If you are looking for diversity and are a nature lover and you want to see Paradise on Earth from above? – then this program for visiting Ecuador’s Andean Region is what you are looking for. Participate in some fun adventures and see a real Paradise on Earth! With us you will experience the cultural, historical, and natural diversity of this beautiful Andean countryside.

Participate in some fun adventures and see a real Paradise on Earth! With us you will experience the cultural, historical, and natural diversity of this beautiful Andean city Quito and its Otavalo and San Pablo Lagoon from above.

ITINERARY

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN QUITO

After our arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito, our guide will welcome and assist you with your transfer to your hotel and check in.
Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala

DAY 02: QUITO

DAY TOUR COLONIAL QUITO & MIDDLE OF THE WORLD
We start visiting the Old Colonial Town: The Plaza de la Independencia, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and the El Sagrario Church are located; the Church of La Compañía (1605). Then we will visit the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church. And, finally, we will go to the viewpoint highest in the historic center, the hill “El Panecillo” from where we will have a spectacular view of Quito. Time for lunch (on your own).

In the afternoon, we will head North towards the Middle of the World, here visitors have the rare opportunity to be in two hemispheres at the same time! Same time! Then we will visit Intiñan museum, the perfect place to experience some phenomenon that occurs when you live on the equatorial line. Here our guide will also explain how Andean culture is related to our location in the world. Return to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala

DAY 03: QUITO / OTAVALO / SAN PABLO LAGOON

We start our journey driving north towards Imbabura Province, also known as the “Lagoons Province” due to the many beautiful lakes that exist here in the low valleys. During the 2.5-hour drive, you’ll stop in Cayambe to try “bizcochos”, a delicious biscuit specialty of this area. Then continue to Otavalo, where you’ll see San Pablo Lagoon and the steep Imbabura Volcano. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the famous Otavalo market, considered one of the biggest Indigenous markets in South America. You’ll find beautiful textile tapestries, wooden handicrafts, ponchos, and many different colorful products being sold in the market. Afterward, continue driving north for about 20-30 minutes to the charming town of Cotacachi, known for its quality leather goods. The town is beautiful and well-maintained, with a typical ambiance of an Andean village. Have lunch on your own in a nice local restaurant, then go up to the shores of Cuicocha Lake, located inside a volcanic crater at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano in the Ecuadorian highlands. This area is beautiful, and a well-maintained trail offers the possibility of a short hike to enjoy views of the lake and surrounding area while observing beautiful Andean flora.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight accommodations Hotel Medina del Lago – San Pablo

DAY 04: SAN PABLO LAGOON – SPECTACULAR VIEWS FROM ABOVE

AN AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE OVER THE LAKES AND ANDEAN LANDSCAPES
We start our activities at 5 am, this day we will have 2 options of flight on air balloon:

OPTION 1:
From 6 am along with the sunrise, we take off from the shores of Lake San Pablo, where we will admire all the splendor of the lake and its surroundings, we will be able to observe the impressive Andean landscapes that are drawn at the foot of the lake, we will also have a panoramic view of Taita Imbabura and Mama Cotacachi, the lasting experience of 20 -30 minutes where we will achieve an elevation of 80-100 meters to be able to admire the majesty of the Sierra Andina of the Province of Imbabura.

OPTION 2:

We start our activities at 5 am, with the assembly of the aircraft, from 6 am we start with our previously reserved flights, in which you can see Lake San Pablo in all its splendor, observed from the heights, we will have a panoramic view from the captive flight of Taita Imbabura and Mama Cotacachi, at a height of 20-25 meters. It is anchored to the ground by ropes, but you can enjoy the experience of being in a hot air balloon.

After our experience in the air, we will have time to take the typical breakfast of the area for both options. On the way to Quito, we will stop at Quitsato Solar Clock.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala

DAY 05: DEPART QUITO

Transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast

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