3-DAY QUITO DISCOVERY: CITIES, MARKETS, JUNGLES AND MORE
3-DAY QUITO DISCOVERY: CITIES, MARKETS, JUNGLES AND MORE
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TRIP ACTIVITIES
TRIP OVERVIEW
Enjoy while visiting the most important highlights around Quito, learn about the history and nature that surrounds this magical city, hike in the lush tropical forest while searching for toucans and hummingbirds and make your best deal at Otavalo Market.
ITINERARY
Explore the vibrant heart of Quito through the eyes of a local, as we stroll along its charming narrow streets and uncover the city’s rich history. We’ll visit some of the most iconic architectural landmarks, including the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square.
A highlight of the day is a special visit to “Cruz Verde,” the traditional workshop of Luis, a passionate artisan whose family has handcrafted “Colaciones” — a beloved local candy — for over 100 years, keeping this sweet tradition alive in Quito.
For lunch, we’ll sit down with locals to enjoy a flavorful meal made from fresh, regional ingredients — a perfect way to taste the culture and hospitality of Ecuador.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: Wyndham Garden or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Lunch.
Just over an hour from Quito lies the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, a haven for biodiversity and a perfect escape into nature. This area is world-renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering the chance to spot countless exotic species in their natural habitat.
On this day trip, we’ll explore pre-Incan archeological sites, stroll through a wild orchid garden, and hike to a jungle waterfall surrounded by thick forest vegetation.
We’ll also visit a butterfly sanctuary, where vibrant butterflies emerge from shimmering cocoons and may even land on your hand as you offer them fruit nectar.
For the adventurous, the day includes options like whitewater rafting or tubing on jungle rivers, zip-lining over the forest canopy, or visiting a small chocolate factory to experience the full journey of cacao — from bean to brownie or steaming cup of cocoa.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hosteria Kumbha Mela or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
The Saturday market of Otavalo is South America’s most famous indigenous fair. We depart early from Quito, traveling through dramatic mountain landscapes northwards. You’ll have plenty of time to wander the cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo people dressed in traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair, exploring their handicraft market packed with textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, and more—all at bargain prices.
Next, we continue to Cotacachi, known for its high-quality leather goods, where lunch will be available. Finally, we visit Peguche, a small village famous for its waterfalls and hand-woven wind instruments.
We return to Quito by afternoon.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast.
Inclusions
What’s Included?
- Transportation: Private and comfortable transportation.
- Accommodation based on double occupancy: 2 nights in 3*+ hotel in Quito.
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches.
- Activities: Walk along the old city of Quito, explore the 7 waterfalls in Mindo cloud forest, watch for many types of hummingbirds, be part of chocolate making process, shop for the most unique handicrafts in Otavalo market.
- Trip Leader: Certified Adventure expert leaders and local guides.
What’s Included?
- Travel insurance (required).
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
Enjoy while visiting the most important highlights around Quito, learn about the history and nature that surrounds this magical city, hike in the lush tropical forest while searching for toucans and hummingbirds and make your best deal at Otavalo Market.
Explore the vibrant heart of Quito through the eyes of a local, as we stroll along its charming narrow streets and uncover the city’s rich history. We’ll visit some of the most iconic architectural landmarks, including the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square.
A highlight of the day is a special visit to “Cruz Verde,” the traditional workshop of Luis, a passionate artisan whose family has handcrafted “Colaciones” — a beloved local candy — for over 100 years, keeping this sweet tradition alive in Quito.
For lunch, we’ll sit down with locals to enjoy a flavorful meal made from fresh, regional ingredients — a perfect way to taste the culture and hospitality of Ecuador.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: Wyndham Garden or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Lunch.
Just over an hour from Quito lies the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, a haven for biodiversity and a perfect escape into nature. This area is world-renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering the chance to spot countless exotic species in their natural habitat.
On this day trip, we’ll explore pre-Incan archeological sites, stroll through a wild orchid garden, and hike to a jungle waterfall surrounded by thick forest vegetation.
We’ll also visit a butterfly sanctuary, where vibrant butterflies emerge from shimmering cocoons and may even land on your hand as you offer them fruit nectar.
For the adventurous, the day includes options like whitewater rafting or tubing on jungle rivers, zip-lining over the forest canopy, or visiting a small chocolate factory to experience the full journey of cacao — from bean to brownie or steaming cup of cocoa.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hosteria Kumbha Mela or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
The Saturday market of Otavalo is South America’s most famous indigenous fair. We depart early from Quito, traveling through dramatic mountain landscapes northwards. You’ll have plenty of time to wander the cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo people dressed in traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair, exploring their handicraft market packed with textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, and more—all at bargain prices.
Next, we continue to Cotacachi, known for its high-quality leather goods, where lunch will be available. Finally, we visit Peguche, a small village famous for its waterfalls and hand-woven wind instruments.
