Quito, Otavalo and Papallacta Tour

As we pass into the highlands, we are treated to a sweeping view of Imbabura and Cotacachi Volcanoes rising above San Pablo Lake. You will visit the main market, which dates back thousands of years and is famous throughout the Andes for its handicrafts, textiles and tapestries. After the market, you will visit the village of Peguche where native weavers demonstrate their craft, as they have for centuries. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to PAPALLACTA THERMAL SPRING. One night, Breakfast, lunch and local taxes included.
(B,L)

The Papallacta River crosses both the hacienda as well as the high section of the valley, and it offers to the visitor a spectacular view of the Antisana Volcano. In this beautiful area, we offer walks along the ecological paths, where nature lovers can appreciate the local flora and fauna. This area is a treasure for ornithologists, with more than 160 different species of birds, including hummingbirds, tanagers and occasionally the great Andean Condor. Afterwards, enjoy the Hot Springs of Papallacta, whose thermal waters emerge from deep geological layers through fissures up to the surface. This will be a day of nature, health and relaxation. After lunch, you will be transferred to Quito for overnight.

One night at hotel Wyndham Garden, breakfast and local taxes included. (B,L)

After Breakfast, at 8:00AM, your guide will be picking you up for this tour.
We will drive you directly to start the visit of the Teleferico. Quito’s Skyrail named in 2005 as the Teleférico, is the highest in South America. Starts at 2.950 m.a.s.l. and ends at 4.050 m.a.s.l. (Don’t forget to take precautions to avoid the discomfort for the altitude, please drink a lot of water the day before and this day as well. Your guide will give you some guidelines to stay safe).
It reaches the top of Cruz Loma, adjacent to the Pichincha volcano. The moor of Pichincha volcano, at the top of Cruz Loma, offers a spectacular view of the whole city of Quito. If the weather is good can be seen some main elevations of the Andes mountain chain such as: Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, and many others.

Afterwards, we will go down and drive about 45 minutes to the “Middle of the World” where the monument that divides the Northern from the Southern Hemisphere will be visited. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. You will learn some other facts of the Equator as well. Lunch will be served in one typical restaurant of the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo.

Your next visit will be a panoramic tour of the old Quito town, we will go back in time a couple of hundred years while driving around the colonial section of Quito and admire architectural monuments, la Compañia church, Independence Square, with the Presidential Palace. Your guide will show you the main squares, churches and architectonic jewels of one of the best preserved Historical Centers of South America. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil.