Today we will visit Quito, the capital city closest to the equator. We will first visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional. It is considered the largest Neo-gothic temple in the Americas, and the most important piece of Neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. Then we will continue to Independence Square. Admire the historical buildings surrounding the square. Afterwards, we will visit the Iglesia de San Francisco. The church houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artists from the famous methods of "Escuela Quiteña" Quito School. One of the highlights of the city tour is the visit of Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, considered to be a masterpiece of the baroque style. The facade is made of volcanic stone and the interior is all covered with gold. Following, we will go to the Equatorial Tablet, which is the central point of the equator and has great commemorative significance. Finally, we will visit the Intiñan Site Museum to learn about Ecuador's culture and history.

Itinerary:
Basílica del Voto Nacional → Independence Square → Iglesia de San Francisco → Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus (include ticket) → Equatorial Tablet (include ticket)→ Intiñan Site Museum (include ticket)

Basílica del Voto Nacional
The Basilica del Voto Nacional is one of the most unique and stunning buildings in the entire city of Quito, Ecuador. Not only can you explore the ground floor full of altars, chapel rooms, and more, but you can also climb a few staircases and ladders to a viewpoint from the towers.

Independence Square (Plaza Grande)
Independence Square ( or colloquially as Plaza Grande) is the principal and central public square of Quito, Ecuador. This is the central square of the city and one of the symbols of the executive power of the nation. Its main feature is the monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809, the date remembered as the first cry of independence of the Royal Audience of Quito from the Spanish monarchy. The square is flanked by the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza Grande Hotel.

Iglesia de San Francisco
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, commonly known as El San Francisco, is a Catholic Basilica that stands in the middle of the historic center of Quito, in front of the square of the same name. It is the oldest and most significant religious site in Ecuador. The structure is the largest architectural complex within the historic centers of all South America, and for this reason it was known as "El Escorial of the New World". San Francisco is considered a jewel of continental architecture for its mixture of different styles combined throughout more than 150 years of construction. San Francisco is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "City of Quito".

Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus
The Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus was a summit of the Baroque period in Latin America, built by outstanding Jesuits between 1605 and 1765, inspired by two iconic Roman Jesuit temples: Il Gesu and Saint Ignacio. This temple was built by countless artists from the Quito School, who continued their abilities and dedicated themselves to carving and gilding with thin gold foil of 23 carats per centimeter from the church.

Equatorial Tablet
The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) is a tract of land owned by the prefecture of the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. It is located at San Antonio parish of the canton of Quito, 26 km (16 mi) north of the center of Quito. The grounds contain the Monument to the Equator, which highlights the exact location of the Equator (from which the country takes its name) and commemorates the eighteenth-century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission which fixed its approximate location; it also contain the Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo, Ethnographic Museum Middle of the Earth, a museum about the indigenous people ethnography of Ecuador.

Intiñan Site Museum
The Intiñan Museum is located just outside of Quito right next to the Mitad del Mundo monument. Most people know that Mitad del Mundo's equator line is a bit off. Intiñan has its own marker and it's closer to the right spot.

Overnight: Quito
Meals: Lunch

Today, we will head towards Imbabura known as “The Province of the Lakes”. The highway offers a lovely view passing through Calderón and Guayllabamba valleys. We will make a short stop here to get to know more about local culture. Passing through Cayambe we can get a sight of the snow-capped volcano, the world´s highest point crossed by the Equator Line. This small town is also famous for its salt biscuits with “leaf cheese” and “manjar”. We can make a stop here to try this delacy before we continue to the Imbabura province, named after the Imbabura Volcano, where we will then head to the largest lake in Ecuador, the San Pablo. Next, we will enter Otavalo City that holds a local market every day, an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. Following, we will visit the peaceful Cotacachi Village, famous for its leather, and meet the local craftsmen. Finally, we will visit the charming Cuicocha Crater Lake, and we will head back to Quito in the late afternoon.

Itinerary:
Quito → The San Pablo → Otavalo Town Markets → Cotacachi Village → Cuicocha Crater Lake → Quito

Lago San Pablo
The largest lake in Ecuador, Lago San Pablo.

Otavalo Town Markets
This colorful indigenous market takes place each Saturday and features some of the finest woven products in the region including ponchos, sweaters, wall hangings and shawls.

Cotacachi Village
Cotacachi is a town that is the seat of Cotacachi Canton, Imbabura Province, Ecuador, in South America. Cotacachi is located at an altitude of 2,418 metres (7,933 ft) and had a population of 8,848 in 2010. Cotacachi is an artisan city that is famous for its leather goods and handicrafts. Cotacachi residents are also well known for their carne colorada (filet of pork cooked in red achiote sauce), and queso de hoja (soft cheese wrapped in a plant leaf).

Cuicocha Crater Lake
Cuicocha (Kichwa: Kuykucha, "lake of guinea pigs" or Kuychikucha, "rainbow lake") is a 3 km (2 mi) wide caldera and crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano in the Cordillera Occidental of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Overnight: Quito
Meals: Lunch

Today’s adventure starts early in the morning when you drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. We will first visit one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most popular highlights: the elegant Cotopaxi Volcano. This impressive, snow-capped volcano stands proudly in the middle of the beautiful national park that bears its name. Upon arrival at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, your guide will explain about the unique flora and fauna of the area, and about the history of the volcano. Subsequently, you’ll continue to the Limpiopungo Lake, to enjoy a hike through the stunning “paramo”, or grassland, landscape where you can see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other wildlife.

Itinerary:
Quito → Cotopaxi National Park → Limpiopungo Lake → Quito

Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the central region of Ecuador found with the Andes Mountains. The national park boundaries encompass an area of 128.9 square miles (333.9 sq km). Named for the highest active volcano in the world (5,897 meters), this national park is dedicated to protecting llama and other animals such as bears, wolves, puma and deer.

Limpiopungo Lake
Limpiopungo Lagoon is a beautiful lake formed by water from the glaciers. It is located very close to the Cotopaxi volcano. Limpiopungo lagoon is like a mirror that reflects the beauty of the surrounding peaks. In fact, the image of the Cotopaxi volcano reflected in the middle of the lagoon. The hike around the lagoon offers excellent views and lots of birds.

Overnight: Quinto
Meals:  Lunch 

After breakfast, we will take you to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) to end your pleasant journey.
Our staff only provides drop-off service from the hotel at 8:00 in the morning. If the guest has an early flight and needs to leave the hotel before 8 o'clock to the airport, the guide can help the guest take a taxi.