We return to Quito by afternoon.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast.
What’s Included?
- Transportation: Private and comfortable transportation.
- Accommodation based on double occupancy: 2 nights in 3*+ hotel in Quito.
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches.
- Activities: Walk along the old city of Quito, explore the 7 waterfalls in Mindo cloud forest, watch for many types of hummingbirds, be part of chocolate making process, shop for the most unique handicrafts in Otavalo market.
- Trip Leader: Certified Adventure expert leaders and local guides.
What’s Included?
- Travel insurance (required).
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
Is this tour for me?
Let me turn your travel dreams into unforgettable adventures.
EXCELLENT
Based on 552 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Suzanne GVerified
Amazing 10 day Ecuador land trip with Alfonzo We had a wonderful 10 day trip exploring Ecuador with our guide, Alfonzo. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun. We learned about the history and culture of Ecuador and heard personal stories about Alfonzo’s family and life in Ecuador and the Galapagos. We hiked mountains, visited historic sites, hot springs and the Amazon and ate local food (including grubs!). We lucked out and our friends and us (4 people) were the only partipants on our tour so we got extra attention and could help shape our experience more. Also, Alfonzo’s knowledge of the English language is impressive. He even got our jokes and joined in. I would strongly recommend using Adventure Journeys and ask for Alfonzo for your Ecuador land tour.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Jan LVerified
Wonderful Quito visit Sol our guide gave us a wonderful taste of Quito and the surrounding area. We visited a biscotti making business, the equator solar museum, a colourful market in an Andean town, another town that sold leather and finally visited a waterfall On a second day we had a walking tour of historic Quito. She was an excellent guide with great humour and very friendly and helpful to all our group
Owner's reply
Hey there!We're thrilled that you enjoyed your journey through Quito. Hope you're planning your next adventure with us soon so that you can build even more memorable moments. Keep on enjoyingTake care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Nicky SVerified
Excellent Tour Guide Alfonso from Adventure Journeys was an amazing tour guide. He went above and beyond to make sure our experience was exceptional. I highly recommend him.
Owner's reply
Hey there!Wow, we're thrilled that you found your travel experience with us so compelling. We're always glad to offer unforgettable experiences to our dear guests. Hope to see you back here for another adventure soon.Take care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Alexander SVerified
Alfonso: the Best Guide in Ecuador Alfonso is the best! He made the trip absolutely incredible! He is so knowledgeable and really went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible.
Owner's reply
Hey there!Thank you for telling us how great your experience was. We really appreciate the feedback and kind words of our guests. We hope to see you here back soon for another adventure.Take care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
tony mVerified
Ecuador Is Incredible. Such a great trip! Alfonso was our guide -- he is fantastic. The itinerary gives you a pretty good overview of Ecuador. My favorite days were those we spent in the Amazonian forest near Tena, hiking on Chimborazo, and exploring Cuenca. We were able to stay in a couple of haciendas -- those were wonderful.
Owner's reply
Hey there!Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. We appreciate being part of such moments, and would love to show you even more the next time.Take care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Jane BVerified
Once in a lifetime trip Fantastic trip Leo our guide was amazing and our driver. Knowledgeable and always felt safe. Full on and I felt I saw everything I had wanted to see and more.
Owner's reply
Hey there!Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We'd love to have you here soon for another experience. Take care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
EMRANA AVerified
Bucket list experience! 5 days in galapagos seeing the giant tortoises snorkelling and hiking the islands. Jose was a superb guide who shared his knowledge freely and made every experience delightful.
Owner's reply
Hey there!Thanks for sharing your experience; we really appreciate your feedback. We'll wait to see you back here soon enough for another adventure.Take care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Andrew TVerified
David was an excellent tour guide in Quito. He was very attentive,knowledgeable and always willing to help everyone. His Enthusiasm ,professionalism made our trip enjoyable and memorable. Thanks to his hard work and thoughtful arrangements, had a wonderful and pleasant experience throughout the tour. We truly appreciate everything he did for us and highly recommend him to other travelers.
Owner's reply
Hey there! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your time with us this much. Hope to see you back soon so that you can enjoy even more memorable experiences.Take care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
James PattersonVerified
Quito City Tour with Wellington The while trip was amazing and gave us great insights of Quito.
Owner's reply
Hey there!Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us; we really appreciate it. Hope to see you back here soon.Take care!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
kari sVerified
An Unforgettable Journey Ecuador is a wonderful place. It is a land of breathtaking contrasts. I discovered its charms thanks to David, who is the best guide I have ever encountered in my many travels. He has expert knowledge, which he shares in a way that is both interesting and engaging. Additionally, he takes excellent care of the entire group, ensuring no one is overlooked. You can really tell he loves what he does
Owner's reply
Hey there!We're thrilled about your wonderful experience here. We'll prepare something special for your next visit. Thank you for your feedback and kind thoughts.Take care!Showing only 4-5 star reviews
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