As the capital city of Ecuador, Quito has so much to offer the visitor. Its stunning setting, tucked high away in the Ecuadorian Andes, makes it the perfect place to hang out for a few days. This Quito city tour includes the main tourist attractions that the city has to offer such as the historical centre, the Teleferico, Botanical Gardens as well as a day out to the local hot springs.
Day 1 Quito Historical Centre
Your English speaking guide will pick you up in the morning. Enjoy a full day exploring the historical centre of Quito. First stop is Itchimbia Park which offers fantastic views across Quito’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Then continue on to visit the neo-gothic Basilica, Independence Square where you find the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, La Compañia de Jesus Church famous for its gold leafed interiors and San Francisco Square and church. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon enjoy a stroll along one of the city’s most picturesque streets, La Ronda, which was the bohemian heart of the old town in the mid - 20th century, home to artists, artisans, painters, poets and musicians. This area has recently been regenerated and offers some lovely galleries, shops and cafes housed in the original charming Spanish-style houses with balconies. If time allows, a visit to one of the city’s wonderful museums can be included today. Dinner and overnight at Boutique Hotel Café Cultura. (L,D)
Day 2 Quito New Town
After sampling the famous breakfast at Café Cultura it is time to head off to the Teleferiqo, one of Quito’s newest attractions. This cable car ride takes visitors up to around 4,000m above sea level, to the top of the Pichincha Volcano which offers amazing views of the city stretching out in the valley below. On a clear day it is possible to see a number of snow capped volcanoes - including the mighty Cotopaxi. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the wonderful Botanical Gardens which are found in the heart of the new town. Here you can experience the incredible variety of ecosystems that Ecuador has to offer. Wander through wetlands, paramo, cloud forest, dry forest, ethno-botanical gardens and rose gardens. The highlight of the visit must be the two hothouses which boast over 500 species of orchids as well as ferns and bromeliads. Dinner and overnight at Boutique Hotel Café Cultura. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Papallacta Hot Springs
Enjoy a full day trip out to the natural hot springs at Papallacta, high up in the Andes, just 40 miles east of Quito. Visit the hot springs, soak in the healing thermal waters and enjoy a hike along one of the local mountain trails. Box lunch included. Dinner and overnight at Boutique Hotel Café Cultura. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Mitad del Mundo
In the morning after breakfast, head north towards the Mitad del Mundo, where the equator line crosses Ecuador. Walk the equator line, get photographed on both sides of the world at the same time, or jump from one side of the earth to the other! There is an interesting museum here showing artefacts and giving information about the many different indigenous groups that Ecuador boasts. Lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the nearby Pululahua Crater. In the afternoon return to Quito. (B,L)
Please contact us for more information or to book on-line.
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