Ecuador Packages: Quito Culture & History

• Ecuador tour package to Quito, Mitad del Mundo & Otavalo
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Quito, the second highest capital in Latin America, is blessed with one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. Flanked by the staggering peaks of lush Volcano Pichincha to the west, and cradled by a low ridge to the east, Quito guarantees a mountain view from almost every point in the city. Quito also boasts one of the most attractive historic centers in South America. The exquisite architecture, combined with the dramatic volcanic mountains surrounding the city and the large indigenous population, is what really makes this city so memorable. 

On this fascinating Quito tour, travelers will wander the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Town, admiring the picturesque colonial architecture of former palaces and the ornate facades of churches. Two trips outside of Quito will give you a glimpse into Andean rural culture and help paint a more complete portrait of life in the highlands.

Take your picture straddling the Equator Line at Mitad del Mundo, the village in the center of the world, and participate in one of the largest and oldest markets in South America by heading to Otavalo, a city surrounded by volcanoes and lakes, but made famous by its industrious, thriving indigenous population.Even if you don’t consider yourself a shopper, you will not want to miss the hundreds of vendors wearing traditional clothing, proudly displaying beautifully hand-crafted artwork. 

Day 1 : Arrival to Quito
Day 2 : Quito Tour & Mitad del Mundo Tour
Day 3 : Otavalo Tour
Day 4 : Depature from Quito

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Day 1 : Arrival to Quito

• You will be picked up at the Quito airport by one of our Peru For Less representatives and taken to your comfortable Quito hotel. 
• You will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure relaxing in your hotel and getting acclimated to the high altitude. Depending on your arrival time, you can also opt for one of our optional excursions below.

Day 2 : Quito Tour & Mitad del Mundo Tour

• After breakfast at your Quito hotel, you will meet your English-speaking guide who will escort you to the Centro Historico, the colonial center of Quito, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, where you will start your tour of Quito. You will first enjoy a panoramic view of Alamada Park and the Basilica before taking a stroll down the Street of the Seven Crosses (Garcia Moreno) named for the seven stone crosses erected by the Spanish after they conquered the city. 
• From here you will head to the beautiful, flower-filled Plaza Grande, also known as Independence Square, dominated by a Cathedral adorned with plaques celebrating the city’s founding fathers. The plaza is surrounded by some of the most exquisite buildings in Ecuador such as the Presidential Palace and the famous La Compania de Jesus. West of Plaza Grande is Plaza de San Francisco, renowned for its spectacular setting in the shadow of Volcano Pichincha. Here you will have a tour of the historically rich San Francisco Church and Monastery, dedicated to the patron saint of the city.
• In the afternoon, you will head to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), about 45 minutes from Quito, where the Equatorial Monument stands. The monument was built between 1979 and 1982 to mark the place where a French expedition in the 17^th century located the equator. Mitad del Mundo has almost become a little village with shops, restaurants, and various museums inside the gates. You can also choose to visit the Ethnographic Museum and Scientific Museum.
• In the afternoon you will return to your comfortable Quito hotel where you can relax and spend the evening at your leisure. Check out our blog article for ideas about how to get off the beaten track in Quito. 

Day 3 : Otavalo Tour

• In the morning, after breakfast in your hotel, you and your tour guide will head to Otavalo, a small town famous for its artisan market. Along the picturesque route featuring snow-capped mountains and pastoral landscapes, you will stop at Calderon. This small town is known for its locally made bread dough figurines called masapan. The tour will also take you to the town of Guayllabamba where you can taste the unique Andean fruit called cherimoya. Cherimoya is a creamy, white fruit that naturally blends the flavors of banana, passion fruit, and papaya. 
• After another quick stop at the lovely San Pablo Lake, you will arrive in Otavalo where you will visit the textile market at Plaza de Ponchos. You can admire all sorts of handicrafts including tapestries made on Spanish weaving looms and the indigenous backstrap loom. After a full day spent in Otavalo, you will return to your comfortable Quito hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
• You can read more about shopping in Otavalo on our Latin America blog. 

Day 4 : Depature from Quito

• After breakfast, you have the opportunity to take an additional Quito tour, or meet your transfer to the airport for your journey home or to the next destination on your Ecuador vacation. Browse our Ecuador travel destinations for ideas of where to head next.

*Note: All our tours can be done in the reverse order as well. Ask your travel advisor for more information.

