Erupting Volcano

1st Day:  Quito - Cotopaxi -Patate

Early in the morning we will take the south Panamerican highway  through  the Avenue of the volcanoes, crossing beautiful landscapes we will enter to the Cotopaxi National Park, a protected area of great importance that surrounds the Cotopaxi volcano, the highest active volcano in the world.

We return to the South panamerican highway  to continue our journey towards the town of Patate; valley famous for its fruit and from which you can get the best view of  Tungurahua volcano with 5023 meters above sea level, an active volcano that at night is throwing incandescent rocks and lava flows since 10 years.  Accommodation in Hacienda Manteles.

Quito: City Tour

First we visit is the imposing neo-Gothic church  Basilica del Voto Nacional the basilic of Quito , Then we walk  around  the independence square;  the heart of Quito surrounded by the Government Palace  The Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace , and the city hall.

Our next point is the Sagrario church, we visit the interior of the Church of  la  Compañia de Jesus  which is full covered by gold leaf  and then we continue to San Francisco square in where we can admire one of the biggest monasteries in South America.

Then we continue to El Panecillo,, a hill located at 3000m (10000 feet), where  the virgin of Quito is waiting for us. From this hill you will get one of the best views of the old and new city.

Quito: City Line

Same as 2 plus the Equator line. A few kilometers from the city of Quito is located the middle of the world, we visit the Inti Nan museum an interesting museum, that shows experiences that occur only in this part of the planet, later we will make a quick stop to see the historical monument that symbolizes the visit of the French Geodesic Mission during the eighteenth century and its great contribution to the world history. Return to Quito.

Otavalo

Early in the morning we drive northern through the Panamerican Highway, crossing the town of Calderon; famous for bread doll figures, then we cross Cayambe surrounded by the heavily cultivated pastures of old haciendas. 

Stop in San Pablo Lake, nice viewpoint at the entrance of the Imbabura province. where one of the most famous varieties of cheese and salty biscuits are waiting for us.

The Otavalos are the most ambitious and wealthy merchants in Ecuador. Ponchos, wooden items and jewelry are sold here. Then we arrive to the village of Cotacachi famous for the quality of leather goods at unbelievable prices. Shops along the main streets are filled with bags, saddles, jackets, boots, vests and purses for which the city is known.

Optional Lunch.

Return to Quito.

Cotopaxi

In the morning we drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the base of Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world at 5,897 meters (19437 feet ),  it was established as an ecological sanctuary with unusual opportunities to love nature and know about the importance of the importance of the paramo.

If the weather allows us we can go up to the Refuge José Rivas to 4800m(15748 feet) which is consider the highest point of Europe.

Optional lunch at Hacienda La Cienega,  old hacienda of the XVII century. Return to Quito.

Quilotoa 

We depart early in the morning through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to visit the La guna Quilotoa which is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking, a tranquil, mesmerizing glass-green lake lying in the crater of an extinct volcano.The volcanic crater is still perfectly formed, allowing visitors to see its past history and formidable power.We will walk down from the top of the crater to the lake's edge.Once at the bottom of the lake, there isn't much to do other than relax and enjoy the tranquility.The return walk back to the top of the crater you can ascending to the top by mule.Optional Lunch and return to Quito.

HOT SPRINGS OF PAPALLACTA (8 horas)

In the morning we go along the road used by Francisco de Orellana on his journey to discover the Amazonas  River, landscapes with mystery and one of the best refuges of sweet water  describe  this incredible ecosystem . Upon arrival we will make a short walk to recognize the flora and fauna native from the place. Thermal pools with healing properties, unique in the world are waiting for you in this incredible adventure.

CLOUD FOREST OF MINDO

Early departure from Quito to the northwest, passing through the edge of the Andes, lush vegetation and orchids await us in our first stop Pahuma, a protected area by the inhabitants of the sector. We continue our descent to the town of Mindo in which one of the most important protected areas of butterflies from South America is located, optional one of the activities of extreme sports in Mindo, canopy or sliding down a wire of two towers.

Optional lunch and then hummingbirds watching 

Jacchigua