Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Quito

   • Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador! Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you to transfer to your accommodation in the city centre, a one-hour trip.
   • The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350ft (2,850m). It welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hat makers and a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

2. Day 2: Colonial Quito City Tour & Mitad del Mundo - Middle of the world

   • After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a walking city tour. The colonial centre of Quito was named World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1978. It is home to many beautiful, historic buildings and squares. 
   • You will visit the Plaza Grande and the beautiful churches La Compañía and La Basílica, and walk down the oldest street of Quito—La Ronda.
   • Afterwards, you will visit the equatorial monument, Mitad del Mundo, located just 26 km (16 miles) north of Ecuador’s capital city, Quito where French scientists determined the position of the central line many years ago. Ecuador is the place to come to stand on the Equator line, nowhere else on the planet is it easier to visit the Equator line or strike a pose with one foot in each hemisphere. Even Ecuador’s name was born from its location at latitude zero. 
   • You will visit the museum exhibits including a planetarium, ethnographic museum, art exhibits, a small-scale model of Quito city, an old train station, a beer museum, cocoa & chocolate exhibits, and a small chapel, for an unforgettable experience today.

3. Day 3: Cotopaxi National Park - Baños

   • After breakfast, you head south to Cotopaxi National Park. You will visit Lake Limpiopungo as well as the El Salitre Inca ruins that are located in the park's highlands. Here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano's gigantic cone. 
   • Lake Limpiopungo offers the opportunity to see a variety of birds and occasionally even wild horses. A short walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life along the way. If time permits, hike up to the refuge to enjoy the view from above as well! 
   • In the afternoon, you continue your journey to Baños where you will spend the night.

4. Day 4: Leisure Time in Baños

   • This small town is known for two things: naturally heated thermal baths – the namesake of Baños, Ecuador – and nightlife! Nearby Baños, you’ll find mountains, rivers, waterfalls and hot springs. 
   • By night, join the locals as they enjoy some cold and good-tasting craft beers or dance the night away at one of the local clubs where Latin music plays all night long.

5. Day 5: Pailon del Diablo - Baños

   • In the morning, you will drive along the "Avenue of Waterfalls". 
   • Driving south from Baños, you will follow the Pastaza River on its way through the valley of the same name. 
   • Passing several waterfalls, you will reach the village of Rio Verde, where you will stop to visit the well-known El Pailon del Diablo (The Devil's Cauldron) waterfall. You may also rent a bike and ride to the waterfall. 
   • In the afternoon you have some free time: you may visit the thermal pools of Baños or the famous "Casa del Arbol" (English: tree house), or - if you are looking for some more adrenaline - do rafting or ziplining. 

   Overnight stay in Baños.

6. Day 6: Baños - Quilotoa Lagoon - Quito

   • You will visit the picturesque volcano lagoon Quilotoa. You have the option to walk along the crater’s rim or hike down a path to the crater lake. 
   • Your return can become a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill hike. We then continue our journey to Quito.

7. Day 7: Departure from Quito

   • You are free to explore Quito on your own before getting picked up for your transfer to the airport.
   • Visit the impressive monastery, St. Francis, at San Fransisco Square and enjoy a drink on the square terrace—one of few in the historical centre. It is the oldest and most important religious site in Ecuador, with a vast complex holding 13 cloisters, three churches, more than 3,500 works of religious art and a library with thousands of books and historical documents.
   • Enjoy a scenic view from El Panecillo Hill, where the Virgin of El Pacenillo stands tall. The Madonna is a 147-foot (45 m) tall monument, made up of 7,000 pieces of aluminium.
   • At the designated time, meet with your driver at the hotel and head to the airport for your flight home.