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Culture and Nature!

Above the Clouds: Journey to Quito

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4+ Nights
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Three of Ecuador's highlights

See Quito, Otavalo and Mindo on this 4 or 5-night adventure above the clouds! Stand at the equator line in Quito, admire the colorful goods at Otavalo market and wander through an emerald cloudforest in Mindo.

What's Included
  • Round-trip economy class airfare to Quito (UIO)
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • 4 nights in Quito at the Mercure Alameda Hotel, or similar
  • Quito City Tour with Equatorial Line Monument (6-hours)
  • Otavalo Indian Market Tour (full-day)
  • Mindo Cloudforest Tour (8-hours)
  • Breakfast daily

Great Ways to Explore

  • Quito has one of the best preserved historic centers in Latin America - take the time to explore its colonial buildings and passageways!

  • Adventurous eaters will want to try the Andean specialty known as cuy, or roasted guinea pig.

  • Travel through Ecuador's gorgeous countryside until you reach Otavalo, a town famous for its daily market.

  • From Otavalo, journey to another of Ecuador's small towns: Cotacachi. This town is known for its leatherworks, so don't leave without picking up a souvenir.

  • Spend a full day in Mindo cloudforest. Bird enthusiasts will be amazed by the 500 types of birds found here.

Package Overview

Don't judge Ecuador by its small size! Packed with natural wonders, culture, and history, South America's smallest country is packed with must-sees.

You'll be based in the capital of Quito, a high-altitude Andean city with centuries-old history from the Incas to the Spanish colonial rule. Take photos in San Francisco Square, taste some of the best chocolate in the world and visit a market where you'll pick up ingredients for a cooking class.

In Otavalo, located about 56 miles north of Quito, you'll experience this unique town that holds one of the most famous markets in Latin America. Dating back to pre-Incan times, Otavalo market is a vibrant daily affair where you can pick up fragrant spices, woven textiles and even a live goat or two! 

Explore the western slopes of the Andes in Mindo. You will be amazed by the immense bird species, exotic orchids, butterflies, ferns, lush green vegetation and well-marked trails in Mindo's cloudforest. 

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Show Detailed Itinerary

Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.

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Package ID: PK-GC4P-SH-ATC-UIO

Please note that some elements called out in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check "What's Included" above for full details on inclusions. As we all go through the recovery together, the fluid nature of this event means some venues and attractions may have restrictions or closures. Please check online resources close to the time of travel to better plan your own day-to-day itinerary.

Day 1. Welcome to Quito!

Arrive in Quito and enjoy a transfer to your first accommodation. Set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Quito is easy on the eyes. The city is known for its colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. Quito has 86 churches and monasteries, giving it the name of the “Convent of America." 

Spend your first night in Quito trying the local cuisine like hornado (roasted pork) or for the more adventurous eaters, cuy (guinea pig)!

Transfer to Quito hotel

Check-in - Hotel Mercure Alameda

Quito, Ecuador
4 out of 5 stars

Surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars, and shops, the Mercure Alameda Hotel rests in the heart of the tourist area of Quito. The hotel offers delicious meals in either of their two restaurants, a snack bar for on-the-go food, two different coffee shops that will keep you running all day, a 24-hour business center, and a bar to unwind at as the day comes to a close.

All rooms at the Alameda feature a satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a safety-deposit box, free bottled water, a private bathroom and a bathtub. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk away from the Casa de Cultura Ecuatoriana, and is about 20 miles from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. With free on-site parking available and an airport shuttle for a small fee, this hotel thrives on convenience. 

Day 2. Quito

Wake up and enjoy a 6-hour tour of Quito's highlights including Panecillo Hill and the “Middle of the World” - the Equatorial Line. 

Later, head to Calle La Ronda, one of Quito's oldest streets. The cobblestone alley features restored historic buildings and a lively bar scene in the evening.

Quito City Tour with Equatorial Line Monument (6 hours)

The tour of Quito will introduce you to this culturally unique city. See the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral (outside), admire the facade of church La Compania de Jesus. Afterwards, visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito.”

Later, visit the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously! The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th-century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador.

Day 3. Quito - Otavalo - Quito

Take an approximately 2-hour bus ride today to Otavalo, a town in the Andes that hosts a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times. Once in Otavalo, visit the traditional Indian market and be amazed at the colorful textiles, clothing and more on display! Then head to Cotacachi village, famous for its leatherworks. 

Otavalo Indian Market Tour (full-day)

Discover the world-famous Indian handicrafts market in Otavalo. Otavalo's indigenous residents have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Residents have a long tradition as artisans and traders and they commonly travel to Europe and other countries in the Americas to sell their wares.

See families wearing their colorful clothes and speaking Quichua as their first tongue and Spanish as their second in this typical indigenous city. Enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts at the giant market and take some new souvenirs with you. 

Continue to the town of Cotacachi, known as Ecuador’s center for leatherworks. Here you can stroll along the small streets and pop into the various shops to pick up a unique leather souvenir.

Day 4. Quito

An approximately 2-hour drive will bring you from Quito to the small subtropical town of Mindo, located behind the mountain chain of Pichincha volcano 4,100 ft above sea level. In this lush paradise, enjoy waterfalls, walking trails, bird watching and more.

Mindo Cloudforest Tour (8-hours)

Escape the hustle and bustle and get in touch with nature in Mindo! The Mindeños say they have the best of both regions of the highlands and the coast: the tropical heat and the proximity to the capital in the highland. On your way down to the valley, you will immediately notice the change in vegetation and climate. The temperature in Mindo varies between 64 and 75 °F and the frequency of precipitation is as high as anywhere in the Andean foothills.

Mindo and its surroundings offer the possibility to discover cloud forests, an extraordinary richness of about 500 various types of birds and natural swimming places in its rivers. The nature reserve Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo is home to a diversity of birds, orchids, and various medicinal plants.

The small and idyllic town of Mindo, an eco tourism destination, has some simple guesthouses and restaurants. A walk to the Cascada (waterfall) and a visit to the butterfly and/or orchid farm are both worth doing.

Day 5. Depart Ecuador

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your bag and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport. Board your plane and spend your relaxing flight home dreaming about your next adventure.

Transfer to Quito airport (UIO)

Fly home!

We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.

Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.

Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.

Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.

Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.

Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.

Promo Code Offer Details: All promotions are subject to availability, valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, voucher or any other offers, and are not redeemable for cash. Offers are available for phone bookings via our reservation agents as well as online. This promo code can be input online on the payment screen. The call center is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 9PM ET, Saturdays 10AM – 6PM ET. Discounts will apply only once per passenger and are not valid for airfare only, or any other products or services. If a flight reservation is changed or cancelled, the original fare basis rules apply (plus any increase in fare). Additional restrictions may apply.

Cancellations/Changes: Rates are non-refundable. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/change, and depend upon the package type. Trip protection is recommended.

Call 1-800-896-4600 or go to /travel/terms-and-conditions for full details on change/cancellation policy. 
Quito, Ecuador

Hotel Mercure Alameda

Located in the heart of the tourist area of Quito

Hotel Mercure Alameda Start over On a full map

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