Itinerary:

DAY 1: 

You will start at 8:00 a.m. from your hotel in Quito. You will travel south along the Pan-American Highway, localy known as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Then around 9:30 a.m. you will arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, in order to be surrounded by pristine forests, mountains, lagoons, wild horses and fascinating ecosystems that gradually change as you gain altitude in this fantastic reserve! You will see also the exotic wildlife in its natural habitat while you participate on the walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon (3.800 m - 12,467 ft). Also, you will have the opportunity to drive up to the parking lot, located at 4.500 meters above sea level (14,763 ft), in order to do a challenging hike up to an altitude of 4.800 meters (15,748 ft) where “Jose Rivas” Base Camp is located, just below the glaciers! Afterwards, you will visit "San Agustin de Callo", an impressive farmhouse in Ecuador, built over Inca structures!! In the afternoon you will arrive to Hacienda La Ciénega, that was shelter of Alexander Von Humboldt in the nineteenth century! Overnight at a charming colonial bedroom.

DAY 2: 

We leave at 8:00 a.m. towards the Indian market of Saquisilí (Thursday). Then you drive towards Quilotoa Crater Lake that shows a spectacular view of the Andean mountains, passing by the ancestral canyon of the Toachi River and many indigenous communities and farmlands! Before lunch you will visit the hut of an indigenous local family where you will have the opportunity to interact with the inhabitants and maybe learn a few Kichwa words, which is the native language of the Andean region! After this memorable experience, you have the opportunity to visit the local and unique Indian market of Zumbahua (Saturday). The tour includes a steep walk inside the crater of Quilotoa Volcano, where a very attractive emerald-colour-lagoon is located (3.600 m - 11,811 ft). The way back to the top of the crater, where the parking lot is, takes about one hour, or there is the option of renting a mule to go back up there, in a comfortable settle, doing less effort! After this fabulous adventure, you will be back in Quito approximately at 6:00 p.m., totally amazed and satisfied!!

RECOMMENDED DAYS: Any day of the week. 

Include:

• Private Transportation
• Certified English speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Inca Hacienda lunch
• Mentioned lodging or similar (depending on availability)
• Breakfast
• Mentioned itinerary and visits

Exclude:

• Dinner
• Drinks
• Lunch on Day # 2
• Mules or horses ride

Level de Difficulty: 

• Moderate

Recommendations:

Important outfits: Camera, sunscreen lotion, cap or hat, sunglasses, gloves, binoculars, backpack or handbag, comfortable hiking boots, walking shoes or tennis shoes, T-shirt or long sleeves shirt, long trousers, windbreaker or waterproof jacket, warm sweater, and some cash (US dollars) for additional entrance fees, meals or drinks.  

Tour average temperature: 10 C° - 19 C°  /  50 F° - 66,2 F°

Insurance: It is responsibility of every traveler that he/she is adequately insured against personal accidents and medical expenses during his/her trip to Ecuador, as well as having travel cancellation and baggage insurance to protect himself/herself.

Tour booking policy: Our tours are based on lodging, activities, private transportation and guiding services. - All tour prices are given in US dollars. - All services should be fully prepaid before starting the tour. - Bookings must be done through www.ecuadorbesttours.com, or by paying directly at our offices. - For last minute bookings, our clients must request availability via phone call or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). After confirming availability, bookings must be fully prepaid before starting the tour. - Especial physical conditions, allergies and dietary restrictions must be informed to a EBT's representative in advance. - Our tours will be guided in fluent English or Spanish languages, as it is required. - EBT shall have no liability with passengers in case of accidents or sickness. Therefore, EBT deeply recommends a private travel insurance. - EBT reserves the right to cancel or suspend tours depending on weather conditions, natural disasters, government regulations, suspicious diseases, etc. Always regarding for the safety of our clients. - Under no circumstances EBT will refund any money on the same day that the tour takes place. - Cancellations must be done 15 days previous departure date. - Flights cancellations, or last minute flight changes are totally out of control or responsibility of EBT. - Price per person will be applied according to the number of participants in every booking. For "solo travelers", couples or family groups, price per person may variates. - Children under 3 years old don't pay. - EBT never offers any refund if a cancellation happens within 15 days prior tour's departure date. - EBT always offers a 50% refund of the total amount if the client decides to cancel a tour 15 days or more, before tours departure date.