EXPLORING LOCAL CULTURE: OTAVALO MARKET & HIKE TO FUYA FUYA

We will go to the Laguna Grande de Mojanda at 3,700m above sea level and climb the Fuya Fuya hill (4,265m). The rest of the day we will spend with the host family and share in their daily activities.

LAST DAY ON THE COMMUNITY

This is your last day on the community, After breakfast you will have the chance to share a time with your host family before going out for your next adventure

ADVENTURE AT TELEFERICO CABLE CAR – WALKING TOUR AT LA FLORESTA ART DISTRICT

This morning you will be able to hop on the cable car «Teleferico» which brings you up to 4.000 m on the Pichincha volcano, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view over the city and the surrounding mountains.

You will catch a breathtaking sight of Quito City and the Andean landscape (an open-sky day provides a great view of Antisana, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe and up to 13 volcanoes and summits around Quito).

When you are at the upper station you can do a little walk around the station, where you see the cafeteria and the viewpoint at the antennas which supply communication to Ecuador’s capital: Quito.

At the viewpoints located close to the cable car station, you see wooden signs that depict what volcanoes you can see.

If you want to, you can have a short walk, or just take some pictures from different viewpoints.

After your arrival in Quito, you will head to La Floresta for a quick visit, to this traditional neighborhood in Quito for a walking tour. You will find non-stop energy and in-the-moment style are the hallmarks of La Floresta, Quito’s creative and cultural hub.

During this walk, you will be able to admire the urban art and creativity of local artists in attractive streets with cafes and restaurants. We will head after to a local restaurant, to enjoy a delicious dinner.

After enjoying this nice neighborhood, you will be taken back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

MINDO CLOUD FOREST

Today you’ll explore the lush green cloud forest of Mindo. Its location at the western slopes of the Andean highlands gives this region mild temperatures and lots of rainfall. Thanks to the favorable conditions, the Mindo forest has an incredibly high biodiversity.

You’ll get the chance to see some of the countless birds, butterflies, and insect species that call the region home. Visit the butterfly garden, hike to beautiful waterfalls, or fly between the treetops on a zipline. After, learning to make chocolate and taste your creations.

CANOPY RIDE IN MINDO

We will go up to the high part and practice canopy over the cloud forest, if we are lucky we will be able to see some types of birds flying next to us, after this extreme experience we will cross the Tarabita on the other side of the river and walk on a trail down to the river and swim. After this refreshing adventure, we will continue forward with the next activity.

KAYAK IN QUILOTOA CRATER LAGOON

Wake up early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will visit Quilotoa Lagoon, which is a blue-green volcanic crater lake, that sits in the rugged Andean countryside.

Your expert guide will lead you through tropical forests to one of the area’s most beautiful lagoons. Make stops at a quiet village and local markets as part of this incredible day away from the city. Once you arrive at this magical place, you have the option to walk along the crater’s rim to enjoy the splendid view or hike down a path to the crater lake. After about 45 minutes of hiking down the Lagoon, you arrive at the crater. From where the water shimmers in another, greener color and kayaks will be waiting for you to explore the lake and enjoy the beautiful weather.

If you wish, there is a jetty there that you can walk on, or you can just sit on the beach and enjoy the view instead. The return can become a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill hike.

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE AT BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA

Early in the morning, you will head towards the «Devil’s Cauldron» (In Spanish, Pailón del Diablo) which is located specifically 17 kilometers from the city of Baños de Agua Santa, on the road from Baños to Puyo. After a hike down towards the waterfall, you will be amazed at its height which is approximately 80 meters high and without a doubt one of the most important waterfalls in Ecuador, as it is awe-inspiring, in addition that its location on Rio Pastaza guarantees a constant water supply for the surrounding areas.

Afterwards, next on your agenda, you will visit, the most famous treehouse in the world, the Casa del Arbol, which is home to the Swing at the End of the World, a simple playground ride perched on the edge of a mountain overlooking Baños, Ecuador, you will have the chance to see all of this from the Swing at the End of the World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You will return to Quito through the Avene of the Volcanos in the late afternoon and dropped off at the hotel.

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, you will leave Quito and head South to Cotopaxi National Park. You will visit Lake Limpiopungo, located in the highlands of the park. Here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano’s gigantic cone. Lake Limpiopungo offers a variety of birds, and occasionally even wild horses. A short walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life along the way. If time permits and the altitude doesn’t affect you, hike to the refuge Jose Ribas at 4800 m and enjoy the spectacular view.
In the afternoon, you will arrive at a traditional Hacienda near the National Park where you will spend the night.

PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS

Today you will enjoy the Termas de Papallacta resort and spa, you can relax and enjoy its pools, naturally heated by the volcanic hot springs. Also, if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the giant Antisana Volcano (reaching a height of 5,758 meters) looming above.

TRANSFER OUT

Upon arrival to Quito airport, you will connect on the same day with your international flight so you can return home with some everlasting memories. See you next time!