Scenic Quito

Your stay in Quito must include a visit to the Colonial sector, the old and charming city with its 400 years of Spanish heritage.

The capital of Ecuador, has a setting that few cities can match. During the 13th century it was the prosperous center of the Kingdom of Quitus. Later became the northern capital of the Inca Empire.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colonial architects built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Today, Quito brings the past to life in its museums, convents, the carved stone facades and golden altars of its many churches, as well as in the Archaeological Museum that displays centuries of pre-Columbian treasures. Quito’s artistic creativity awaits you in cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts.

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All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.

Scenic Quito and Middle of World

First stop is in the colonial city at the Parliament Building, whose stone mural records Ecuador's history.

Then a stroll downtown and visit the colonial temples and monasteries of this urban jewel, designated by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, starting at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace. Visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesús.

Continue to the Church of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium lead to its gilt interior a Baroque influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.

Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator.

Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Rain protection advised in the afternoon. This tour includes walking at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and climbing stairs. Sun protection (SPF 40). Good walking shoes.

All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.

Panoramic Quito by Nigth with Dinner

Drive into the old Colonial city for a sight of the romantic plazas and past the impressive public and religious buildings.

Quito is particularly splendid in the evening when illumination adds a special drama and mystery to its baroque architecture. Then, to the hills on the west side of the city for a panorama of twinkling lights covering the valley below. Return to town for dinner at a selected restaurant of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Casual evening dress - coat is needed. This tour does not include walking, it is a drive-through. Camera and film for night.

All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.

Scenic Tour of Guayaquil

This port, bustling with life is the proud heir to cultural benchmarks and token samples of its generous, wondrous nature. A stroll along the "MALECON 2000" brand-new waterfront under the canopy of mango trees is a sneak preview to its tropical vibes.

The visit starts along the main avenue of Guayaquil, the heart of the business district of the city, by the Centennial Park that honors the heroes of Guayaquil's independence. A stop is made at Bolívar Park, with an equestrian statue of South America's liberator, Simón Bolívar.

This is also called "the park of the iguanas", as they roam around the park undisturbed and perch on the treetops, blending perfectly with the green leaves. Beside the park is the neo-gothic Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Drive through the open market of La Bahía, and the Spanish shipyard, now a Naval Museum. Then, a stroll along Guayaquil's new and ravishing Malecon 2000, a 2.5 Km. (1.5 mile) waterfront, running parallel to the River Guayas and featuring historical, cultural and entertainment areas. To the north of the waterfront is Santa Ana Hill and the oldest neighborhood of Guayaquil, Las Peñas, which has been beautifully restored with bright colored wooden constructions housing many art galleries. The next stop is Guayaquil's cemetery with outstanding marble sculptures by famous Italian artists and then drive along the newest neighborhoods in the Sanborondón area.  

Wear light clothes for warm weather, good walking shoes, hat or cap.      
Average temperature during the day: 22° to 32° C / 70° to 90° F.   
Altitude: sea level

All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.

Otavalo Handicraft Tour

To the north of Quito, the province of Imbabura is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador: a magical land of lakes, snow-covered mountains and terraced farmlands.

For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. The colorful local markets of the Andean Valleys are famous for their fine handicrafts.

The Otavalo Indian market dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on backstop and shuttle looms.

This one-day private excursion has been designed to provide guests with an overall view of the dramatic Andean scenery, with an earlier departure to arrive in time to appreciate the activity of the Otavalo Market, visit the town of Peguche and observe the weaving processes at a textile workshop.

This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America’s most famous Indian fair along the Panamerican Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more.

Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains.  Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.

All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.

Otavalo Cultural Experience

YThis full-day excursion offers an in-depth experience into the traditional way of living of the Otavalo people, their history, customs, handicrafts and, very importantly, music.   Lunch is at an Indian home, lovingly prepared in the traditional way, so guests have the opportunity to taste the Andean delicacies.

Early departure from Quito towards the north along the Pan American Highway, to the famous market of Otavalo -visit the textile and vegetable markets- and then continue on to Peguche, a small Indian town just five minutes north of Otavalo.  The people of Peguche are famous for the weavings, done in pedal shuttle looms and also in the ancient back-strap loom where the finest belts or fajas are exquisitely woven.  Guests have the opportunity to roam around the town, go into the houses -- which are open to visit, observe, photograph and shop for handcrafts.  The natives of Peguche often travel all over the world selling their merchandise of good quality and bright colors, such as wall hangings, blankets, scarves, shawls, baby alpaca sweaters, woven belts and many other items.   Peguche is also well known for the music groups and shops where Andean musical instruments are produced, such as the large panflutes or zampoñas, quena flutes, drums, charangos and guitars.  The artisans will delight you by playing the instruments they manufacture.

For lunch, guests will have the opportunity to taste the best of the Andean delicacies lovingly prepared in the traditional way.

This is a real ethnic experience, in close contact with the Otavalo culture.

All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.

A special nature lovers' full-day tour to the world's highest active volcano in Cotopaxi National Park, discover the Andean moorlands or paramo and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. Lunch at a charming hosteria or hacienda.

The Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres) surrounding Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, specially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or páramo. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor. Look directly up the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, rising 6,005 meters (19,700 feet). Lunch at the very heart of breathtaking landscapes or at a hosteria or hacienda nearby before returning to Quito. Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park is extra.

Warm clothing is needed and hat or cap. Sunblock (SPF 40). Good walking shoes. Camera (wide angle lens). Binoculars. Sunglasses. Altitude: 2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)

Average Temperature Day: 8° to 20° C (46° to 68° F).

All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.

The excursion to the renowned Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest has been specially designed for bird watchers and nature lovers. The Valley of Mindo is within the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest, located a short two-hour drive to the northwest of Quito.

Specially trained guides introduce visitors to the mysteries of the Cloud Forest, pointing out the unique flora and fauna. Visit the El Pahuma Orquid Reserve and its Orchid Botanical Garden with flowering orchids mounted on the trees and placed in the vegetation along the trail, consistent with each species' habitat. Labels identify each specimen. Then, a hike on a trail through lush, epiphyte-laden cloud forest, alongside a lively, sparkling creek to the 50 meter (165 foot) Pacaya waterfall. The El Pahuma Orchid Reserve is a privately owned forest of an Ecuadorian family who is searching for a viable economic alternative to destructive activities such as logging or cattle raising, and it protects over 600 hectares (over 1500 acres) of tropical montane forest. Over 170 species of orchids have been identified within the reserve, which lies in a region with some of the highest rates of plant endemism in the world. Orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens grow in abundance here.         

After a brief rest stop, continue to the quaint little village of Mindo, at an altitude of 1300 meters, observing the bird life along the way. Bird watchers may find here some of Ecuador's most rare species. BirdLife International has designated Mindo as an IBA (Important Bird Area), the first such site in South America. Then, a visit to the Butterfly Vivarium, housing 25 varieties of butterflies. Flight areas simulate the outside forest with water streams, mineral deposits, and a wide range of wild flowers. Hundreds of caterpillars feed on their host plants in their natural environment to assure the best development of pupae and butterflies. Lunch is served at a restaurant of the area.  

Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take rain protection. This tour includes walking at altitudes between 4,700 to 1,400 meters, (15,700 to 4,600 feet). Sun protection (SPF 40). Hat or cap. Good walking shoes and an extra pair of socks. Binoculars are essential.

All rates are in US dollars, per person, include all taxes, and are subject to change at any time.