2 DAY SHORT TRIPS – ANDEAN REGION

Quito outlooks, domes, middel of the world & botanic garden:
Duration: 2 Day // Departure: Daily

Day 1. Transportation will be provided from your hotel to Quito’s old town. The tour begins with a visit to the Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, Archbishops’ Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. In here we will be visiting the beautiful Cathedral´s domes. We will also visit the Church of La Compañia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars, this is considered as one of the finest examples of baroque art in America, and the Moorish influence can be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings. Afterwards we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535); this is the oldest Ecuadorian church and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures and furniture dating back to the 16th century. We will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, “El Panecillo” hill, which is a beautiful place – where you can have a breathtaking view of the colonial and modern city of Quito. Also, at this place we can find an impressive monument of the winged Virgin of Legarda. Afterwards, you will visit two other points where you can have an amazing view of Quito, we will go to San Juan Outlook, located on Carchi and Nicaragua streets, in here you will be able to admire the Historic Center and if you are lucky you can also see Cotopaxi Volcano, Antisana and Cayambe. The next outlook to visit is The Itchimbia Park, in this place you can appreciate a 360° view of the city, in addition you can see some of the main touristic points like The Basilica del Voto Nacional. Return to the Hotel.

Day 2. We will pick you up at your hotel, in this day we will be going to Quito´s botanical garden, the hidden gem of the city. In here you will be able to see more than 5000 plants of about 500 species. The majority are native to our country. The botanical garden´s area is 18200 m2, which are divided into the different climatic zones of Ecuador, you can observe roses, lilies of the valleys, bromeliads, palms and so more. The highlight of this place is the orchid exhibition, in here you will find around 1200 native species of Ecuador´s orchids.

Otavalo and surroundings:
Duration: 2 Day // Departure: Daily

Day 1. Departure from Quito, we will visit the town of Calderón with its typical “masapan” handicrafts, brief stop at Cayambe where the equatorial line crosses dividing the world in two hemispheres. On the way, we will stop at the Mirador of San Pablo (viewpoint). Next, we will arrive to Otavalo to visit its indigenous market, full of Ecuadorian typical handicrafts. After lunch, we will visit the town of Cotacachi where you will find a variety of leather items then continue to Cuicocha Lake.

Day 2. The next day, breakfast will be served and we will continue to the town of San Antonio de Ibarra known for their handicrafts made of wood. Next, we will visit the town of Peguche and its waterfalls. In town we will see how the indigenous create their weavings. Return Quito in the afternoon.

Cotopaxi volcano & Quilotoa lake:
Duration: 2 Day // Departure: Daily

Day 1. Departure from Quito through The Panamericana South Highway, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the place, we drive to the impressive active volcano Cotopaxi (5.897 m. High). Our first stop will be at the Limpiopungo Lake, and during our stay at the National Park, we can do a moderated level of trekking. Also, we can see from the lake the silhouette of the Cotopaxi volcano.

Day 2. In this day we will going to Quilotoa Lagoon where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of it, Quilotoa Lagoon (key-low-toe-ha) with a high crater inside, a water- filled 3 kilometer (2 miles) wide caldera. This caldera was formed by the collapse of the volcano in an eruption that took place approximately 800 years ago. The caldera has since accumulated a 250 m (820 ft) deep crater lake, which has an extraordinary turquoise color because of dissolved minerals. It will take you a half hour hike down to the lake. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor and hot springs occur on the eastern flank of the volcano. The return hike takes one hour, or there is an option of renting a mule. (Optional and at expense of the passenger) We will stop for a well-deserved lunch in the area. During our trip we might have the possibility to see a naïf artist. Naïf art is a strong characteristic of this region and it is well known throughout the world. If the artist stand is open, you could have the opportunity to purchase one of these unique paintings. In the afternoon we will be returning to Quito.

Waterfalls route Baños:
Duration: 2 Day // Departure: Daily

Day 1. We will pick you up in the hotel and we will drive on the South Panamerican Highway, along the Volcanoes Avenue, if we are lucky and the sky is clear we can make a small stop to see the Ilinizas and the Cotopaxi Volcano. Then, we will arrive at the beautiful town of Ambato and go east, we will pass through the village of Salasaca which is famous for the handicraft of textiles and tapestries made in traditional handlooms. In the afternoon, you visit the town of Baños and taste products made of sugar cane like molasses candy, brown sugar, sugar cane juice, etc.

Day 2. The next day, after having breakfast we will continue visiting the surroundings of the town where you can see some of the waterfalls that are located through the via Baños – Puyo “Waterfalls Route”, one spectacular and impressive waterfall that you can see is “El Manto de la Novia” (Bride´s Veil) among others. Also, you will visit el Pailón del Diablo (the Devil´s Cauldron), which is a magnificent waterfall in the Rio Verde area, about half an hour from Baños. The waterfall is about 80 meters high and it’s one of the most spectacular waterfalls to visit in Ecuador. Afterwards, you return to Quito.

