Quito, Otavalo and Mindo Tour
~ 5 Day tour Starting at $749
Visit the Spanish colonial center and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quito, Ecuador's capital city. Enjoy a guided tour of the historical sights, before embarking on day trips to wonderful destinations within a few hours drive. Haggle at the famous, colorful and bustling market at Otavalo and delve into the magical, tropical cloudforest paradise of Mindo prior to embarking on your Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise.
Quito, Otavalo and Mindo Tour
Rainforest Cruises takes you on a short tour of Quito, Otavalo and Mindo. Designed to introduce travelers to the highlights of the Quito area before they continue to the "Oriente" region for their Amazon cruise, this tour provides an insight into the interesting history, culture, and geography of the Ecuadorian Andes.
In Quito, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. On a clear day one can spot fourteen different peaks which comprise the famous "Avenue of Volcanoes". Travelers will also get acquainted with Quito's historical center, declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978 and have the chance to put their feet either side of the Equatorial line at the Mitad Del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument.
On the way to Otavalo, visit the "Quitsato" site, where pre-Columbian residents constructed an ancient solar calendar. Then make your way through the Andes to South America's largest marketplace at Otavalo, for some shopping and cultural exchange with residents.
After a dramatic journey past spectacular waterfalls, your final destination is Mindo, one of the last remaining tropical cloudforest nature reserves on the western slopes of the Andes. Wander through the magical, dense vegetation taking in the wonders of this paradise.
Note: This tour can be organized either before or after your Amazon riverboat cruise.
Quito, Otavalo and Mindo Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
You are met at the airport in Quito and escorted to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you either have the day to explore the city or rest in your comfortable hotel. Why not take a stroll around the bustling cobblestoned streets amidst pastel-colored mansions in this, the best-preserved Spanish colonial center in Latin America.
Day 2: Guided Full-Day Quito City Tour
Your excursion begins after breakfast with a visit to the historical district with its beautiful churches, including the famous La Compañía de Jesús and the Monastery of San Francisco. Later you visit an art gallery and take in the vistas from the Panecillo Hill lookout. In the afternoon, you can straddle the Equatorial line at the Middle of the World Monument and Solar Museum. (Meals - B)
Day 3: Quitsato Complex and Otavalo Market
After breakfast you head to complex of Quitsato, the ancient middle of the world and solar calendar site for the pre-Hispanic cultures in Quito. Then onwards to Otavalo to haggle for souvenirs at the largest marketplace in all of South America. Later, you visit Parque Condor to witness these iconic Andean birds of prey. (Meals - B)
Day 4: Mindo Cloudforest
;)
After a short stop off at the Pululahua Crater for some magnificent views, you arrive at the town of Mindo, home to an abundance of bird, orchid, butterfly and plant species, living amongst spectacular waterfalls and dense vegetation. Spot hummingbirds and journey on a 500m long cable-car in this magical paradise. (Meals - B, L, D)
Day 5: Return Home
;)
Today you are transfered to the airport for your flight home, or to another destination. Rainforest Cruises hopes that your Quito, Otavalo and Mindo Tour has been a success! We would like to express our deepest appreciation for traveling with us! (Meals - B)
Per Person Tour Prices
*Listed prices part of 15% discount promotion
Group Guided Tour:
~ 3* Hotels: $749* (Reg. $881)
~ 4* Hotels: $779* (Reg. $916)
Private Guided Tour:
~ 3* Hotels: $779* (Reg. $916)
~ 4* Hotels: $809* (Reg. $952)
Note: All prices are per person in double occupancy. Prices subject to change without prior notice depending on seasonality (i.e. high season, special holidays, festivals, etc.)
Hotels Included in Quote
3* Hotels:
~ Quito: Anahi Boutique Hotel
4* Hotels:
~ Quito: Dann Carlton
Note: Hotel selection may change owing to availability. We reserve the right to replace the hotel with one having similar characteristics, which may affect the price of your tour. Hotels and services can only be confirmed after payment is received.
Included with Tour:
- 4 Nights in Choice Hotels
- Meals as specified in the Itinerary
- All Necessary Transfers
- Entrances During Excursions
- English Speaking Guides
- Free Travel Insurance*
Note: Free Travel Insurance for travelers under 65 booking a combined Cruise and Land Tour package
Not Included with Tour:
- Domestic & International Airfares
- Airport Taxes
- Anything not Stated in Itinerary
- Any Required Visas
- Personal Expenses
- Tips
Service List:
Day 1:
- Delivery of Documents and Vouchers (Quito Airport)
- Transfer from Quito Airport to Hotel
- Overnight at Hotel
Day 2:
- Breakfast
- Full-Day, Quito City Tour
- Mitad Del Mundo & Intiñan Museum Entrances
- Overnight at Hotel
Day 3:
- Breakfast
- Quitsato Entrance
- Parque Condor Entrance
- Overnight at Hotel
Day 4:
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Mindo Garden Entrances
- Cable-Car Ride
- Overnight at Hotel
Day 5:
- Breakfast
- Transfer from Hotel to Quito Airport
