Quito and Beyond: Regional Tour

This 5 night/6 day excursion will introduce you to Ecuador from Quito and beyond. Enjoy Quito, Papallacta Hot Springs, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park and Equatorial Monument.

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Highlights

Enjoy Papallacta Hot Springs
Discover Otavalo Market
Take the Quito City Tour and marvel at the Equatorial Monument
Take an excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
Benefit from round trip transportation to/from airport

Description

This 5 night/6 day excursion will introduce you to Ecuador from Quito and beyond. Enjoy Quito, Papallacta Hot Springs, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park and Equatorial Monument. Itinerary Day 1: Transfer Airport / Hotel Day 2: Breakfast. Excursion to Papallacta Hot Spring Waters and Spa Departure from Quito, during the morning down the road that leads to the Amazon Jungle, enjoy a journey of about an hour and a half following The Cinnamon Route, the same one that the conqueror Francisco de Orellana took in 1542, when he crossed the Andes in the research of spices and gold to finally discover the great Amazon River. You will make a brief stop at the PAPALLACTA lagoon located in a “Paramo” with cold weather but beautiful landscapes that make contrast with the hot springs pools. Perfect for an anti-stress therapy recommended for your health. All of this can be enjoyed at the Touristic Complex of “Termas de Papallacta” were also natural hikes can be done or enjoy the optional activities of its SPA. Lunch is not included. Day 3: Breakfast. Excursion to Otavalo Market. Depart from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving to Cayambe, where the passengers will have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Bizcochos de Cayambe”, a type of cracker or bread baked in a clay oven (greatly paired with local cheese or caramel sauce). Afterwards, make a brief stop at “Miralago”, to admire a wonderful view of Lago San Pablo, amazing views. The tour then continues to Otavalo where Otavaleños (natives) set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is taken place. The market hosts a variety of different handcrafted items. Passengers may choose between staying longer in Otavalo or go to visit to the leather shops at Cotacachi. On the way to Cotacachi, visit a traditional workshop of Andean instruments 'Ñanda Mañachi' located in Peguche. In Cotacachi you have enough time to visit the village, the shops of leather goods and free time for lunch. Return to Quito picking up passengers in Otavalo (spot determined by Gray Line Guide). ** Bus will wait for 10 minutes in Otavalo to pick up passangers that stayed there, after that return to Quito with passengers that are on board Day 4: Breakfast. 1914 Original trolley city tour of Quito + Northern and south Hemisphere Experience in the Middle of the World Begin in the northern part of the city with a tour along the most important commercial areas, where most of the hotels in Quito are located. Then head to the historic center to visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional, where you will make a brief stop and explanation to reach the Plaza de la Independencia, where through a walking route see the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and the La Compañia Church, recognized for its adornments and gold altars. Tour will continue towards the Church of San Francisco, built in the seventeenth century. (Entrance to churches are not included). Then head to the Mirador del Panecillo, a place renowned for its beauty, where you can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. Stop at the “Zona Rosa” of the city, approximately an hour and a half to have free time for lunch (not included) and then continue to the northern part of the city, heading up to the “Middle of the World City”(entrance is included) where the monument that divides the Northern from the Southern Hemisphere will be observed. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. Includes entrance to Middle of the World where you can enjoy the cultural experience of the attractions of this privileged place. Day 5: Feel the Andes Volcanoes Adventure (Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Volcanoes) Departure by bus from through the Panamerican Highway admiring the diverse ecosystems of the route, as a clear sign of the majesty of the Andes. Continue to the Cotopaxi National Park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano. Visit the Museum Park, the Limpiopungo Lagoon and through an interesting hike reach the forest of chuquirahuas to 4200 meters. (if the weather permits). Reach the Quilotoa Volcano, which has in its crater a stunning turquoise lagoon, making it one of the most beautiful landscapes of Ecuador. Take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent view of the volcano (if weather conditions allow). Free time for lunch (not included). * Not included: entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. Day 6 : Breakfast. Transfer Hotel / Airport

Includes

Transfer airport / hotel / airport 5 nights accommodation in double room in Quito Breakfast City tour, Equatorial Monument Excursion to Otavalo Market Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park and Hacienda Excursion to Papallacta Hot Spring and SPA Hotel taxes Local taxes and fees
Gratuities (optional)