Off the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Quito - 6 Days

Highlights

• Explore lesser-known neighborhoods of Quito by bike
• Learn the basics of salsa at a dance class
• Taste your way through a variety of Ecuadorian chocolates
• Enjoy dazzling views of Pululahua Crater

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Craft Beer Tour

Welcome to Quito! You'll arrive at the airport and meet your driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m) and welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas between mountain peaks.

After you get settled in, you'll set out in the afternoon for a craft beer tour. During the two hours, you'll dive into Quito's craft beer culture, learning about the city's history along the way. You'll sample a variety of delicious beers during the excursion. Then when it's time, you'll have dinner on your own before returning to the hotel to rest.

Day 2: Enjoy a City Tour & Salsa Dancing Class

Explore Quito's historic center today on a guided tour. Stroll through the city's narrow streets and visit some of its most important churches, including the Baroque La Compañía, with its incredible gold-covered interior, and the neo-Gothic La Basílica. Take a walk down La Ronda, one of the oldest streets in the city, then head to Panecillo Hill for incredible panoramic views.

After lunch, it's time for another adventure—a salsa dancing class. Dive into Ecuador's dancing culture as you learn basic steps and turns and listen to beautiful music. You'll work up a sweat and have a lot of fun!

Day 3: Go on a Bike Tour & Chocolate Tasting

Today you'll explore the northern neighborhoods of Quito on two wheels. Follow your local guide on a four-hour bike tour through La Floresta, Carolina Park, and Iñaquito to see urban art and architecture. This is a great way to get to know Ecuador's capital!

Take a break for lunch, but save some room for dessert. A chocolate tasting awaits in the afternoon. Ecuador is a major producer of cocoa and fine chocolate, often mixed with tropical fruit or other local ingredients. During the chocolate tour, you will try different kinds of chocolate and learn about the history of cocoa in Ecuador. 

Day 4: Visit Pululahua Crater & Casa Ágave

Today you'll leave the city and head to Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, a protected area located north of Quito. Its main attraction, Pululahua Crater, is one of only two volcanic craters in the world that humans inhabit. It's also the only volcanic crater in the world that is farmed—the land here is very fertile, thanks to the volcanic soil. Many days, a thick layer of fog or clouds covers the crater, giving it a mystical appearance. Enjoy the views from the viewpoint close to the entrance or hike down into the crater.

Next, you'll head to El Patio Restaurant for a delicious Ecuadorian lunch with ingredients from the restaurant's garden. Continue to Casa Ágave, a museum, shop, and bar. On a tour of the place, you'll learn about the ancient traditions and processing of agaves in the Ecuadorian Andes. Walk through the gardens and the distillery as you hear about the production of Andean agave juice and agave liquor, both ancient artisanal processes. Your guide will explain how all parts of the plant are used to make clothes, musical instruments, and more. Finish the tour with a tasting of different agave products.  

Discover more highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes on this 14-day tour of the mountains and the Pacific coast.

Day 5: Hike Around Rucu Pichincha Volcano

Venture to the summit of the beautiful Rucu Pichincha Volcano today. Located near Quito, it's a great day trip. To start your adventure, take a cable car to the viewpoint of Cruz de Loma. The hike to the summit takes approximately three to five hours.

During the first part of the ascent, the path leads you through the páramo, typical Andean vegetation. The second half is more challenging as the terrain gets rockier and steeper. Once you reach the summit, enjoy the views before you make your way back down.

Day 6: Explore the Historic Center, Depart

Explore the city on your own this morning. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Quito's historic city center, visit one of the interesting museums, or do some souvenir shopping at the Mercado Artesanal. When the time comes, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport to catch your onward connection. Safe travels! 

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