When you land in Quito, our driverwill be holding up a sign and will take you to your accommodation.

Quito is the most populous city in Ecuador, and the second-highest capital city in the world. Founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistadors, it is nestled in the lower Andes mountain range, creating quite a dramatic backdrop to the colonial architecture of the center and the more modern suburbs, which sit in the rocks of the mountains themselves.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito

This morning we will explore the UNESCO-listed old town – Quito - we will walk along the cobbled streets, bringing you to landmarks such as Independence Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito and the Presidential Palace. You’ll also see Parque Alameda, which houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive statue of Simón Bolívar, who helped liberate Ecuador – along with several other Latin American nations – from their Spanish colonizers. Our last stop will be in the Middle of the World Monument.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito

Today we will drive to Baños in our private vehicle for about 3.5 hours. Upon arrival we will have some lunch, and spend the afternoon soaking in (literally!) the hot baths and water complexes that Baños is renowned for, and named after.

The evening is yours to stroll through Baños’ lively town center, and enjoy dinner at one of its many restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Baños

Baños is the adventure and spa center of Ecuador! Options for the adventurous today includes hiking,
waterfalls, adventure parks, biking, rafting, a giant swing, and much more! Soaking in the hot springs or pampering yourself in a spa is also on offer if you feel like a more relaxing day. Our guide is there to advise and coordinate so you can enjoy this day to the max.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Baños

There’s time this morning for some last-minute souvenir shopping or one last hot pool in Baños, before we
head off on our way to a hacienda (accommodation in a historic farm) in the heart of Ecuador’s famous
Avenue of Volcanoes. The 1200 meters of altitude we gain make the contrast between the lushness of Baños
and the windswept plains around the hacienda quite mind-blowing – you’ll feel you’ve stepped into a different
world!

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation in Hacienda from the area

Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest volcanoes, and perhaps the most classically volcano-ish looking, with its
near-perfect cone shape.
We’ll head for the northern section of the Cotopaxi National Park and start biking at a breathless 4500m,
where on a clear day, we can see eight volcano peaks all around us! We’ll bike easy, family-friendly terrain,
downhill and on the flat, through varying landscapes of open volcanic rock populated by wild horses, past lakes
and through pine forest, descending to an altitude of 3200 meters. This is a day on wheels you will never
forget!

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation in Hacienda from the area

This morning we’ll go horse riding, unless you prefer to just wander around and soak up the amazing
surroundings. Then we’ll head back to Quito (1.h hours approx.) for our last night on Ecuador’s mainland.

Meals: All meals included

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito

You can book your flight out for any time you like today. Thank you for travelling with us – you will have had a brilliant time exploring Ecuador with us!

You add more days and have an extension to connect this trip with our Great journeys to Galapagos, Peru or Bolivia

Meals: Breakfast included