UNESCO’s first World Cultural Heritage Site, recognized by it’s well preserved architecture and some of the most impressive catholic churches in the world. Due to the captivating beauty and historical significance of colonial Quito, our primary focus is on exploring the old city  where we’ll visit the Independence Square, offering landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, known as “Palacio de Carondelet,” the Cathedral, the Archbishops Palace, and the City Hall. Around here, you’ll encounter some of the most striking churches in the city, including the awe-inspiring “Compañía de Jesús”, boasting intricate altars adorned with gold-leaf and constructed by the Jesuits over 350 years ago.

Another highlight of the tour is the San Francisco Square, a charming cobblestone plaza flanked by whitewashed buildings crowned with red tile roofs.

The Equator Monument, situated 16 miles (26 kilometers) north of Quito, marks the precise location of Latitude 0°, the very midpoint of the world. Here, visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere, an experience unique to this iconic landmark. Within the monument, an Ethnographic Museum showcases the diverse indigenous groups of Ecuador. Surrounding the monument is a charming colonial-style town featuring a central square, a church, a post office, a bull ring, as well as cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops, offering a delightful blend of history, culture, and commerce.

“La Capilla del Hombre” and the Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamín, renowned as one of Ecuador’s most celebrated painters, left behind a remarkable art collection housed in what was once his residence, now transformed into a museum. Within his estate lies the Capilla del Hombre, a chapel bearing his name, designed by Guayasamín himself prior to his passing. A visit to these sites is essential for anyone exploring Quito, offering a profound insight into the life and work of this iconic artist.

To reach Papallacta, your journey will traverse the Eastern Andean Mountain range, leading you towards the lush Amazon basin. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Antisana and Cotopaxi, two majestic snow-capped volcanoes flanking the inter-Andean Valley.

Nestled at 3,200 m / 10,500 ft of altitude on the foothills of the Eastern Andes, Papallacta Thermal Springs offers a serene retreat where you can explore the surrounding cloud forest, and observe the abundant biodiversity of this region that’s been influenced by its proximity to the Amazon Basin.

This lush and pristine ecosystem, boasts an astonishing variety of wildlife, including rare species of birds like the colorful Chocó toucan, vibrant butterflies, and elusive mammals such as ocelots and howler monkeys. Towering trees draped in moss, cascading waterfalls, and a symphony of exotic sounds create an enchanting atmosphere for visitors. With its unique blend of tropical and montane ecosystems, the Chocó region offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers, conservationists, and adventure seekers alike, making Mashpi Lodge a perfect gateway to explore this ecological wonder.

Bellavista, once a 55-hectare dairy farm, has now become a certified eco-lodge with a 700-hectare reserve. Here, you can observe bromeliads and orchids, hummingbirds and tanagers, toucans and antpittas. This enchanting place will captivate any dedicated naturalist, offering a lifetime of observation. Additionally, the sense of adventure awaits as you hike forest trails or trek up streams to discover hidden waterfalls.

Otavalo is located in Imbabura Province, also known as the Lakes Province. The community is deeply involved in producing a variety of handicrafts, including weavings, stone and wood carvings, and leather goods. The Otavalo Market, which takes place only on Saturdays, is the largest and most diverse indigenous market in the Ecuadorian Andes. However, you’ll always find vendors selling crafts in the main square throughout the week.

Cuicocha Lagoon, formed by the explosive activity of Cotacachi volcano, features crystal-clear waters of unknown depth. The lake and Cotacachi are located within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, which stretches from the high Andes down to the tropical rainforests of Ecuador’s northwest coast. This reserve is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. There is a trail around the crater rim, offering a fantastic hiking opportunity with spectacular views. The area is ideal for nature observation, and it’s common to spot the giant hummingbird here. Trekking the entire crater takes about five hours, providing an immersive experience in this unique ecosystem.

Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary spanning 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres) around one of the world’s highest active volcanoes (5,897 m / 19,347 ft). This park is a haven for nature lovers, characterized by the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands, or páramo. Visitors may encounter small herds of wild horses, and perhaps deer, foxes, rabbits, frogs, and lizards. The park is also home to diverse bird life, including the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and raptors, and with some luck, the majestic condor.

Quilotoa is a massive collapsed crater, now filled with a striking lake. The surrounding landscape and the crater itself are truly breathtaking. If time and weather permit, you can hike down to the lake at the bottom of the crater. The water has a unique greenish-yellow color due to its high alkalinity. The surrounding area is quite spectacular with cultivated patches covering the landscape, and the local communities have specialized in representing their traditions and livelihoods on sheepskin paintings.

Baños de Agua Santa, a small town in the central highlands of Ecuador, is nestled in a valley along the Pastaza River, just 8 km from the crater of the active Tungurahua Volcano, meaning “throat of fire” in Quichua. The town’s lush and unique topography, filled with dense vegetation, deep river gorges, and dramatic waterfalls, is accentuated by the 5,016 m / 16,456 ft high volcano, attracting both nature and adventure lovers. The setting is truly unique, nestled amidst mountains and featuring around 70 waterfalls and thermal springs.

Cuenca is a picturesque city divided by the Tomebamba River into the modern city and the old colonial town. This division enhances its charm, making it one of the most scenic cities in the country. Strolling through the heart of Cuenca feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved colonial architecture. Along the riverbanks, you can often see native women washing clothes, their colorful attire adding to the picturesque scene. Cuenca is also renowned for its exquisite gold and silver jewelry and is home to the factories that produce authentic Panama Hats.

Cajas National Park, spanning 29,000 hectares, is about a 2.5-hour drive from Cuenca to the first lagoon. The name “Cajas” means lakes in Quechua, aptly describing the park’s 178+ lagoons. The vegetation in Cajas resembles tundra or páramo, but in the ravines and ditches, you’ll find native trees and bushes, including the impressive “Paper Tree” (Polylepis). This species, with its fine, delicate bark, is endangered in Ecuador, yet thrives in Cajas Reserve.

The Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, part of the vast Amazon rainforest, is a vibrant and biodiverse region teeming with wildlife, dense vegetation, and winding rivers. Home to a stunning variety of species including monkeys, jaguars, toucans, and pink river dolphins, it offers rich biodiversity that is unparalleled. The jungle also houses indigenous communities who maintain traditional ways of life, living in harmony with their environment.

Ecuador’s cuisine is a vibrant fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, offering a diverse culinary experience across its four regions. From the highlands’ comforting locro de papa (potato soup) and hearty hornado (roast pork) to the coastal delights of ceviche de camarón (shrimp ceviche) and encebollado (a rich fish stew), every dish reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Amazon introduces exotic flavors like maito (fish wrapped in leaves) and chontacuro (edible larvae), while the Galápagos offers fresh seafood with unique island twists. Ecuador’s multicultural food scene is a celebration of local ingredients, bold flavors, and centuries-old traditions, making it a true paradise for food lovers.