Discover Quito's rich heritage, surrounded by impressive hills and mountains the city is known for its rich architecture, churches, sculptures and carvings. Founded in 1534 the colonial center is the largest in Latin America and was designated the first World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1972.
Our visit will start with a panoramic drive around the residential part of the city to then continue with a walking tour around the colonial town that will include a visit to the Independence Square, The Cathedral, and the 16th century churches of La Compañia and San Francisco. We will visit the fair trade artisan shop and a drive up to one of the viewpoints for a panoramic view of Quito.

This tour will include a Quito City Tour plus a visit to "El museo de la Ciudad" (City Museum) to relive part of Ecuador's colonial history, as well as the Archaeological Museum, one of the finest archaeological and gold artifact collection managed by the Central Bank of Ecuador.

A 4 1/2 hour combination of both the Quito City Tour and the Middle of the World Tour.

An evening guided tour of Colonial Quito that when illuminated acquires a splendid and magical touch. We learn about the history and admire the beautiful churches and colonial houses. We drive up to viewpoints for panoramic vistas. Optional dinning to enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine at a selected restaurant.

Day tour from Quito to visit this small picturesque town famous for its Indian market that dates back to pre-Inca times. Scenic travel through northern Ecuador to Otavalo is 2 hours. This colorful market now runs every day of the week and is considered one of the most important ethnic markets in South America. We will have ample time to visit and shop for different kinds of handicrafts, ponchos, woollen tapestry, paintings, Indian scenes, hats, and ceramics, among others. Lunch will be provided at one of the traditional Haciendas or Hosterias.

The Cotopaxi National Park is 36,000 hectare nature and wildlife sanctuary established around the highest active volcano in the world. Its unique ecosystem is a spectacular place to visit and explore for highland wildlife. We depart from Quito through the inter-Andean valleys until we reach the Cotopaxi moorland environment which is endemic to the Andes. We visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake where we find birdlife such as Andean gulls, ducks and falcons. We also find other wildlife such as llamas, wild horses (introduced), deer, hare, and even the endangered Andean Condor. A healthy and appetizing lunch will be served in Tambopaxi Mountain Lodge. Before we return we will visit the Pucara ruins which were used by the Inca's up until the Spanish conquest. We return to Quito in the afternoon. (L)

Pasochoa is an ancient collapsed volcano that is unique in that it preserves the last of the original forest including an enormous variety of flowers that once covered the entire Quito basin. The Pasochoa Forest Reserve claims 120 bird species including the sword-billed hummingbird, the viridian metal tail, mountain tanagers, red crested cotinga, and more. This area is also home to deer, foxes and sometimes Pumas can be observed while hiking these trails. Travel time from Quito is one hour. The hike in this thriving forest contains a wide range of highland trees and shrubs, as well as orchids, bromeliads, lichens and ferns. Prolific bird life includes at least 11 species of hummingbirds. Other birds endemic to Ecuador are also easily seen along the trails. The peaks of the Andean Mountains surround you throughout this hike.

Papallacta is located in the Amazon cloud forest at 3,000 meters featuring alkaline rich thermal hot spring pools and spa. From Quito we drive east through the valley of Tumbaco gaining elevation through a stunning Andean canyon until we reach the continental divide at 4,000 meters. From here we descend to the Amazon cloud forest until we reach the Papallacta resort. We visit the interpretation center a walk in the private cloud forest reserve to interpret nature and seek out for local birdlife. When we return we enjoy the mineral rich thermal waters and take advantage of its medicinal benefits. We have lunch at this complex and return to Quito in the afternoon.

The Mindo Cloud forest is one of the world's most diverse hotspots. It features over 520 species of birds which account for 5% of the world's total species. Some of the most notable residents include the Umbrella Bird, Cock of the Rock, Mountain Toucans and over 20 species of hummingbirds. From Quito we drive west to the subtropical cloud forest of Mindo behind the Pichincha Volcano. We walk in a section of this forest to interpret and learn from this unique ecosystem in search for birds, butterflies and orchids that inhabit this region. We visit the local waterfalls and have lunch at a local town restaurant before our return to Quito in the afternoon.

Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city and its colonial center is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The city maintains its colonial feel and traditions. We walk through its cobblestone streets, graceful ironwork balconies, flower market, plazas and courtyards. We visit Plaza San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market as well as the fine Toquilla (straw) hat workshops. We continue to the Plaza of San Francisco where traditional embroidered "chola" skirts are sold. Then we will follow to a beautiful the flower market in a small plaza under the carved stone entrance of the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. This tour ends with a drive along the Tomebamba River to admire the city's classic overhanging houses and balconies.

This tour features a day trip to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca ruins. Ingapirca which means "Wall of the Inca" is also the most northern Inca fortress-temple remaining. It was first occupied by the Cañari people who were later conquered by the Incas, and it is not clear how much of each culture influenced its use. This stone temple was built high over the Cañar valley, 96 Km (60 miles) north of Cuenca at 3,220 meters over sea level. From Cuenca we ride through scenic highlands, passing through the towns of Azogues and Canar. We visit the Our Lady of Rocio Church in Biblian, impressively built on a steep mountain side. Upon arrival at Ingapirca we stop at the site museum, and admire the stone fortress. We can appreciate the perfectly constructed trapezoidal doorways and stones, without mortar, used by the Royal Inca. We also visit the Temple of the Sun, an elliptical platform used for religious and ceremonial purposes, as well as the barracks, and the "Inca Face" made with zoomorphic carvings. Lunch is served in a nice local restaurant before we return to Cuenca.

Departure from Cuenca toward the two small villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg. Our journey starts along the Santa Ana valley through scenic mountains and landscapes. We stop at San Bartolome known for its handmade guitars and at Sigsig, where the toquilla straw is harvested and prepared to weave into the famous "Panama" hats. We reach Chordeleg which features colonial architecture and where we find many stores selling jewelry in gold and silver, as well as green and yellow pottery. We continue on to Gualaceo and the nearby town of Bulcay, where weavers produce the finest dye shawls and scarves using traditional looms. We have lunch at a pleasant restaurant before returning to Cuenca in the afternoon.