Ecuador Mainland Highlights

On arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, we meet you with a bilingual local guide and arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Quito. At the hotel, we offer a warm welcome, share practical tips and local insights, and answer any immediate questions about your stay. After check in, you can relax and recover from the journey – overnight in Quito.

After breakfast at your hotel, we collect you for a short transfer to the meeting point and set off with the group. We ride the Quito Metro towards the Historic Centre – travelling as locals do – then stroll through Independence Square. We pause at the ornate façade of La Compañía de Jesús before a guided tasting of single–origin chocolate – a focused 20–minute introduction to its aromas and textures.In the afternoon, we head north to the Intiñan Museum on the equator for an interactive visit that highlights elements of Andean culture and includes simple experiments on the equatorial line. It’s a full day that blends local transport and culture – with the chance to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast in Quito, we meet at the designated point and travel north into the Andes. We begin at the Quitsato Sundial – set precisely on the equator – to learn how Andean cultures observed the sun and seasons. We continue to Cayambe for an interactive visit and tasting at the Bizcocho & Agave Museum, exploring the region’s crisp bizcocho pastries and the traditional uses of the agave plant. We then arrive at the renowned Otavalo Market – one of the largest and most colourful in South America – where you have free time to browse at your own pace, meet artisans and consider handwoven textiles, jewellery, traditional hats and other crafts made by the Otavaleño community. The day concludes at Cuicocha Lagoon – a volcanic crater lake with two small islets – where we pause to take in the views before returning to Quito with the group in the late afternoon. Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast, we set off early and head south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes – a panorama of snow–capped peaks and broad valleys. We begin at the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre for an introduction to the park’s geology, wildlife and the cultural significance of Cotopaxi, then continue into the national park for close views of the volcano. Depending on the weather and the group’s fitness, we either hike up to the José Rivas Refuge or take a scenic walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon – a high–altitude wetland with sweeping views and Cotopaxi reflected in its waters. We return to Quito afterwards – overnight in the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel as a group to the Mindo Cloud Forest – renowned for its biodiversity. We begin at a butterfly farm, observing each stage of the life cycle as butterflies flutter through the gardens. We then take a guided walk through the forest, with chances to spot birds, orchids and other native species. To finish, we visit an artisan chocolate factory to learn about cacao production and taste locally made chocolates. We return to Quito at the end of the day – overnight in Quito.

After breakfast at the hotel, we arrange your collection at the scheduled time for a smooth transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Our driver meets you at your hotel – sit back, relax and enjoy a seamless end to your journey.