Occupancy	3 Star	4 Star	5 Star
Double/Triple	$519 €394 £325	$649 €493 £407	$679 €516 £426
Single	$809 €615 £507	$1,159 €881 £727	$1,129 €858 £708
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.

Occupancy	3 Star	4 Star	5 Star
Double/Triple	$519 €394 £325	$649 €493 £407	$679 €516 £426
Single	$809 €615 £507	$1,159 €881 £727	$1,129 €858 £708
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.

Airfare (Not included)	Approximate Price per passenger
	$ to $

Top Pick Quito Hotels

Hilton Colon Quito 5*

Avenida Amazonas y Patria Avenida, Quito

This 5-star luxury hotel is conveniently located only 20 minutes from the Quito airport and a 10-minute walk from the city's historic center. This fully equipped and elegant hotel is perfect if you are looking to pamper yourself and enjoy a carefree vacation. Relax in the fitness center, spa, or swimming pool, and treat yourself to a delicious meal in one of the hotel's five exquisite restaurants, or simply rest in your modern and luxurious room.  All rooms and suites are stylishly decorated in a contemporary fashion and provide spacious areas for you to relax in style.

Restaurant Internet Laundry Service Room Service Gym Spa Parking Swimming Pool

Hilton Colon Quito Photos & Info »

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Hotel Anahi 4*

Tamayo 687 y Wilson, Quito

This new luxury boutique hotel is probably one of the best hotels in all of Ecuador. This elegant hotel successfully combines contemporary and traditional Ecuadorian styles, giving it an air of authenticity while offering great comfort and stylish décor. As a reminder of the city's fascinating and complex history, each room is uniquely decorated to emphasize different elements of Ecuador's cultural heritage. The hotel's architecture, however, focuses on simplicity with a carved wood and stone center bringing an air of serenity to the entire place. Enjoy instant relaxation in the hotel's wellness zone equipped with a Jacuzzi, hammam and massage room.

Restaurant Laundry Service Spa

Hotel Anahi Photos & Info »

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Hotel Vieja Cuba 3*

Diego de Almagro 1212 y La Niña, Quito

Located in Quito's newest commercial district and inside a majestic renovated colonial house, the Hotel Vieja Cuba comprises 26 rooms offering all the amenities that comfortable modern life requires. The stylish rooms, with their wooden furnishings and warm colors, are cozy and create a peaceful haven where guests can rest after a long day of sightseeing. The three restaurants and the coffee-bar are all characterized by the distinctive touch of the various chefs who manage to exquisitely combine African, French, Spanish and Chinese influences into a delicious Cuban gastronomy.

Restaurant Internet Laundry Service

Hotel Vieja Cuba Photos & Info »

See all Quito hotels

• 3 nights in Quito in Ecuador hotels based on US standards
• Guided visits with English-speaking tour guides
• All transfers and entrance fees
• All breakfasts 

Additional Services in Quito

• Half -Day Teleferico Tour
• Full-Day Tour to Cotopaxi Volcano

Half -Day Teleferico Tour

Watch Quito from above with this half day tour to the recently inaugurated TeleferiQo. This cable car located on Cruz Loma, a hill on the slopes of the active Pichincha Volcano, takes off at 9,680ft and reaches 13,284ft. On clear days, travelers can catch a glimpse of snow capped volcanoes in the distance from the lookout point. This optional excursion is highly recommended and is usually one of the highlights of Quito for travelers.  From the lookout point, there is a trail that leads up to the very peak of the volcano, although this is only recommended for strong hikers.  Horseback riding can also be found along the route, but most people are happy to enjoy the stunning views and grab a bite to eat or a hot chocolate at one of the restaurants at the top.  This can also be a great activity for families with children as there is a small amusement park at the base of the TeleferiQo.

Note: This tour requires a 30 minute uphill walk.

Price per Person	--
Pricing upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Full-Day Tour to Cotopaxi Volcano

After a delicious breakfast at your Quito hotel, you and your guide will begin the scenic drive to Cotopaxi National Park, winding through the Avenue of the Volcanoes and its towering peaks lining the road. With its perfect snow-covered cone, the Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the main landmarks in Ecuador and the highest active volcano in the world.

The diverse landscape is rich with various flora and fauna and you will have a chance to spot chuquiragua (Mountaineer´s flower), wild horses, llamas, and deer. You will also get the opportunity to visit Limpiopungo Lake, near Rumiñahui volcano, or take a scenic hike before eating lunch in a traditional hacienda (optional).  

Price per Person	--
Pricing upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.