Quito, Cotopaxi, and Mindo: Andes, Volcano, and Cloud Forest in 3 Days

Quito: Colonial Historic Center, vantage points, and the Mitad del Mundo. Cotopaxi: Active volcano, hike to the refuge, Andean páramo. Mindo: Cloud forest, birdwatching, waterfalls, and adventure.
• DAY 1 | QUITO.
Start time: 8:30am
We'll start in the colonial heart of Quito, a World Cultural Heritage Site:
✓ Basilica del Voto Nacional: climb up to the towers and the "Christ" on the façade; panoramic views of the city.
✓Plaza Grande, Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, and Metropolitan Cathedral.
✓ Church of the Society of Jesus: Quito's Baroque jewel, with over 50 kilos of gold leaf inside.
✓Time to have lunch with local cuisine.
✓Chocolate tasting: More than 10 varieties of flavors and chocolate percentages to sample.
✓ Panecillo Hill: The Winged Virgin of Quito and a vantage point with a 360° view of the city.
✓Cable car: Ascent to the foothills of the Pichincha volcano, short hike to the vantage point, swing, and spectacular views of the entire Quito Valley, Cotopaxi, and other snow-capped peaks on clear days.
✓Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum.
✓ Intiñan Museum: Experiments on the Equator Line (balancing an egg, Coriolis force), more interactive and fun.
Middle of the World City: Official landmark to the equator.
✓Return to hotel

• DAY 2 | COTOPAXI.
Start time 7:30 a.m. | Bring a scarf, a hat, sunglasses, and very warm clothing, as it is cold and very windy.
Approximately 2-hour drive to Cotopaxi National Park
✓ Visit to the José Rivas Shelter: Ascent, hike from the parking lot to the shelter at 300 meters above sea level.
✓ Limpiopungo Lagoon: Easy and accessible hike along the lagoon, with the possibility of spotting condors, white-tailed deer, and Andean waterfowl.
✓ Visit to the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center: Where you can learn about the flora and fauna of Cotopaxi National Park
Departure from Cotopaxi National Park
✓Time for lunch
✓ Return to hotel

• DAY 3 | MINDO..
Departure at 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. to make it to all the activities
✓ Breakfast en route
✓ Stop at the Pululahua Crater Vantage Point: Geobotanical Reserve with an active inhabited crater, the first in the world after the Aogashima Crater in Japan.
Two hours from Quito lies Mindo, the gateway to the Chocó Andino, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve with one of the highest concentrations of bird biodiversity on the planet. This is where the heat and many adventures begin.
✓ San Tadeo birdwatching: Chance to observe 15–20 species of hummingbirds up close and hand-feed them. You'll also see multicolored tanagers and quetzals, and with a bit of luck, we'll spot a toucan.
✓ Nambillo Waterfalls: Hike to the waterfall and cross the valley in a suspended basket with panoramic views of the cloud forest.
✓ Canopy/Zip-lining: Several zip lines for your adventure in the air.
✓ Mindo Butterfly Garden: Explanation of the complete life cycle, from egg to adult butterfly.
✓ Time for lunch: Varied menu
Tubing on the Mindo River: Floating down the river on inner tubes, a fun and refreshing activity
✓ Return to hotel
✓✓ End of activities.

Per garantire la disponibilità, prenota il prima possibile. La prenotazione anticipata è consigliata soprattutto se stai pianificando il viaggio durante l'alta stagione come le festività pubbliche o i fine settimana.

Questa escursione può essere annullata senza costi fino a 24 ore prima dell'inizio del viaggio. Se la annulli dopo 24 ore o non ti presenti all'escursione, ti verrà comunque addebitato il prezzo intero dell'attività. Essere in ritardo al ritiro o alla partenza sarà considerato come non presentarsi.