Spring Travel Ecuador :: Travel Agency

Folklore Between the Paramo and the Snow

The Ecuadorian Andes are known worldwide for their impressive mountains, volcanoes, and snow-capped peaks, some of the most famous of which are Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. The ten Andean provinces are also home to cities and towns of historical interest and importance such as Quito and Cuenca and artisan centers such as Otavalo. The area is also home to several national parks with an abundant variety of flora and fauna. Because of the diverse geography of the area, the Andes consists of a variety of landscapes, each one with a unique microclimate. Moreover, the area is a place visited by almost all visitors who come to Ecuador as Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the nation's most frequented entry point.

Archaeological Monuments and Sanctuaries

The country's oldest archaeological ruins are to be found in this region. The area is also home to several villages full of handicrafts as well as to a variety of protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves. Cuenca, the capital of Azuay (one of the three provinces of the Southern region) stands out as a historical and cultural city. This part of the country is also known for its hot springs and the traditional medicines which are used here. The climate differs according to the altitude. However, in general, the weather here is relatively cool.

Our Short Trips

Quito and Surroundings Indian Markets Lagoons Highlands and national Parks

National Park of Cotopaxi

Duration: 8 hours
Departure : Daily
Hour : 8h00

You depart from the hotel and travel from Quito 60 km through the South Pan-American Highway; then, where the pine forest starts, you arrive at the Caspi control where tourists are required to pay the National Park of Cotopaxi tax of USD $10. During the visit, you first visit the museum, and then you go to volcano base and arrive at the Limpiopungo lagoon where you will be able to observe ducks, savage horses and mountains. Afterwards, you ascend the park, leave the vehicle and walk for about 45 minutes to the José Rivas Refuge at 4800 Mts. Here, you have a cup of tea or coffee and after 15 minutes more you arrive at the glacier where tourists can admire the magnificence of the volcano and take photographs. After coming back from the glacier you start the return to Quito.

NATIONAL PARK OF COTOPAXI
Days Available	Price per person
Monday to wednesday, fridays & saturdays	$ 73,oo

Cotopaxi and Indian Market

Duration: 10 hours
Departure: Tuesday.
Wednesday,Thursday
Saturday and Sunday
Hour: 6h30

The tour starts early in the morning (6h30) to visit one of the Indian markets of the zone, either Pujilí, Saquisilí, Zumbahua or Latacunga (depending on the day you will travel). You will be able to buy different ceramic articles, handicrafts, naif paintings and, of course, admire the colorful attires of the Indians that are a very important part of the Fair. They barter among themselves and sell their products to the different visitors. After this visit, you continue to the National Park of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. You explore the bleak Andean plateaus and admire the birds of the zone or climb till the snowline and walk around the glacier before returning to Quito.

COTOPAXI AND INDIAN MARKET
Days Available	Price per person
Saturdays

National Park of Cotopaxi and Indian Market

Duration: 2 days
Departure: Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday
Hour: 9h00

DAY 01: It Is the same program of the 8 hours tour in the National Park of Cotopaxi as told before but we will offer more time to enjoy the park because at night you will sleep at the Refuge at 4800 Mts.

DAY 02: The tour starts early in the morning (6h30) to visit one of the Indian markets of the zone, either Pujilí, Saquisilí, Zumbahua or Latacunga (depending on the day you will travel). You will be able to buy different ceramic articles, handicrafts, naif paintings and, of course, admire the colorful attires of the Indians that are a very important part of the Fair. They barter among themselves and sell Their products to the different visitors. After this visit, you will continue to the National Park of Cotopaxi, the most highest active volcano in the world. You will explore the bleak Andean plateaus and admire the birds of the zone or climb till the snowline and walk around the glacier before returning to Quito.

NATIONAL PARK OF COTOPAXI AND INDIAN MARKET
Days Available	Price per person
Saturdays	$

Quilotoa Lagoon and Indian Market

Duration: 10 hours
Departure: Daily
Hour: 6h30

The tour starts early in the morning (6h30) to visit one of the Indian markets of the zone, either Pujilí, Saquisilí, Zumbahua or Latacunga (depending on the day you will travel). You will be able to buy different ceramic articles, handicrafts, naif paintings and, of course, admire the colorful attires of the Indians that are a very important part of the fair. They barter among themselves and sell their products to the different visitors. After this visit, you continue the journey to the beautiful and impressing lagoon of Quilotoa. You take a short walk and then return to Quito.

QUILOTOA LAGOON AND INDIAN MARKET
Days Available	Price per person
All days	$

Protector Forest of Pasochoa

Duration: 7 Hours
Departure: Daily
Hour: 9H00

At 45 minutes from Quito you can find the Protector Forest of Pasochoa, which is one of the last places where you can see Andean flora and fauna. You will have the opportunity of walking and breathing pure mountain air. You can either follow the self-guided paths or hire a specialized guide. There are a lot of birds like humming-birds, blackbirds. tanagers. etc., and a variety of Andean and wild plants like alder trees, myrtle frees, etc.

PROTECTOR FOREST OF PASOCHOA
Days Available	Price per person
All days	$

Ruins of Cochasqui and the Lagoons of Mojanda

Duration: 9 hours
Departure: Daily
Hour: 7h00

You leave Quito early in the morning (7h00) to the North Pan-American Highway untill the valley of Guayllabamba, where you take the route of Tabacundo. Then you arrive at the archeological and pre-Inca site of Cochasqui (500 BC to 1500 AC) which belonged to the culture of Quitu — Cara. Then, you visit Otavalo and, in the afternoon, the beautiful lagoons of Mojanda. After a very interesting tour you return to Quito.

RUINS OF COCHASQUI AND THE LAGOONS OF MOJANDA
Days Available	Price per person
All days	$

Protector Forest of Mindo

Duration: 8 hours
Departure: Daily
Hour: 8h00

At 84 km. away from Quito you will find the protector Forest of Mindo where you will be able to experience a great adventure with nature. During the journey, you will enjoy a variety of landscapes full of contrasts and make a long walk to observe different birds like humming-birds, toucans, quetzals, and tanagers among others, as well as different kinds of orchids. After this exciting journey and a relax time you will return to Quito.

PROTECTOR FOREST OF MINDO
Days Available	Price per person
All days	$

Baños

Duration: 2 days
Departure: Daily
Hour: 8h00

DAY 01: You leave the hotel and drive on the South Pan-American Highway and along the Avenue of Volcanoes. Then, you arrive at Ambato and go east, to the village of Salasacas, famous for the handicraft of textiles and tapestries made in traditional handlooms. In the afternoon, you visit the town of Baños and taste products made of sugar cane like molasses candy, brown sugar, sugar cane juice, etc. Afterwards, you visit the surroundings of the town and the canyon of the Pastaza River.

DAY 02: After breakfast, you go to Riobamba. capital of the province of Chimborazo, and visit the city and the famous Museum of “Las Conceptas” Then, you return to Quito.

BAÑOS
Days Available	Price per person
All days	$