7-Nights Highlights of Ecuador: Cloud Forests and Cotopaxi - Safari & Wildlife from $3,972

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Transfer: Quito Airportto Quito - New Town

Hotel: Dann Carlton Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Quito Dann Carlton offers stylish accommodation a 1-hour drive from Mariscal Sucre Airport. The hotel boasts a panoramic swimming pool, a fitness area and a restaurant to enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Day 2: Private Full Day Tour of Colonial Quito & a visit to the Equatorial Line

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth. Today's private-guided tour of the Middle of the Earth begins just 30 minutes north of Quito. Your guide will first take you on a brief journey to visit the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. Later you will visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the Ecuadorian equator, as well as the Intiñan Museum, located directly on the Equator. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time, try to balance an egg on the head of a nail, and see the unique water dynamics that occur! Back in Quito and after lunch, you will visit the city's impressive colonial center. Quito was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations (alongside Krakow, Poland in 1978), and touring the historic core highlights why it is so widely lauded. First on the agenda is a walk through the Main Plaza, the Plaza de la Independencia, where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, a building begun only five days after the founding of the city. Winding down, you'll enjoy a chocolate tasting experience in the old town at Yumbos; a small artisanal chocolate factory that uses fine Ecuadorian cocoa. During the visit, you will be able to learn the secrets behind making fine chocolate, and soon after, you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 3: Quito to the El Monte Cloud Forest

El Monte Ecolodge is located just outside the town of Mindo and is recognized as a world-class bird watching site by Bird Life International. On arrival, your hosts will offer a short introduction to the lodge and its garden and also provide insights as to the bird species greeting you. El Monte is not simply a place to stay; the Lodge and its owners are dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Mindo's Nambillo Forest, one of the most biologically diverse and endangered Cloud Forests in the world. Besides world-class birding, here you will be able to hike in lush cloud forests replete with orchids and bromeliads, as well as enjoying river tubing, the spectacular butterflies of the 'Mariposarium', and hikes to a primary forest reserve. In the afternoon, set out with a naturalist guide on a two-hour exploration of the Rio Mindo and its nearby forests. Along the way you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot a range of birdlife while also learning about the many medicinal plants found in the region as well as their uses.

Hotel: El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge (3 Star Rating)

Stay in private riverside cabanas and see firsthand the moss covered trees, crystal clear streams, spectacular orchids, exotic birds - awaken to the symphony of forest noise, hear the sounds and try to imagine the source. Experience Cloud Forest with all your senses, an ecosystem not widely known by name but could be described as the Garden of Eden or Paradise Found.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Day 4: Exploring the El Monte Cloud Forest

Today, your interests will shape your activities. Based on local conditions and your energy levels, you may decide to go on a nature walk from one hour to the entire day, where your naturalist guide will point out many species of plants and help you spot birds and other wildlife. Another option is to visit the waterfall and swim in the refreshing waters of the Rio Nambillo. You may also visit an Orchid Garden, or you might decide to just relax alongside the Rio Mindo in a hammock with a good book in tow.

Hotel: El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge (3 Star Rating)

Stay in private riverside cabanas and see firsthand the moss covered trees, crystal clear streams, spectacular orchids, exotic birds - awaken to the symphony of forest noise, hear the sounds and try to imagine the source. Experience Cloud Forest with all your senses, an ecosystem not widely known by name but could be described as the Garden of Eden or Paradise Found.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast

Day 5: El Monte Cloud Forest to Quito & Cotopaxi

This morning, join your guide on a nature walk along the heights of the Cordillera San Lorenzo. Your guide will talk about the birds and animals about that you see along the way, and if the weather permits, you may catch a glimpse of spectacular birds such as the Golden-Headed Quetzal, Choco Toucan, Crimson Rumped Toucanet, among others. Soon after, you'll return to El Monte for lunch, then pack up and begin the return transfer to Quito.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Transfer: Quito - New Town to Cotopaxi

Hotel: Hacienda Chilcabamba (4 Star Rating)

For those seeking a deep connection with nature, Chilcabamba is the mountain lodge that brings you closer to the majesty of the Andean highlands. Chilcabamba serves as the ideal retreat for couples, families, and small groups alike. From a breakfast face-to-face with Cotopaxi Volcano to a cozy fire beneath a magnificent star-studded sky at nightfall, Chilcabamba provides comfort and just the right touch of sophistication in a remote, simple, and charming setting that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings of the Andean highlands. Located in Pedregal at an elevation of 3,480 meters (about 2.16 mi) above sea level, it is just six kilometers from Cotopaxi National Park.

Day 6: Private Full Day Exploring Cotopaxi Tour

This morning you will set out in the morning to visit Cotopaxi National Park where, weather permitting, you will be able to see the snowcapped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes. With your private guide leading the way, you will also visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of this spectacular volcano's major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. Soon after, you will visit Lake Limpiopungo and explore the surrounding area on foot. If you feel like a longer walk, a two hour hike will lead to Volcan Cotopaxi's J. Ribas refuge (some 4,800 meters or 15,750 feet above sea level) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks. Pairing traditional mountain hospitality with a dose of adventure, this day tour offers those with limited time a glimpse of the Avenue of Volcanoes.

Day 7: Half Day Horseback Ride to the Foothills of Cotopaxi

Chilcabamba Lodge lies in a gentle valley circled by the rugged peaks of four towering mountains. It is the perfect getaway from Quito, Ecuador's capital, and the ideal base of operations for getting to know the magnificent surrounding countryside. Today, set out on horseback to explore a natural wonderland of crisp, refreshing air and magnificent vistas. After being outfitted with safety gear, meeting the horses and your local guide, you'll set out on a two-hour adventure to explore the eastern foothills of Cotopaxi National Park. As you track through sweeping grasslands, you'll taking in views of several nearby volcanoes including Sincholagua, Ruminahui and the star of the show (provided that clouds don't interfere), Cotopaxi. This experience is not only an opportunity to connect with nature but also a glimpse into the rich 'chagra' culture. After your horseback experience, you'll be returned to Chilcabamba Lodge. Please note: This activity is suitable for guests aged 6 and up. Prior experience with horseback riding is recommended for this activity.

Day 8: Cotopaxi to Quito

Transfer: Cotopaxi to Quito - Airport