Galapagos Eco Explorer I
Mainland Ecuador, a land of towering snow-covered volcanoes, tropical rainforests, secluded beaches and towns nestled in Andean valleys, is also a country filled with traditions and multicultural environments unlike any other. A part of their tradition includes the weekly indigenous markets held in many of the provinces of Ecuador. These markets are filled with the color, music, sounds and wares which are part of the Ecuadorian heritage. Though these tours require a full day, the opportunity to see the Ecuadorian countryside is well worth the time and effort (1/2 day tours of the city of Quito are also available).
1 Day tours may include many of the exciting villages and market stops listed here; 2-day tours are also available.
Otavalo - We will travel from Quito to edge of the San Pablo Valley and visit the local people of the Imbabura Province. You will have an opportunity to meet the people of Otavalo and have an opportunity to purchase their outstanding goods, including hand-woven purses, wall carpets and much more, displayed in the market stalls in Poncho Square. Then we will travel to the village of Cotacachi, where you may stroll along the main street and visit shops with an incredible selection of high-quality leather articles made locally. On the return trip we will visit Calderon, a village known for the creation of masapan figurines sold worldwide.
Cotopaxi - A tour taking us along the Pan American Highway, known locally as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," to Cotopaxi National Park. The Park is 2 hours south of Quito and located at the foot of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world. This fascinating pristine region is home to animals such as llamas, rabbits, deer, and a great variety of birds, plants, fungi, and much more. From here we travel to beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon.
Pujili - This village located southwest of Quito holds an indigenous market each Wednesday and Sunday that is filled with traditionally dressed villagers and local handicrafts, including the local specialty of artistic clay works.
Mindo - 84 Km north of the Capital is the ecological reserve of Mindo, providing visitors with a magnificent experience in nature. As we travel from the Sierra to the Coast, we will observe drastically changing landscapes. We will make a stop to visit the Nono Village of Santa Rosa, and later trek to the lookout tower of Cuzcangui and visit an experimental forest. Along the road we'll admire fabulous waterfalls, primary forest zones, geological formations, fossilized wood, and a great variety of indigenous plants and animals. Later, we will ride to the Namabillo River, where dozens of endemic bird species are found.
Pasochoa - The Pasochoa reservation is just south of Quito and is a great example of a typical Andean transitional forest filled with exotic flowers, tranquility and fresh air. A naturalist guide will be with you to answer any questions about the area and all it offers. You may also choose to raft the Toachi River.
Ilalo - Ilalo Mountain is believed to be the area where, after the death of the Inca emperor Atahualpa in 1533, his loyal captains hid his gold. The mountain also holds many other riches, including a breath-taking view of Cotopaxi Volcano and unique geological formations, native plants and animals.
1/2 day tour options
Mitad del Mundo - Visit the middle of the world at this famous monument north of Quito. Here you may straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time, and experience the strange natural forces at work on the exact equator. We will visit an ethnic museum, created from the studies of land formations of an 18th century French Geodesic Mission; we'll also see the Pululahua crater and a wonderful view of the Andean valley.
Quito City Tour - The city of Quito provides a visitor with charming historical and modern treasures. The city has been declared a "Cultural World Heritage Site" by UNESCO because of the unique cultural assets within the city. Tours give visitors a chance to straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the world renowned "Mitad del Mundo" monument, view the Pululahua crater, tour the colonial and modern districts of Quito, and spend an evening in a typical Ecuadorian restaurant filled with great food, a folklore presentation, and much more. There are several Quito City tours available from half a day to a full day.
3 night/4 day or 4 night/5 day Paradise Huts Jungle Lodge tour options
