Nature and Culture in Northern Ecuador

Middle of the World & Waterfall Hike in the Cloud Forest

Today, your guide will pick you up at your hotel, and your adventure is going to start by visiting the “Middle of the World,” a historic site where, at the same time, you can put one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and another foot in the Southern Hemisphere. You will also visit Inti Ñan Museum, an exciting and interactive site where you will participate in fun experiments and learn about ancient Ecuadorian culture. Then, you will continue your journey northward and into the cloud forest.

After a warm welcome at your cloud forest lodge, will can enjoy a short hike to a hidden waterfall. Here, you can unwind and enjoy a refreshing bath before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Birdwatching & Sugar Cane (Panela) Tour

This morning, you’ll wake up with the sound of birds, frogs, and forest! After breakfast, you will go on an unforgettable bird-watching adventure. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds, cock-of-the-rocks, barbet toucans, golden-headed quetzals, and parrots. In the Mashpi Ecological Reserve, you can find more than 350 bird species.

Use the lunchtime to enjoy the facilities of the lodge and relax a bit. In the afternoon, you are in for a sweet treat! Learn firsthand how sugar cane is planted, harvested, and processed to produce delicious sweets.

Yumbo's Heritage & Tulipe Archeological Site

Today, continue your adventure in the cloud forest. Immerse yourself in the rich customs and traditions of the Yumbos, an indigenous community that used to thrive in the northwestern region of Pichincha. Learn firsthand how to plant and harvest various fruits and tubers native to the area. Explore the uses and benefits of medicinal plants in the garden, and savor the flavors of organic seasonal fruits plucked straight from the tree. Indulge in the juiciness of mandarins, oranges, soursops, guavas, arazás, borojós, lemons, sugarcane, star apples, bananas, and more.

On your way to Mindo Town, you will visit the Tulipe Museum and Archeological Site. These ruins were once a real-life planetarium, a ceremonial observatory of the night sky. The water collected in the pools reflected constella­tions above, creating a veritable link between Earth and the vault of heaven in the minds and ‘worldview’ of the Yumbo indigenous people.

After that, continue your journey to Mindo.

Activities in Mindo

Prepare yourself for a magical day in Mindo! You can choose from various options: you can do some short hikes to waterfalls and take a refreshing bath at the end, or if you want a bit of adrenaline, you can go ziplining and get a panoramic view of the cloud forest. If you are a coffee lover, you can visit some of the beautiful cafes in the town and enjoy a coffee surrounded by nature. You can also visit the butterfly garden to see many species and learn about their life cycle. Attend a frog concert at night and try to spot them while they sing in the dark.

Chocolate Tour & Transfer to Otavalo

It is time to leave the cloud forest, and head to Otavalo, located in the Northern Andes. But not before learning firsthand how cacao is selected, grounded, and processed to become chocolate bars or sweets—and, of course, have a taste of it!

After this, your guide will safely drive you to Otavalo. Use the rest of the afternoon to explore the beautiful hacienda where you'll be staying. Alternatively, you might consider renting a bike or riding horseback to explore the area.

Otavalo Market, Cuicocha Lagoon & Cooking Class

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the famous, colorful Otavalo Market. Here, you can find everything from handmade jewelry, souvenirs, fresh fruits, and spices to wool-made traditional clothes. Afterward, you will head northwards to Cuicocha. This crater lake was formed by a massive eruption hundreds of years ago. It is a perfect place to take photos, do short walks, and enjoy beautiful panoramic views. After returning to Otavalo, be prepared to cook local delicacies with a chef and treat yourself to the delicious food you are about to make!

Mojanda Lakes & Return to Quito

Before leaving the Northern Andes, you can, for example, visit Condor Park, a rescue center for Condors and other birds; if you are there on time for the daily presentation, you can see some of the birds spreading their wings and flying over the mountains and volcanoes surrounding you! Another option is to visit Mojanda Lakes, which are located at the foot of the extinguished volcano Fuya Fuya. Delight yourself with the views, or explore the place during a short hike before returning to Quito.

Enjoy a last free evening in Quito! Take a stroll through town or treat yourself to a memorable farewell dinner in one of Quito's excellent restaurants.

Depart Quito

Today, it is already time to say goodbye! At the agreed time, your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to Quito Airport. Safe onward travels!