Take a drive through Ecuador's breathtaking scenery, stopping along the way to take photos and soak up the truly amazing and diverse landscapes! Head for Otavalo Market and experience the local way of shopping as you barter for handicrafts and many other items!
Departing from Quito on the Pan-American North Highway, you'll make a brief stop in Calderon, a town where the famous 'masapan' dolls are made. If time allows, you'll make a second stop at the highway's mirador to admire and take pictures of the beautiful landscape and snow capped mountains of the zone.
Crossing the equatorial line at Guachala (used to be the middle of the world monument), you'll head up to Otavalo and make a stop at Mira Lago to take pictures of the beautiful San Pablo lake. The tour then continues to Otavalo where the Otavalenos (natives) set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is occurs. The market hosts a variety of different handcrafted items.
Continuing the trip, you'll go to Cotacachi, famous for its leather articles. Browse the shops or upgrade to the optional lunch package to enjoy the local flavors at the well known La Marquesa restaurant. Afterwards, you'll go to Peguche, a small village known for its waterfalls and wind instruments fabrics.
Join a guided evening tour of Quito and be captivated on a night to remember! Enjoy the beautifully illuminated buildings and panoramic views of the city followed by dinner from the highlands.
The tour will start from your Quito hotel and head toward the Guapulo Mirador from which you'll appreciate a spectacular view of the valley of Cumbaya. The tour then continues through the colonial part of the city with a breathtaking sight of the illuminated colonial churches.
Your next stop is the Panecilllo Hill where you'll enjoy a panoramic nighttime view of Quito and of the Virgen. After your city tour, you'll be taken to a fine restaurant in which you'll enjoy a typical dinner from the highlands. Optionally, you'll have the opportunity to take a ride in a horse-drawn coach through the streets of colonial downtown.
Get your bearings and come see what Quito has to offer on a three-hour guided tour. You'll visit some of the more interesting areas of the city exploring many unique buildings and afterwards choose to either view the Archaeological Museum or the Middle of the World monument.
This comprehensive city tour includes a visit to residential neighborhoods at the northern end of the city and a stop at the 'Guapulo Mirador'. You'll pass through the 12 of October Avenue up to the Culture House and the Legislative Palace (Congress) where you can appreciate the history of Ecuador through the famous rock murals.
The tour will then continue through the Gran Colombia Avenue up to the Basilica Church. After visiting the church, you'll head to the 'San Juan Mirador' and enjoy breathtaking views of colonial Quito.
After walking through the colonial streets, you'll stop at the Independence Plaza admiring the cathedral, the Government's Palace and the Archiepiscopal palace. Furthermore, you'll visit the Company Church, the Sagrario Church and the San Francisco Church, which was built during the 17th century. Afterwards, you'll be heading to the 'Panecillo Mirador', the most famous hill of Quito, where you can take picture of both colonial and modern Quito.
Archaeological Museum:
After your city tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Quito where you'll observe antique Inca jewels, gold objects, handcrafts from the Inca time and one of the oldest mummies of Ecuador.
Middle of the World Monument:
Choose the Middle of the World Monument upgrade and visit the monument that divides the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which depicts the various ethnic groups that inhabit Ecuador.
Get the best of all worlds and combine history, nature and shopping on a full day guided tour from Quito. You'll witness spectacular scenery, see the active volcano Cotopaxi and the Limpiopungo Lagoon and stop at local native markets - all before returning back to Quito!
Departing from Quito, you'll travel on the Pan-American South Highway and enjoy the beautiful landscapes Ecuador has to offer. On the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Saquisili market, where native people of the region sell their handicrafts.
Then, you'll arrive at the impressive active Cotopaxi volcano, which stands at a towering 19,000 feet (5,900 meters). During your stay at the national park, you'll stop a the Limpiopungo lagoon, from which, depending on the weather conditions, you can admire the environment and observe condor birds.
After the National park, you'll visit the San Augustin del Callo Hacienda and see the daily activities of an Andean Hacienda. Optionally, you can have lunch at the Hacienda before returning to Quito in the afternoon.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:114:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3074/SITours/national-park-of-cotopaxi-and-hacienda-in-quito-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:103:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Quito/National-Park-of-Cotopaxi-and-Hacienda/d735-3074QNPCH";}i:4;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:2:"84";s:11:"ProductCode";s:9:"3074QMOWM";s:11:"ProductName";s:28:"Middle of the World Monument";s:12:"Introduction";s:873:"Ecuador is home to the middle of the world! Travel on a guided tour from Quito to the location where the southern and northern hemispheres meet and view the monument which stands to represent this great divide! You can't visit Ecuador without going to the middle of the world. The monument will make you feel like you're on top of the world!
You'll start at the northern part of Quito and head up to the 'Middle of the World City' where you'll visit the monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres.
It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about the culture and people of Ecuador.
Upgrade to the lunch package and enjoy a local lunch at one of the best restaurants in Quito!
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:104:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3074/SITours/middle-of-the-world-monument-in-quito-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:93:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Quito/Middle-of-the-World-Monument/d735-3074QMOWM";}i:5;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:2:"84";s:11:"ProductCode";s:8:"3074QEAM";s:11:"ProductName";s:60:"Ecotourism and Adventure in Mindo Rainforest including Lunch";s:12:"Introduction";s:857:"Explore the ever changing and diverse landscapes of Ecuador on a full day tour to Mindo. See waterfalls, rivers, natural forest and unique species of insects and birds. This family friendly tour is ideal for lovers of the great outoors or anyone who wants to spend some time in the nature of Ecuador!
Departing from Quito, you'll observe the impressive change of vegetation and climate before reaching the Cloud Forest. Once in Mindo rainforest, you'll depart on a a trek through the forest, depending on the difficulty and adventure preferred.
During the hiking adventure, you'll have the opportunity to admire the waterfalls, the natural forest, rivers and more than 400 exotic species of birds, butterflies and orchids.
This full day tour includes lunch and a specialist guide. Kayaking and rafting are available upon request.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:136:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3074/SITours/ecotourism-and-adventure-in-mindo-rainforest-including-lunch-in-quito-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:124:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Quito/Ecotourism-and-Adventure-in-Mindo-Rainforest-including-Lunch/d735-3074QEAM";}i:6;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:2:"84";s:11:"ProductCode";s:13:"3074QEFBALLET";s:11:"ProductName";s:27:"Ecuadorian Folkloric Ballet";s:12:"Introduction";s:541:"Capture the essence of the indigenous people of Ecuador with this folkloric ballet! Discover the unique customs and traditions of this fascinating indigenous group, whose colorful costumes and entertaining performances ensure you savor the memory forever!
During this show, you'll admire the 'Jacchigua' folkloric ballet that represents the traditions and customs of the indigenous people of Ecuador.
The Jacchigua Ballet, well reputed in Europe, has made its name thanks to its talented dancers and colorful scenarios.
Take a guided private city tour through Quito visiting surrounding neighborhoods, the 'Guapulo Mirador', passing through the 12 of October Avenue up to the Culture House and the Legislative Palace (Congress) where the rock murals that are related to the history of Ecuador can be appreciated. Your half day tour includes a ride on the Teleferico for spectacular city views and a typical lunch feast at a local restaurant.
The tour will then continue through the Gran Colombia Avenue up to the Basilica Church, where you will make a brief stop and next, the 'San Juan Mirador' from where you will have a beautiful sight of The Colonial Quito.
After walking through the colonial streets you will then stop at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government's Palace, and the Archiepiscopal palace. Furthermore, you will visit The Company Church where adornments and gold altars can be appreciated, a visit to the Sagrario Church and San Francisco Church, which was built during the 17th century, will be also done. And then, you will be heading to the 'Panecillo Mirador', the most famous hill of Quito, from where a sight of the colonial and modern Quito will be taken.
And after the City Tour, you will enjoy a typical meal in one of the best restaurant of the Colonial Downtown of Quito.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:125:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3074/SITours/private-tour-quito-city-with-teleferico-and-lunch-in-quito-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:114:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Quito/Private-Tour-Quito-City-with-Teleferico-and-Lunch/d735-3074QCTWL";}i:8;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:2:"84";s:11:"ProductCode";s:9:"3074QPTCS";s:11:"ProductName";s:33:"Papallacta Thermal Center and Spa";s:12:"Introduction";s:517:"Wind your way from Quito along the road leading to the Amazon jungle until arriving at the Papallacta Thermal Center where a full day of pampering and relaxation are in order!
This place has the particularity to have very cold weather outside but very warm natural thermal water pools. A stay at the Thermal Complex of Papallacta is perfect for anti stress therapy and recommended for your health.
Lunch is included and depending on daily demand, you can also do hikes and horse riding promenades.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:109:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3074/SITours/papallacta-thermal-center-and-spa-in-quito-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:98:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Quito/Papallacta-Thermal-Center-and-Spa/d735-3074QPTCS";}i:9;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:2:"84";s:11:"ProductCode";s:9:"3074QRTBR";s:11:"ProductName";s:35:"Rafting on Toachi and Blanco Rivers";s:12:"Introduction";s:1216:"Relax and take in the stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife of Ecuador as you raft on low to moderate level rapids along the Toachi and Blanco rivers. Spend a full day conquering rapids in what is acclaimed to be the best whitewater east of the Andes.
Both the Rio Toachi and the Rio Blanco start high in the Andean cloud forests and thunder their way west towards the tropical rainforest along the Ecuadorian Coast. The Rio Blanco is named for its continuous white-capped rapids that provide rafters with constant thrills all year round!
You'll depart from Quito and head to the Santo Domingo area, descending for 2.5 hours through the Andean cloud forest. After a safety briefing at the put-in location, you'll navigate through 18 miles (29km) of the best whitewater east of the Andes!
Depending on water levels, your rafting adventure should take about three to four hours. On your way, you'll encounter an abundance of bird life and possibly spot a family of the Southern River otter. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch on the river, as well as a cold beer at the end of your run. Then, after a day full of thrills and adventure, you'll arrive back to Quito in the late afternoon.