South America Vacations

Ecuador Vacation Package 1

3 Days Quito and Cotopaxi Tour Package

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Priced From: $567 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Contact Travelwizard


 



Nestled in a long, narrow valley between the lush base of the Volcano Pichincha to the west and the precipitous canyon of the river Machángara to the east, Quito enjoys an unmatched natural setting. At night, from above, Quito is an oasis of lights against the absolute blackness of the forested mountains and the volcanoes that surround it. By day the city is equally as impressive. Quito's classic architecture and modern structures work with the timber and vegetation that ring them to produce South America's most beautiful capital city.

Quito is the perfect place to begin exploring Ecuador. Our Quito City Stop Over's allows you to visit the historic sites of Quito's Old Town and the city's dozens of museums; visit some of its hundreds of shops, cafes, and restaurants. If this isn't enough then considering taking advantage of the plethora of excursions, hikes and climbs in the surrounding area that A.I. can assist you with. If you haven't seen Quito, you haven't seen Ecuador!

Accommodations: Hotel

Day 1. After your arrival into Quito airport or at the end of your previous Ecuadorian arrangements you will be met and transferred to your hotel of choice.

As individuals pre and or post arrangements vary there are no activities planned for today.

Day 2. Today is spent discovering what was once the ancient Incan capital of Quito on a full day city tour.

A comprehensive city tour includes visits to residential neighborhoods at the northern end of the city, visiting the " Guapulo Mirador", passing through the 12 of October Avenue up to the Culture House and the Legislative Palace (Congress) where the rock murals that are related to the history of Ecuador can be appreciated..

The tour will then continue through the Gran Colombia Avenue up to the Basilica Church, we will make a brief stop and next the "San Juan Mirador" will be waiting with a beautiful sight of Colonial Quito.

Walking through the colonial streets we will then stop at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government's Palace, and the Archiepiscopal palace. Furthermore, we will visit La Compañia Church where adornments and gold altars can be appreciated, a visit to the Sagrario Church and San Francisco which was built in the XVII century will be also done ( entrances are not included) Then we will be heading to the "Panecillo Mirador" (entrance is included) a beautiful place from where a sight of colonial and modern Quito will be taken.

(NOTE: The above city tour description is to be used as a guide only as actual sites visited may vary.)

We return to your hotel of choice in the early evening.

Day 3. Rising majestically 60 kilometers south of Ecuador's capital city, Quito, is a perfect cone shaped volcano named Cotopaxi. In indigenous tongues, Cotopaxi means "piece of the moon."

Surrounding the volcano are lakes, lava beds, spectacular mountain scenery and, of course, sparkling white glaciers. This is Cotopaxi National Park.

Cotopaxi became a national park on July 26, 1979. The park encompasses 33,393 hectares and occupies parts of the provinces of Cotopaxi, Napo and Pichincha. Altitude within the park varies from 3400 meters above sea level to 5897 meters at the top of the volcano. Cotopaxi is the second most visited national park after the Galapagos Islands.

Upon entering the park, the first destination for many day trippers is Limpiopungo Lake. The lake lies at 3850 meters and encompasses 200 hectares.

Apart from the panoramic views encircling the lake, one can witness the flight of native birds such as the gaviotas de páramo, ducks and quilicos. Glimpses of curiquingues, deer, rabbits, llamas, paramo wolves and the Andean condor can also surprise the fortunate visitor.

Continuing towards the volcano, one passes an area aptly called the "lava fields." The remains of large rocks litter a grayish field of condensed lava--concrete reminders of Cotopaxi's previous eruptions and potential danger. The first documented history of Cotopaxi's eruptions date from 1534. The volcano destroyed the town of Latacunga in 1742, 1768 and 1877. Today, Cotopaxi is considered the world's tallest active volcano. Fortunately, its activity is monitored continuously by Ecuador's Geophysic Institute.

A steeply inclined path of slippery gravel leads one to the Cotopaxi guest house or refugio. The change in climate and altitude coming from Quito can be brusque and this path is specially trying. It is recommended that one acclimatizes slowly. Therefore, give yourself at least an hour an a half to reach the refugio.

We return to Quito rest and relax at oneof the many restaurants that dot the town.

Day 4. Today you are transferred back to Quito airport to connect with your onward journey.

Additional nights are available on request.

Colonial city of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park

• Arrival and Departure transfers
• Meet and greet bilingual A.I. transfer representative, bilingual licensed tour guide
• 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast (based on selected hotel - see NOTES below)
• All entrance fees, all bus, boat and train tickets if applicable
• Quito City Tour
• Mindo Cloud Forest Tour
• Baggage handling at airports and at hotels

• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Domestic Flight or transport to and from start and finish point
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

• Galapagos Islands
• Equator Visit
• Otavalo Market Visit
• Amazon Jungle Adventures
• Mountain Biking
• White Water Rafting
• Hacienda stays
• Summit a Volcano
• Whale Watching
• Mindo Cloud Forest
• Nariz del Diablo train ride - Ride the roof of the train through the Andes!

• Pricing based on 2 people sharing a room, SIB (Seat in Bus service)
• Rates for private service available on request
• Single and triple rates for SIB and private services are available on request.
• Tours are guided in one language only

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