano, you are in the Andean highlands in what was once the northern capital of the Inca Empire. When the approaching conquistadors finally fought their way here in 1534, they found Quito in ruins – the Incas chose to destroy their city rather than surrender it. The city was rebuilt in grand colonial style architecture. UNESCO formally recognized this legacy in 1978, proclaiming colonial Quito a World Heritage Site in the first round of designations (at the same time Galápagos was also recognized). Thus entering the historical center, or “Old Town,” and walking down the narrow, winding cobblestone streets, one is immediately immersed in 16th century colonial architecture, by whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, heavy wooden doors, and fountained courtyards.
Quito Tour
- Full Day
- Daily (8:30am-4:30pm)
- $xx/person
Quito Like a Local
- Half Day
- Monday - Saturday (8:30am-noon)
Start the morning with a visit to the neo-gothic Quito Basilica. From here, strolling the cobblestone streets, we’ll likely pass by the street of piñatas and flowers. Crossing the main squares of Old Town Quito, we will learn a few of the legends and stories of the city, before reaching Calle La Ronda. A visit to the Yumbos Artisanal Chocolatier is an opportunity to learn about Ecuador’s cocoa industry, as well as satisfy any chocolate cravings. Round out the morning with a stop at a produce Mercado, where each morning farmers bring their produce – fruits and vegetables, many of which are found only in Latin America – into several indoor marketplaces around the city. Here chefs, maids, and families might rub elbows as they search out what the need for the day.
- $xx/person
Colonial Quito
- Half Day
- Daily (8:30am–1:30pm or 1:30pm–6pm)
Visit the best of the elaborate churches and plazas of Old Town Colonial Quito, plus Panecillo Hill, and your choice of either the Archeological Museum or Equatorial Monument on this half day tour.
- $500/person
North of Quito
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Imbabura
- Full Day
- Daily (7:30am-5pm)
Enjoy a full day outside Quito, experiencing several small handicraft villages as well as the colorful Otavalo Market. Lunch at a local hacienda. This very thorough 1-day trip is probably the most popular of the tours. (daily: 7:30am-5pm)
South of Quito
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Cotopaxi National Park
- Full Day
- Daily (7:30am - 4:30pm)
Depart Quito this morning with your private driver and guide for a full day of exploration. The park, established in 1975, offers spectacular views of lava fields, colorful highland flora, llamas, deer, wild horses, and mountain birds, including an occasional glimpse of an Andean condor. If the clouds decide to part you will be treated to a beautiful sight – the higher slopes of glaciatic blue ice and the snow-covered peak, a perfect cone if ever there was one. This is a full day tour and includes a lunch at Hosteria La Cienega, a beautiful 300-year-old estate now functioning as a country inn.
East of Quito
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Antisana Volcano Day Tour
- Full Day
Early departure with your private driver/guide heading east from Quito. The route passes through the town of Sangolqui, with a statue of the largest hummingbird you ever saw, the rural village of Pintag, high-altitude fields that appear as a patchwork quilt-like pattern climbing the mountains, and huge lava flows. In addition to viewing the Condor Cliffs we have the option of several short and easy hikes in Antisana National Park, including Micacocha Lake, to enjoy the scenery and look for high-altitude birds. Tour includes park entrance fee, breakfast and lunch.
West of Quito
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Cloud Forest & Tandayapa Valley
- Full Day
- Daily (6:30am-5:30pm)
Experience two wonderful private reserves in one-day on this small-group tour. A morning transfer from several hotels in Quito has guests at the Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge in time for breakfast. Here near the top of the famed Tandayapa Valley this 1,800 acre private reserve is magical. As many as 15 species of hummingbirds frequent the lodge feeders affording visitors great views! An extensive network of trails fan out from the lodge; some easy while others may be more challenging. Natural history guides will discuss options for small group walks both this morning and immediately following lunch. Next we visit the Alambi Reserve located on valley floor near the banks of the Rio Alambi, where the trees attract colorful mixed flocks of tanagers as well as toucans and often quetzals.
Guayaquil
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Guayaquil City Tour
- Half Day
- Daily (9am-noon, 2-5pm)
Explore the touristic center of Guayaquil, visiting the Cathedral, the Malecón promenade and monuments, Las Peñas neighborhood, and Seminario Plaza.
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