Do Ecuador’s capital your way! Choose from various MyStyle optional activities and create a Quito itinerary that's perfect for you. Some of the many options: Visit the equator and watch drain water switch directions; shop till you drop at the continent's biggest indigenous market; bike down from snow-covered Cotopaxi volcano; go wildlife and bird spotting in a cloud forest; pamper yourself at a natural hot spring spa; skirt volcanic craters by horseback; take Spanish lessons and much more!
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Day 1 Arrive in Quito
You will be met at the Airport by your G Adventures Experience Officer and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Quito. The G Adventures Experience Officer will go over the details of your stay and arrange your choice of tours. Enjoy the rest of the day in Quito at leisure.
Located 2850m (9348 feet) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring like climate, despite its location only 22km (14 miles) south of the Equator. It is in a valley flanked by mountains, and on a clear day, several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the capital. As well as being in a beautiful location, it is rich in history and much of the old colonial town is well preserved. In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a world heritage site, and any new development in Quito's Old Town is now strictly controlled.
Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns. There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the Old and the New Towns.
The Old City is full of interesting historical buildings, including many churches. Among the most interesting are the Catedral de Quito, which is located on the Plaza de la Independencia, was built between 1550 and 1562 and is one of the first neoclassical works in Quito, and La Compañía de Jésus Church, considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and a half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775).
Quito has a large population of foreigners and is a popular destination for travellers, resulting in a varied and vibrant nightlife, where salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can. These are great places for meeting locals and dancing as well as enjoying local cooking.
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Day 2 Quito (B)
One tour is included in your MyStyle tour. From the equator line, Spanish lessons, shopping or horse riding, MyStyle travel allows you to choose the tours and activities that are of interest to you.
City Tour and Equator Line
Can you really balance an egg upright on the equator? The answer to this and many other mysteries await you on this tour encompassing Quito city and "Mitad del Mundo" (the middle of the earth, or, equatorial line).
Otavalo Market
Explore the colourful handicrafts market at Otavalo - with perhaps the world's largest selection of woollies, this is one of South America's biggest and most interesting markets! Bargain as much as possible before heading back to Quito.
Cotopaxi and Saquisili Market
Visit the Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Continue on to the famed Saquisili Market (Thursdays only) to pick up beautiful handicrafts and trinkets to take home.
Cotopaxi Biking
This rugged adventure starts with a ride on dirt roads through volcanic ash and stunning mountain vistas before a stop at 3700m to check out some ancient Inca ruins. Head downhill through gorgeous pine forests to end your exhilarating day.
Bellavista Cloud Forest
The sights and sounds of this vibrant, thriving place will enchant you. Your local guides will show you all of the secrets the jungle has to offer and help you spot some the fascinating wildlife.
Papallacta Hot Springs
A visit to this famous hot springs can be as relaxing or as full an activity as you wish. Revel in the rejuvenating mineral-filled hot springs which are known to provide many health benefits.
Pululahua Crater by Horseback
This ancient volcanic crater is now a lush, beautiful valley. There's a huge amount of bio-diversity here and the rich volcanic soil provides a perfect environment for crops and dramatic natural flora alike. Enjoy a gentle horseback ride through the most scenic regions.
Shop till you Drop
It's always hard to find the best places to shop while you're on holiday. Ecuador is a great place to buy all sorts of handicrafts, so it's a good idea to start off right. Our guide will take you to all of the best markets and artisan shops and give you a few lessons on how to bargain!
Quito Dinner and Folklore show (Sunday Only)
Ecuadorians are famed for their musical talents, reflective of their fascinating culture and history. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant with a music and folkloric show to entertain you.
Orchid Farm and Mindo Cloud Forest
Visit the green, lush cloud forest to learn about the exuberant flora and elusive fauna - you'll enjoy a guided hike for some unforgettable photo opportunities before making a stop to learn about the exquisite, fabled orchid at a nearby farm.
Quito Day Spa
Why? Because you deserve to be pampered. Visit a local day Spa in Quito for a relaxing massage and facial - what better way to unwind after a busy travel schedule?
Planeterra Project
Today, you visit a social project in Quito supported by G Adventures. This foundation helps children that work and live on the streets of Quito. Your visit will allow you to interact with the kids by helping them practice their English, assist with the daily chores and understanding the hardships these children face each day.
Spanish Lesson
Make your holiday in this Latin part of the world that little bit more enjoyable by learning some basic Spanish phrases. You'll find it makes bargaining in markets, ordering dinner in restaurants, and asking directions much, much easier!
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Day 3 Depart Quito (B)
Enjoy your last day in Quito.
Please note that a departure transfer can be arranged instead of an arrival transfer if preferred.
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Quito
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No Minimum
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Hotel (2 nts)
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Transfers in car, van or shuttle
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2 Breakfasts.
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Continental breakfast included.
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USD $40.80
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Land Transfers & Included Tours/activities: Many of the land transfers and included tours will be by private van, car or taxi, while others may be shared with other travellers depending on availability, nature of the activity and destination. For transfers, you may have a local non English-speaking driver only, for included tours, you will be accompanied by an English speaking local guide.
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A variety of accommodation standards are available for Independent tours, see your dossier for the accommodation class specific to your tour. Please remember that hotel/lodge/resort standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel . Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.
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1 MyStyle tour of your choice, Arrival transfer
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