Quito is the largest and best-preserved colonial center in Latin America, the world's very first UNESCO World Heritage city. In the historic center of Quito, we will take you along plazas, courtyards, monasteries, and museums. 

The modern area of the city and the nearby valleys are home to some of the galleries of prominent artists and their workshops, we will visit part of their work. We also have included other rural areas that showcase the rich pre-Hispanic and pre-Incan history with the archeological sites, while standing on both hemispheres on the Equator line, at latitude 000!

On the nature side of Quito, we will take one full day to visit the Cotopaxi volcano and the national park, the iconic cone shape snowcapped mountain south of Quito!

We will visit the largest monastery in the Americas, the San Francisco monastery, the museum and one of the first breweries in the new world, as well as La Compañía de Jesús, usually called the gilded church, an extraordinary piece of the baroque art during the 17th century. The Casa del Alabado Museum has one of the richest prehistoric collections of ancient pottery and artifacts of different cultures that existed in Ecuador. This excursion will provide time line perspective on the ancient inhabitants of the country, their social structure, regional impact and importance. We will suggest the best restaurants for lunch and dinner

From Quito, we head south, taking the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" and enjoying a visit to the Cotopaxi Volcano and National Park. With a summit of 5,897 meters above sea level, it is considered the highest active volcano in the world! The route offers other mountains and volcanoes in the landscape, such as Pichincha, Atacazo, Corazón, and the Illinizas.

In its surroundings, Cotopaxi shares its proximity with the Sincholahua and Rumiñahui volcanoes. We will tour its Páramo and part of its glacier lakes. It is possible to observe some of its fauna and flora

The Importance of Ecuadorian Artist Oswaldo Viteri. Oswaldo Viteri (1931–2023), born in Ambato, Ecuador, stands as one of the most influential figures in Ecuadorian and Latin American art, renowned for his multifaceted approach and profound exploration of cultural identity. A neo-figurative artist, Viteri’s legacy spans a remarkable range of media—painting, drawing, printmaking, mosaics, and, most notably, sculptural assemblages—leaving an indelible mark on the art world through his innovative techniques and deep social commentary.

Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–1999) stands as one of Ecuador’s most influential and internationally recognized artists, a towering figure in Latin American art whose work passionately captures the struggles, suffering, and resilience of humanity. Born in Quito, Ecuador, to a Quechua father and a Mestiza mother of Kichwa descent, Guayasamín grew up in a poor family as the eldest of ten children. His early exposure to poverty, discrimination, and social injustice profoundly shaped his artistic vision, making him a voice for the marginalized, particularly the indigenous peoples of Latin America.

From the old town of Quito, we head north towards latitude 0. Standing on the Equator line in Quito, Ecuador, you find yourself at the heart of the world, a place where the Earth’s embrace is perfectly balanced. 

Here, at the Mitad del Mundo, the sun blazes overhead, casting no shadow and reminding you of nature’s exquisite harmony. Feel the thrill of straddling two hemispheres, a rare moment where you’re neither north nor south, but at the very center of our planet’s story. 

Let the vibrant energy of Quito—its rich history, warm people, and breathtaking Andean backdrop—inspire you to explore, connect, and marvel at the unity of our world. This is more than a visit; it’s a journey to the edge of possibility, a chance to stand in awe of Earth’s wonders and your place within them.

Early afternoon, after 12:30 in the afternoon, transfer to international flight - Quito airport