South America Vacations

Ecuador Vacation Package 1

3 Days Quito & Mindo Cloud Forest Tour Package

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Priced From: $450 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 Overs 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 isnt 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 neighbourhoods 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. Today is spent exploring oneof the 4 eco regions of Ecuador - the Cloud Forest located in the foothills of the Andean range. Others eco regions of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, The coastal regions and the Amazon Jungle.

The cloud forest and subtropical rainforest of Ecuador are micro-climates of great biological importance. Mindo Cloud Forest is one of the most accessible of these forests; situated approximately two hours west of Quito.

The reserve consists of primary forest with an immense biodiversity, and boasts one of the greatest concentrations of bird species anywhere in the world. In addition to the vast array of birds, many of which are endemic to the Chocó bioregion, the area is home to over 375 types of orchids and a wide variety of bromeliads and butterflies. The small town of Mindo is situated in a tranquil valley on the edge of the cloud forest. Nearby are the Caligo Butterfly Farm, an orchid garden and several waterfalls.

What is a Cloud Forest and how is it different than a Rainforest? Well, our first Cloud Forest sensations will probably be – moist, cool, green, lush. These first adjectives are important to describe a Cloud Forest. Yes it is moist. The rainy season is from January until May, with a lot of the precipitation in the form of mist and also rain. Luckily the rain is pretty predictable during this time and starts at about 2 PM and continues for a few hours giving us plenty of time to schedule our day activities. Because of the higher altitude, Cloud Forests are cool. The highest temperatures in Mindo are around 80F and the low at night is around 55F – all year round! Because of the moisture and coolness (that slows evaporation), Cloud Forests are very green and lush. This unique climate allows loads of epiphytes, plants that live on other plants, to grow almost out of control! There are mosses on the trunks of trees, orchids between the mosses, ferns growing on branches, algae covering leaves – much mores so than in Rain Forests. In Mindo there is a distinct dry season for about 7 months (June through December) when rain is scarce and sporadic, but moisture levels are still maintained by mists that condense on the side of mountains.

So Cloud Forests are more lush and cooler than lowland Rainforests. Another difference is that Rainforests have larger, silt laden, slow moving rivers, while Cloud Forests are characterized by fast moving, clear rocky rivers. Both are diverse, but which is more diverse? Well it depends on what and where you look. Cloud forests have beautiful overlooks due to the irregular, mountainous terrain (no need for bird towers here!), while Rainforests are flatter and often separated by swamps, lakes or streams. This is important in the distribution of species. Rainforests are incredibly diverse but the plants and animals are more widespread while Cloud Forests, because of natural barriers, have many more range restricted or endemic species. If we look at epiphytes, such as Orchids, Cloud Forests are more diverse – at tree species, Rainforest. Bird species? It probably depends on the size of the area observed. If you expand out a little and include a few valleys and mountains, plus different elevations Cloud Forests probably hold more bird species. Remember this comes from someone living in a Cloud Forest!

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, Mindo Cloud Forest

• 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
• Otavalo Market Visit
• Amazon Jungle Adventures
• Mountain Biking
• White Water Rafting
• Hacienda stays
• Summit a Volcano
• Whale Watching

• 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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