4-Day Ecuador Tour: Quito, Otavalo and Papallacta Hot Springs

With a relaxed and happy mood, you will be taking a flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador! The tour guide will raise a sign to pick up at the airport, and guests who are close to the flight will be arranged to take the same bus to the hotel. Three meals at your own expense.

Today we will visit Quito, the capital city closest to the equator. We will first visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional. It is considered the largest Neo-gothic temple in the Americas, and the most important piece of Neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. Then we will continue to the Independence Square. Admire the historical buildings surrounding the square. Afterwards, we will visit the Iglesia de San Francisco. The church houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artists from the famous methods of "Escuela Quiteña" Quito School. One of the highlights of the city tour is the visit of Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, considered to be a masterpiece of the barroque style. The facade is made by volcanic stone and the interior is all covered with gold. Following, we will go to the Equatorial Tablet, which is the central point of the equator and has great commemorative significance. Finally, we will visit the Intiñan Site Museum to learn about Ecuador's culture and history.

【Itinerary】

Basílica del Voto Nacional → Independence Square → Iglesia de San Francisco → Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus (include ticket)  → Equatorial Tablet  (include ticket)→ Intiñan Site Museum (include ticket)

Today, we will head towards Imbabura known as “The Province of the Lakes”. The highway offers a lovely view passing through Calderón and Guayllabamba valleys. We will make short stop here to get to know more about local culture. Passing through Cayambe we can get a sight of the snow-capped volcano, the world´s highest point crossed by the Equator Line. This small town is also famous for its salt biscuits with “leaf cheese” and “manjar”. We can make a stop here to try this delacy, before we continue to the Imbabura province, named after the Imbabura Volcanoe, where we will first head to the largest lake in Ecuador, the San Pablo. We will then enter Otavalo City that holds a local Market every day, an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. Following, we will visit the peaceful Cotacachi Village, famous for its leather, and meet the local craftsmen. Finally, we will visit the charming Cuicocha Crater Lake, and we will head back to Quito in the late afternoon.

【Itinerary】

Quito → The San Pablo → Otavalo Town Markets → Cotacachi Village → Cuicocha Crater Lake → Quito

Departing from Quito in the morning, we will drive through the Cordillera Mountains to the town of Papallacta.On a clear day, you get amazed by magnificent views of the Antisana Volcano and the surrounding paramo highlands. In this beautiful region you can spot birds, wild horses, and even spectacled bears, with some luck. It is a breathtaking and mystical area. Upon arrival in Papallacta, we will visit the thermal hot springs of Papallacta that are naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the area. This water contains minerals that make bathing here benefiting your mind and body. With this tour you will experience ultimate relaxation in a beautiful environment. If you like, there is also time for a short hike to explore the area further. Finally, we will take you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Please book a flight departing after 18:00.

【Itinerary】

Quito → Papallacta → Papallacta Hot Springs (include ticket) → Quito → Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) → Home