Roses, embroidery & handicrafts:
Duration: 2 Day // Departure: Daily

Day 1. We will pick you up at your hotel and continue travel until we arrive to the hacienda, where we can have a small sample of the spirit of the Andean haciendas and their daily work in the surroundings of this marvelous place. After enjoying a beautiful lunch and have lived this exciting experience we will have a demonstration of the Chagras with their spectacular show of fire, we can also get into the cellar of cheeses and taste these excellent products handcrafted in the same hacienda and learn everything about this process. We visit the local market and delight us with their offer embroidery. Then we will see the development of roses.

Day 2. After breakfast, we will visit a community nearby to see beautiful handicrafts and some embroidery, then will continue our returning to Quito.

Short trips Quito city and its surroundings

Quito is located on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano. It is considered as a city of diversity, with its cultural expressions and natural wonders. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, with its best preserved and least disturbed historical center, its cloud forest full of rich flora and fauna. It is also one of the highest capitals in the world.

HISTORICAL CENTER:

The historical center is located in the south center of Quito. It is considered to be the largest, bestpreserved and least altered historical complex and the most important in South America. It was one of the first World Cultural Heritage
Site declared by UNESCO.

The most important buildings worth visiting in the center are: The Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, Archbishops’ Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located.

Church of La Compañia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars, this is considered as one of the finest examples of baroque art in America, and the Moorish influence can be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings.

San Francisco (1535); this is the oldest Ecuadorian church and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures and furniture dating back to the 16th century.

Basilica Church, is one of the biggest and most recent churches in Ecuador, it is the highest churches in Ecuador and America Latina, it can be seen from different parts of Quito. It is also one of the most important works of the Ecuadorian neo-gothic architecture, with native flora and fauna of Ecuador as ornaments.

El Panecillo” hill, which is a beautiful place – where you can have a breathtaking view of thcolonial and modern city of Quito. Also, at this place we can find an impressive monument o the winged Virgin of Legarda.

QUITO THE ROUTE OF THE ARTISANS AND WORKSHOPS AND CHOCOLATE SHOW

During the Spanish colonial time Quito was the most important cultural and artistic center, this tradition continues, there are some places in the center where artisans and its workshops are full of beautiful handicrafts. In the historical center exists one place called “La Ronda”, one of the oldest streets in the center. In here are many shops and restaurants. La casa de las Artes de la Ronda is a cultural center where houses artistic expositions of famous artisans, it is also a place where future artisans can express their creations. There are some chocolate shops where can offer you tastings and the history of the finest chocolate in the world.

TELEFERICO DE QUITO (CABLE CAR)

During the Spanish colonial time Quito was the most important cultural and artistic center, this tradition continues, there are some places in the center where artisans and its workshops are full of beautiful handicrafts. In the historical center exists one place called “La Ronda”, one of the oldest streets in the center. In here are many shops and restaurants. La casa de las Artes de la Ronda is a cultural center where houses artistic expositions of famous artisans, it is also a place where future artisans can express their creations. There are some chocolate shops where can offer you tastings and the history of the finest chocolate in the world.

QUITO’S MUSEUMS

Quito has a variety of museums full of history. Guayasamin Museum where we can find the most complete collection of his work. Guayasamín (famous Ecuadorian artist) was also an avid collector, and the museum displays his outstanding collection of more than 4500 pre- Colombian ceramic, bone and metal pieces from throughout Ecuador.

“Casa de la Cultura” museum, where you can find marvelous works from the XVI, XVII, and XVIII centuries done by the School of Quito (Escuela Quiteña). The gold museum of the central Bank of Ecuador and return to the past looking at archeological pieces exhibited in chronological order.

Quito City Museum in the heart of Colonial Quito. It is the largest historic display that talks about the origins and evolution of the Ecuadorian capital. It occupies the oldest civil building in the city, which operated for many years the San Juan de Dios Hospital. The museum traces the daily life of citizens of those times, through stories, legends, traditions, flavors, clothes and even holidays.

BOMBOLÍ CLOUD FOREST “TOUR OF THE ORCHIDES”

Just 30 minutes from the Aloag town, on the road to the coastal region of Ecuador, located on the occidental side of the Andes mountains inside the Illinizas Ecological Reserve we will find a natural treasure called Bombolí Private Reserve which has an extension of 120 hectares of Primary Highland Forest and 80 hectares of Secondary Forest, the reserve will give us a feeling of peace and tranquility. This feeling of peace goes along with the pure contact with nature that you will find only in a place such as this one.

BOMBOLÍ CLOUD FOREST FULL DAY EXCURSION

Once we have arrived to the refuge house, the local family will give us a warm welcome. You will receive an introduction briefing by Oswaldito, where you will hear about their life in the mountain and also their complete dedication to protecting the forest. After this briefing, all the guests will have the opportunity to taste some delicious local delicacies like cheese, jams and caramel flavored cream, all of these products are completely made by the local family.

Bombolí Cloud Forest “tour of the orchides”

The tour of the orchids starts after the welcome and briefing by the owners. The excursion begins by visiting the gardens that are full of local plants like orchids, ferns, begonias, alders and much more. This visit will be done by walking around the refuge house while the host gives us some great information about the botanical and scientific aspects of this forest, also about his efforts to conserve this beautiful natural paradise located at 3200 meters above sea level.

