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City Tour Quito + Mitad del Mundo

On our City Tour you will visit the Independence Monument, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Archbishop´s Palace, La Compañía Church , el Sagrario, and the Monastery of San Francisco – the oldest church in Quito, constructed in the XVII century. You will then continue to El Panecillo a glorious viewpoint overlooking the city. On a clear day, you can see the volcanos that surround the city.

Later you visit the “Ciudad Mitad Del Mundo” to see the monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres. This monument, constructed in the 18th century, was where the French scientific expedition defined the position of the equatorial line. As an option you can also visit the “Museo Etnográfico” or the fascinating “Intiñan” museum, highlighting the equator from the indigenous perspective.

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs
Price: from $80 p/p
INCLUDES
  • Bilingual guide
  • Private transportation
  • Lunch
NOT INCLUDES
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional activities
  • Entrances fee
 

Following breakfast, you depart for Otavalo – the beautiful indigenous city of the Andes known for its textiles and hand weavings, and home to one of the most important indigenous markets in South America. Along the Pan-American highway you will be able to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the countryside. The first stop is in Calderon, a village known for its unique, brightly colored figurines made of “mazapan”, a traditional bread dough. Continuing the journey there will be a quick stop in Guayllabamba, to try “chirimoyas” a delicious fruit of the region. If the weather is on your side, there will be a few stops to take pictures of the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Andes. You will also visit the San Pablo lake viewpoint, located at the foot of the Imbabura volcano, before arriving in Otavalo. Here you can visit the world famous “Plaza de los Ponchos”, with an amazing array of colorful crafts from local artisans. You will have time to enjoy some shopping (and bargaining!) before departing to the Peguche waterfall, considered sacred to the indigenous people of the area. Finally you will visit a local community near Otavalo to learn more about their crafts and customs before returning to Quito.

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs
Price: from $90PP
Min: 2 people
INCLUDES
  • Bilingual guide
  • Private transportation
  • Lunch
NOT INCLUDES
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional activities
  • Entrances fee

Mindo is located in an amazing part in the country, where the Chocoan lowlands and the Andes meet. The cloudforests of Mindo offer some of the best hiking and birdwatching in the world. Over 500 species of birds have been seen in the area. You will enjoy a hike leading to beautiful waterfalls while listening to and observing the different species. You also have the opportunity for more adventure, such as zip- lining and tubing. You visit the interesting community of Mindo before returning to Quito.

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs
Price: from $90PP
Min: 2 people
INCLUDES
  • Bilingual guide
  • Private transportation
  • Lunch
NOT INCLUDES
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional activities
  • Entrances fee

Antisana - Papallacta

Enjoy a fabulous day trip from Quito to the dramatic Antisana volcano, fourth-highest in Ecuador with an altitude of 5758 meters. We pick you up at your hotel in the morning and travel about an hour southeast of the city up to the snowcapped glacial peaks. You have the opportunity to experience various activities such as horseback riding, sport fishing, photography, flora and fauna observation, etc. Next is a visit to Papallacta Lake, at 3180 meters. This lake provides drinking water to the city of Quito. The famous hot springs of Papallacta are surrounded by mountains, and lush vegetation, and the water springs from the earth at temperatures between 35°c and 64˚ c. In the past, Papallacta was a center of healing and relaxation for Incan warriors. Today you can relax and enjoy a soothing medicinal bath in this spectacular site, and enjoy the gifts of nature before returning to Quito.

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs
Price: from $90PP
Min: 2 people
INCLUDES
  • Bilingual guide
  • Private transportation
  • Lunch
NOT INCLUDES
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional activities
  • Entrances fee

Cotopaxi National Park

Heading south from Quito you will be able to admire the beautiful Andean landscapes along the “Volcano Route” – passing by majestic volcanoes, small indigenous communities and observing typical animals of the area such as lamas, vicuñas, and alpacas and continuing the journey to the impressive volcano of Cotopaxi at 5897 masl. There is a visit to the National Park museum for an overview of the area, before a quick stop at the Limpiopungo Lake for spectacular views of Cotopaxi. You will hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4800 meters, and after a rest, if the weather permits, people in adequate physical condition can attempt a more strenuous hike to reach the glacier at 5000 meters, then return to Quito.

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs
Price: from $90PP
Min: 2 people
INCLUDES
  • Bilingual guide
  • Private transportation
  • Lunch
NOT INCLUDES
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional activities
  • Entrances fee

Polylepis Tours

Polylepis Tours is a Tour Operator dedicated to delivering the best of Ecuador’s four regions to our clients. Bringing together the finest of our local providers, to showcase the amazing diversity that this wonderful country has to offer.