Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, you will be greeted by your local assistant and transferred to your hotel in the city. Take the evening to rest and acclimate to the altitude of the Andean capital, located at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level.

Overnight in Quito

Morning:
Begin your day with a guided tour of Quito’s historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the largest and best-preserved colonial district in the Americas. Highlights include:

The impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional.
The Main Plaza (Plaza Grande), surrounded by the Government Palace and historic buildings.
The ornate Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía), renowned for its golden interior.
The San Francisco Church and Convent, one of the oldest and most iconic religious complexes in Ecuador.
Continue to the Panecillo Hill viewpoint, crowned by the Virgin of Quito statue, for sweeping panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andes.

Midday:
Head north to the Middle of the World (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo), where you’ll stand on the equator line. Visit the Ecuador Line Monument, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and explore the Intiñan Museum, with interactive exhibits on geography, astronomy, and indigenous culture.

Afternoon:
Return to Quito, stopping at the Artisan Market for those interested in shopping for local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

Overnight in Quito

Choose between two unforgettable day trips from Quito, each offering a different way to experience Ecuador’s natural and cultural treasures.

Option 1 – Otavalo Market & Cotacachi
Travel north through the Andean highlands, passing breathtaking views of San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura and Cayambe volcanoes. Arrive at Otavalo, home to the world-famous Plaza de Ponchos Market, where indigenous artisans display colorful textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional clothing.

Continue to Cotacachi, a charming town known for its leather workshops and boutiques. If conditions allow, enjoy a light hike to the Peguche Waterfalls, a sacred site for the Otavalo people and a serene natural setting.

Option 2 – Cotopaxi National Park Adventure
Head southeast of Quito to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Begin with a scenic hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you may spot Andean birds, wild horses, and the vibrant chuquiragua (flower of the Andes).

Later, visit the historic La Ciénega Hacienda, one of Ecuador’s oldest colonial estates, and stop at a rose farm, where Ecuador’s world-renowned roses are cultivated for export.

Overnight in Quito

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for your departure flight.

Take with you unforgettable memories of Quito’s colonial wonders, vibrant Andean culture, and Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes.

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