On this walk we will also visit the Orchids Nursery, which was completely built by Oswaldito so these plants can have their own home, many of the orchids found here are in a peculiar miniature size which can only be found here. We continue our excursion towards the highlands of the forest so we can have the opportunity to visit a small Polylepis forest where you can admire all three-species found in Ecuador regarding that type of fauna. Next to this part of the forest we will also visit the family’s organic orchard where we can take a look at this unique idea of reutilizing old car tires to make them into flowerpots, the combination of this idea with the microclimates that are found in this area, it creates a space that is great for the growth of different edible plants like: lettuce, onions, mint, chamomile, carrots, lemon balm, lemon, cilantro, parsley, babaco, etc.

Following this visit, we will continue towards the upper part of the private reserve, we will walk through a trail surrounded by lots of trees and native plants of this area, also a wide variety of orchids. During this walk, we will hear from our guide an explanation of all the natural health benefits each one of these plants can give as a gift to us, this until we finally arrive to the “Primary Forest of Millenary Ferns”; these giant ferns will be the highlight of the beautiful scenery we will find here, along with a small but majestic waterfall that can be found here during winter season.

The beautiful landscape, natural richness and wide variety of ecosystems are all product of hard work during many years to protect and conserve this forest by its owners. This walk is of easy-medium difficulty and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, it´s a perfect way to walk into nature and get away from the hectic city life.

After this beautiful experience, we will return to the reserves main house so we can have a delicious lunch, made by Marianita, with organic products that in their majority have been harvested in this same reserve. After lunch, it´s time to participate in the elaboration of cheese, jams and or caramel flavored cream, all products that have been elaborated for many years here, making them of great quality and amazing taste. At the end of the day all of the visitors can acquire any of these products.

If time allows it, we can relax right by the chimney drinking some hot Bombolí coffee before having to head back to Quito.

BOMBOLÍ CLOUD FOREST FULL DAY EXCURSION

DAY 1

This adventure begins very early when our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to paradise. Just half an hour from the southern outskirts of Quito is the private Ecological Reserve Bombolí which welcomes us with a unique peaceful environment that only nature can provide in its purest form.

Our first adventure will be a two-hour hike to an ancient fern forest of indescribable beauty, filled with giant ferns that are the main protagonists of this surreal landscape. On the way, we will discover trails surrounded by over 200 species of wild orchids, begonias and countless other species that grow richly in this area. Our final destination is a waterfall and a small water spring of about 5 meters in height located in the center of this forest. The vast ecosystem of natural richness and breathtaking beauty is the result of years of care and conservation by the owners.

After this experience, we will return to the country house where we will have a delicious lunch, made with natural and organic products, which have been planted and harvested mostly in the garden of the family.

After lunch, we can choose from some of the recreational activities offered here. One is the production of cheese which has been prepared here with dedication for years, resulting in a product of excellent quality and taste. A second option is to take a cooking class with Marianita preparing fresh cheese, sweetened condensed milk or one of her fifteen types of jams. Furthermore, we can visit the garden where we will see the bold “Bombolí” idea of​ ​reusing tires as pots, creating microclimates capable of giving life to sick plants. We will also see a large variety of other plant species, such as lettuce, lemon, mint, onion, lemon verbena, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, leek, red alder, lemon, elderberry, and much more.

Later on, we will enjoy a traditional coffee or chocolate accompanied by desserts prepared by the talented hands of Marianita.

By late afternoon we will have a small discussion with the owners about this wonderful place and hear their story. Moreover, we can share our experiences and relax around the fireplace.

Before going to bed, we will take approximately a thirty-minute walk, where we will have the opportunity to listen to the sounds of some nocturnal animals. If we are lucky, we might see the mysterious owls which we can only encounter in Bombolí at night.  Finally, we can finish the day with the satisfaction of having enjoyed the most of every minute. It will be time to rest in a comfortable accommodation in the country house at Bombolí.

DAY 2

Today we will get up at 05h00 am in the morning to take advantage of the day. Before having breakfast, we will walk an hour and a half close to the hill of Bombolí to listen to the birds. They join on this hour to feed on the pollen of the flowers, forming a concert of songs that will brighten up our morning.

After breakfast, we hike for about three hours to the lower part of the reserve to explore the beautiful landscape that the rainforest makes up. It is a privileged rich ecosystem that developed hundreds of rivers and waterfalls over time. We will visit the top of two waterfalls of about 250 meters in height, where we can admire nature.

Coming back well adventured and hungry, we will enjoy our last lunch, prepared with produce offered by this generous land, and enjoy the flavors and smells of Bombolí!

Before returning to Quito, we will have the chance to learn the art of making mirrors, which are made out of wood from the forest. Either from fallen trees or donated from the surrounding properties. With this technique, also other objects such as beds, tables, chairs, decorations and many more can be made. The ingenuity and creativity might open our minds to conversation and reuse of material that nature provides us.