After breakfast in the hotel, we first visit the Old Colonial Town. We will visit the main sites such as: Plaza de la Independencia, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and the El Sagrario Church are located. Also, se will visit the Church of La Compañía (1605), with its impressive golden altars. This is considered as one of the best examples of baroque art in America. Then we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church and the main altar inside we can see a spectacular example of baroque carving. We will also observe an excellent collection of works of art, which includes paintings, sculptures and furniture dating from the 16th century. Finally, we will go to the viewpoint highest in the historic center, the hill "El Panecillo" from where we will have a spectacular view of Quito. Time for lunch (on your own). Then, we will go to the north of the city towards the Middle of the World, this is the site where, in 1736, the expedition of Charles-Marie de la Condamine made the measurements that showed that this was indeed the Equator. Here visitors have the rare opportunity to be in two hemispheres at the same time! Then we will visit Intiñan museum, the perfect place to experience some phenomenon that occurs when you live on the equatorial line. Here our guide will also explain how Andean culture is related to our location in the world. Return to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast 

Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala

After breakfast, start your journey driving north towards Imbabura Province, also known as the “Lagoons Province” due to the many beautiful lakes that exist here in the low valleys of the northern Ecuadorian Andes. During the 2.5-hour drive, you'll stop in Cayambe to try bizcochos, a delicious biscuit specialty of this area. Then continue to Otavalo, where you'll see San Pablo Lagoon and the steep Imbabura Volcano. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the famous Otavalo market, considered one of the biggest Indigenous markets in South America. You'll find beautiful textile tapestries, wooden handicrafts, ponchos, and many different colorful products being sold in the market. Afterward, continue driving north for about 20-30 minutes to the charming town of Cotacachi, known for its quality leather goods. The town is beautiful and well-maintained, with a typical ambiance of an Andean village. Have lunch on your own in a nice local restaurant, then go up to the shores of Cuicocha Lake, located inside a volcanic crater at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano in the Ecuadorian highlands. This area is beautiful, and a well-maintained trail offers the possibility of a short hike to enjoy views of the lake and surrounding area while observing beautiful Andean flora.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight accommodations Hotel Medina del Lago - San Pablo

AN AIR BALLOOM EXPERIENCE OVER ANDEAN LANDSCAPES

We start our activities at 5 am, this day we will have 2 options of flight on air balloon: 

Option 1: 

From 6 am along with the sunrise, we take off from the shores of Lake San Pablo, where we will admire all the splendor of the lake and its surroundings, we will be able to observe the impressive Andean landscapes that are drawn at the foot of the lake, we will also have a panoramic view of Taita Imbabura and Mama Cotacachi, the lasting experience of 20 -30 minutes where we will achieve an elevation of 80-100 meters to be able to admire the majesty of the Sierra Andina of the Province of Imbabura. After our experience in the air, we will carry out a tradition known worldwide as the toast and thanks for arriving, after the flight to the arms of Mother Earth.

Option 2: 

We start our activities at 5 am, with the assembly of the aircraft, from 6 am we start with our previously reserved flights, in which you can see Lake San Pablo in all its splendor, observed from the heights, we will have a panoramic view of Taita Imbabura and Mama Cotacachi, in the captive flight the height of 20-25 meters is achieved, it is a controlled flight since it is anchored to the ground by ropes and you can enjoy and live the experience of being in a hot air balloon. 

After our experience in the air, (Option 1 & Option 2) we will have time to take the typical breakfast of the area. On the way to Quito, we will stop at Quitsato Solar Clock. Return to Quito

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight accommodations Hotel Ikala