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QUITO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS:

Cotopaxi National Park

A one-and-a-half hour drive south of Quito brings you to the Cotopaxi National Park, dominated by the giant volcano of the same name rising to nearly 6,000 meters above sea level, with its spectacular cone covered by thousand-year old glaciers and perpetual snows.

Available activities within the area include nature hikes and mountaineering trekking, observing the high Andean fauna and flora, bird-watching, horseback riding, biking or even canopying. A number of nearby comfortable mountain lodges and hostels serve as a base to explore the area and enjoy many memorable experiences.
The foothills of Cotopaxi are populated by several old colonial haciendas, many with historic connections and now converted into comfortable and charming country hostels offering a range of services and activities for those wishing to spend time – albeit just a night – in the area.
The Park and its surroundings can be reached from Quito by road via the Pan American Highway, though a more fascinating trip is provided by the train which trundles through the area. Not only is the journey fun, but you will be able to admire the astonishing scenery of the Avenue of the Volcanoes from a different vantage point.

Otavalo and the Province of the Lakes

An extremely scenic one-and-a-half-hour trip north of Quito brings you to Imbabura, the Province of the Lakes. Forming a spectacular centerpiece, the beautiful lakes of San Pablo, Cuicocha and Yaguarcocha are surrounded by picturesque artisans’ villages and an unspoiled environment forming part of the stunning landscape, dominated by the presence of two majestic volcanoes: Imbabura and Cotacachi.

Apart from the superb Andean mountains, the focus point in Imbabura is the ancient and traditional Indian Market of Otavalo, home of the greatest, most colorful and varied display of handicrafts from all over Ecuador . Particularly famous are the multicolored textiles woven on traditional waist-strapped, body-operated looms, a skill honed over centuries by the zone's skilled artisans who inhabit Otavalo and the small town of Peguche. A visit to the nearby squares and markets where food and animals are bought and sold provides a unique insight to local customs and an unmatched cultural experience.

Old colonial or republican haciendas and country mansions, now converted into attractive country hostels and inns, offer the perfect setting for a few days relaxation while marveling at the dramatic natural surroundings and striking sights of the Andes . If an overnight stay is not on your agenda, then stop for luncheon and sample the delicious local cuisine or the available international specialties. Many activities, such as nature walks, horseback riding, exploring the countryside or visiting the artisans' villages for a closer look at the local culture and handicraft production, can also be organized

Middle of the World

Just 20 minutes by road from Quito stands the Middle of the World City tourism complex. Marked by a huge monument, the site commemorates the precise spot where the 18th century French-Spanish and Ecuadorian Geodesic Mission traced the line crossing the center of the Earth: the Equator or Latitude Zero. The large monument houses an interesting Ethnic Museum which includes exhibits of some of the principal native ethnic groups inhabiting Ecuador. Have your photo taken with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. The complex includes a Planetarium as well as a replica of a small Spanish town with dozens of souvenir shops, typical restaurants and cafes.

A few minutes north of the Equator is the ancient and extinct volcano of Pululahua, its crater now inhabited by farmers, a sight rarely seen. Around the crater, several observation points provide stunning views of the crater and its verdant slopes. Close by are the ruins and Archaeological Sites of Catequilla, Cochasqui and Rumicucho, all with their origins in the ancestral cult of the sun, a consequence of lying on, or very close to, Earth’s latitude zero.

Mindo Cloud Forest

One-and–a-half hours by road, north-west of Quito, is the cloud forest forming part of the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, a real paradise of biodiversity. The habitat of one of Ecuador’s most densely populated bird settlements, the sanctuary houses more than 600 species, including more than 40 varieties of hummingbirds, as well as hundreds of butterflies, orchids and numerous species of unique fauna and flora. The Reserve forms part of the Chocó ecological corridor, a world “hot spot” of biodiversity. This a must-visit for nature lovers, scientists, researchers and bird watchers who will be enthralled at the spectacle Sightings include unique species such as the famous “cock of the rock”, tanagers of all colors and myriads of hummingbirds endlessly buzzing overhead.

Located on the western slopes of the Andes, descending towards the warmer coastal area, the topography of the zone provides the ideal conditions for practicing adventure sports such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, etc, on the rivers and rapids tumbling through the zone. Biking, canopying and nature hikes out to the hidden cascades and in search of diverse fauna and flora are also options on a rich and varied menu of activities. Within and close to the small and picturesque town of Mindo, there are plenty of hostels and lodges providing varying degrees of comfort with prices to suit all pockets. All have adopted local standards and practices with respect to protecting the environment and responsible tourism and are committed to providing good quality accommodation accompanied by a wide choice of activities. However, this magnificent natural area is so close to Quito that you can visit and return on the same day, for those with little time but anxious for a brief taste of the zone.

Papallacta and Thermal Baths

A little over one hour north east of Quito lies the lagoon area of Papallacta, framed by striking mountain scenery at the foothills of the immense Antisana volcano. Another area rich in natural diversity, though of the high mountain type, Papallacta’s fauna and flora is peculiar to the area. With some luck, you’ll catch a glimpse of the mighty Andean condor, the bird symbolizing Ecuador. The zone is also famed for its thermal baths, an ample reason in itself to visit. Basking among the splendid scenery, you can either relax or sample a wide range of medicinal and beauty therapies to treat various ailments. With a constant flow of local and international visitors, the area is served by a good number of hostels and lodgings, some offering sophisticated spa facilities and therapy for both the body and the mind. Top-of-the-range lodgings offer comfortable rooms and unmatched local cuisine. While an overnight stay is recommended to best enjoy the zone’s attractions and services, a one-day visit from Quito is also a viable alternative.