Thursday, March 14th, 2024 - Arrive in Quito
Arrive at Quito and spend the night at Casa Aliso in the charming Floresta area. The Floresta
area in Quito is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that combines historic charm with a
contemporary atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the city, Floresta is known for its tree-lined
streets, lively cafes, and an array of cultural attractions. The neighborhood is a hub for arts and
creativity, hosting numerous art galleries, theaters, and cultural centers. With its mix of
colonial-era architecture and modern developments, Floresta provides a unique blend of
old-world charm and urban energy.
Friday, March 15th, 2024 - Day in Mindo Cloud Forest
A day in Mindo promises an enchanting journey into one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
Nestled within lush cloud forests, Mindo is a natural paradise 2 hours from your hotel, where the
convergence of the Andes Mountains and the Chocó-Andean biozone creates a haven for both
birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Begin your day at the Mariposario de Mindo, a captivating
butterfly garden that showcases the incredible diversity of these winged creatures. Then,
choose between two exciting options: a guided tour of a local chocolate factory, where you'll
discover the art of chocolate-making from cacao bean to bar, or an outdoor adventure, set out
on a trek to explore one of Mindo's stunning waterfalls. Following your morning activity, head to
one of Mindo's renowned hummingbird observatories. These sanctuaries offer a close
encounter with dazzling hummingbirds, including various species like the Violet-tailed Sylph and
Booted Racket-tail. Lastly, recharge with a delicious lunch at the Mariposario de Mindo, known
for its excellent cuisine, before heading back to Casa Aliso to rest.
Saturday, March 16th, 2024 - Papallacta Hot Springs
Spending a day in Papallacta offers a delightful escape into the heart of the Andes Mountains,
known for its pristine natural beauty, rejuvenating hot springs, and captivating landscapes. The
drive from the hotel takes approximately 1 hour, offering breathtaking views of the Andean
countryside along the way. Upon arrival, you can head straight to the renowned Papallacta Hot
Springs, famous for their therapeutic and relaxing qualities. Spend your morning soaking in the
mineral-rich thermal pools while surrounded by lush cloud forest and mist-covered mountains.
After your relaxing soak, enjoy lunch amidst the breathtaking Andean scenery. Savor local
Ecuadorian delicacies while taking in the fresh mountain air and serene surroundings. A half a
day in Papallacta immerses you in the pristine beauty of the Andes, offering relaxation and a
deep connection with nature. Then head back to Quito to freshen up and join us for the official
welcome dinner of our tour!
Please be sure to take a moment to review our cancellation policy below before finishing your booking.
TRIP CANCELED by Client
In the event, a Heart of Travel trip is not canceled but you have chosen not to join the trip for whatever reason, including COVID-19, the following policy will apply:
*If you can’t make it on a trip but someone else can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your registrations and dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, the new participant would be responsible for covering this fee.
TRIP POSTPONED OR CANCELED by Heart of Travel
In the event, a Heart of Travel trip is not possible due to COVID-19 (be it due to border closures or because we’ve determined the trip is not in the best interest of travelers and/or employees) we will notify participants immediately of the cancellation or postponement of the trip.