Highland Markets & Cloud Forest Extension
5 Days
From £ 1,304
STYLE: Extension package
Trip Code: ECLTOMCF
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Quito, Ecuador
Finish: Quito, Ecuador
Destination
Ecuador
Departure Date
Daily
Meals
Breakfast (B) in Quito & Otavalo and All Meals while at your Jungle Lodge in Mindo
Transport
Transfers throughout on a mix of shared/private basis
Accommodation
Hotel & Jungle Lodge
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Included Sightseeing
Otavalo: Otavalo Market & Rose Farm Tour
Quiltazo: Visit to Middle of the World
Mindo: Shared Sightseeing in Mindo Cloud Forest
HOW OUR SIGNATURE TOURS WORK
Booking a South America trip with Chimu is easy! Our signature tours are developed so you can choose your own departure date, choose your accommodation style and add extensions to customize your trip!
Choose a
Signature Tour
Choose a
Departure Date
Choose your Accommodation Style
Add optional extensions pre or post tour
Enjoy your trip!
OVERVIEW
Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the enchanting wonders of Ecuador's countryside. Travel through the Ecuadorian Highlands to the small town of Otavalo, home to one of South America's most renowned markets, where indigenous artisans display their vibrant crafts. Witness the allure of Ecuador's iconic roses as we explore a local rose farm, learning about their cultivation and significance. Spend the night at a charming highland hacienda. Continuing our adventure, you will travel via the Quitsato sun dial, located in the middle of the world. Then delve into the mystical depths of the Mindo Cloud Forest, where lush foliage and diverse wildlife await. Immerse yourself in nature's embrace as we encounter exotic birds, vibrant butterflies, and fascinating flora. Join us on this captivating journey as we explore the soul-stirring beauty of Ecuador's landscapes and communities.
This extension is designed to combine with our Signature Galapagos Package or Signature Galapagos Express Package - both of our Signature Packages include 3 nights in Quito and a visit to Cotopaxi National Park.
ITINERARY
This morning, embark from Quito with your tour guide toward Otavalo, famed for its vibrant artisan market. En route along the Pan-American Highway stop in Guayllabamba to indulge in some locally renowned cherimoya fruit. Your journey continues to Tabacundo, home to a Rose Plantation renowned for its exquisite roses. Pause to admire the stunning landscape and snow-capped mountains before a brief stop at San Pablo Lake. Upon reaching Otavalo, explore the Plaza of Ponchos, one of South America's most renowned markets, offering an array of textiles and handicrafts. Enjoy some leisure time for bargaining before visiting a colonial hacienda for an optional lunch. Finally, venture to the artisan village of Cotacachi where you will overnight.
After breakfast, before your journey to Mindo, you'll visit 'Quitsato,' an intriguing site boasting a large Sun clock spanning 52 meters in diameter, crafted from a mosaic of stones. This unique clock marks solstices, equinoxes, and hours, illuminated by a towering 10-meter pole at its centre. Then you'll be transferred to your Mindo lodge. You can opt for some evening wildlife spotting or relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the cloud forest.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking cloud forest surroundings with activities such as an early morning bird hike led by an expert guide. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a day filled with adventures, including exploring lush trails and discovering mesmerizing waterfalls. Whether joining guided hikes or opting for self-guided exploration, the lodge offers ample opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature, such as observing the diverse hummingbird species. Your experience in the Mindo Cloud Forest is designed to create unforgettable memories in the heart of nature.
This morning enjoy a morning activity at your lodge or simply enjoying the sounds and sights of the awakening cloud forest.
You will be transferred back to Quito and overnight at a hotel by the airport.
This morning make your way to the airport by included hotel shuttle in time for your onward departure flight.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ITINERARY
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Travel from Qutio to the small and charming town of Otavalo to visit one of the most famous textille and artisan markets in South America. Try your hand at bartering here with the friendly locals.
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Learn more about why Ecuador is famous for its production of roses, visiting a lucious plantation.
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Visit the Middle of the World. Your guide will explain the signifigance of the Quitsato Sun Dial and how it was used in pre-hispanic times to track the time.
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Explore the biodiverse cloud forest of Mindo. A nature lovers paradise, Mindo is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Enjoy bird watching and hike trails that lead to waterfalls. Look out for sloths and monkeys.
Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Pricing per person & date
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service
5 Days FROM £ 1,304 Enquire NowEXTEND YOUR TRIP
Important Information
Prices are based on per person, twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Inclusions
Private transfers throughout with a local driver and/or guide
Shared transfer from Mindo to Quito
Accommodation with breakfast daily
Other meals where stated
Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide as detailed in the itinerary
Small group sightseeing while in Mindo at Jungle Lodge
Exclusions
International and internal flights not indicated
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Beverages unless otherwise specified
Personal expenses
Gratuities for tour guides/drivers
Any items not mentioned as included
- 2 (light adventure)
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Seasonality and availability at time of booking.