Above the Clouds: Journey to Quito

5 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
View all 8 photos
Video not provided by operator
4.1/5 Great
100+ reviews  
87%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Don't judge Ecuador by its small size! Packed with natural wonders, culture, and history, South America's smallest country is packed with must-sees. You'll be based in the capital of Quito, a high-altitude Andean city with centuries-old history from the Incas to the Spanish colonial rule. Take photos in San Francisco Square, taste some of the best chocolate ...
24%
$1,924
From$1,456
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Want to stay longer? You can extend this trip up to a total of 6 days!
    • Quito City Tour with Equatorial Line Monument (6 hours)
    • Otavalo Indian Market Tour (full-day)
    • Mindo Cloudforest Tour (8-hours)

What's this trip about?

    Don't judge Ecuador by its small size! Packed with natural wonders, culture, and history, South America's smallest country is packed with must-sees. You'll be based in the capital of Quito, a high-altitude Andean city with centuries-old history from the Incas to the Spanish colonial rule. Take photos in San Francisco Square, taste some of the best chocolate in the world and visit a market where you'll pick up ingredients for a cooking class. In Otavalo, located about 56 miles north of Quito, you'll experience this unique town that holds one of the most famous markets in Latin America. Dating back to pre-Incan times, Otavalo market is a vibrant daily affair where you can pick up fragrant spices, woven textiles and even a live goat or two!  Explore the western slopes of the Andes in Mindo. You will be amazed by the immense bird species, exotic orchids, butterflies, ferns, lush green vegetation and well-marked trails in Mindo's cloudforest.  Helpful links for travel to Ecuador: Visa & Passport Info Vaccines & Medications Info

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityEcuador

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Otavalo
  • Quito

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Independent

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare to Quito (UIO)
    • Roundtrip airport transfers
    • 4 nights in Quito at the Mercure Alameda Hotel, or similar
    • Quito City Tour with Equatorial Line Monument (6-hours)
    • Otavalo Indian Market Tour (full-day)
    • Mindo Cloudforest Tour (8-hours)
    • Breakfast daily

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Quito!

Arrive in Quito and enjoy a transfer to your first accommodation. Set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Quito is easy on the eyes. The city is known for its colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and th...

Day 2 Quito

Wake up and enjoy a 6-hour tour of Quito's highlights including Panecillo Hill and the “Middle of the World” - the Equatorial Line. 

Later, head to Calle La Ronda, one of Quito's oldest streets. The cobblestone alley features restored historic buildings and a lively bar scene in the evening.

Day 3 Quito - Otavalo - Quito

Take an approximately 2-hour bus ride today to Otavalo, a town in the Andes that hosts a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times. Once in Otavalo, visit the traditional Indian market and be amazed at the colorful textiles, clothing and more on display! Then head to Cotacachi village, famous for its leatherworks. 

Day 4 Quito

An approximately 2-hour drive will bring you from Quito to the small subtropical town of Mindo, located behind the mountain chain of Pichincha volcano 4,100 ft above sea level. In this lush paradise, enjoy waterfalls, walking trails, bird watching and more.

Day 5 Depart Ecuador

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your bag and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport. Board your plane and spend your relaxing flight home dreaming about your next adventure.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,456
Price per day$291
Last Updated: 11/8/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Great Value Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.1/5  Great
Excellent
12,089
Great
5,470
Average
2,687
Disappointing
1,231
Terrible
1,676
Write a Review

Other Great Value Vacations Reviews

K

Kanwaldip Kaur Bains

Nov 2024

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

It was great experience awesome…

It was great experience awesome customer services and hotels included in the package was very nice.

J

James David Mohr

Nov 2024

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

We enjoyed our 8 days in Porto and…

We enjoyed our 8 days in Porto and Lisbon. Although we joked about staying in an exotic Portuguese hotel named Holiday Inn Express we found both of our hotels to be...

J

J Bishop

Nov 2024

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

Great vacation, provided you don't mind driving

This vacation was great for us, but I don't mind the driving. For the itinerary we had, the minimum total distance you'll travel between hotels is approx 1200 KM (@...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Great Value Vacations

preferred
View Profile

At Great Value Vacations, our mission is to be the pre-packaged vacation solution provider from the US to the most desirable vacation destinations in the world.

We offer premium, pre-built vacation packages to the top destinations in the world. Our vacations feature itineraries designed by travel experts and superior accommodations which have been hand-picked and vetted for quality.

What’s more, we offer these vacations packages at Great Value prices that are at or better than if you were to purchase the components separately.  Our state-of-the-art technology provides our customers with an easy to use booking system that allows you to book complicated vacations with just a few clicks.

Expert Advice

Our team of product experts are your “feet on the street” creating vacation itineraries we’d send our family on (and they have VERY high standards!) We do the heavy lifting for you by researching the best destinations, hand selecting the most desirable accommodations, designing a perfect vacation itinerary and recommending things to do and see along the way.

Customer Support

We’re there for you at every step – from your first call or visit to our website right up until your flight home. Our vacation specialists and support staff are available to answer questions, provide advice or assist you at any point during the vacation planning process. Plus we offer Trip Protection Plans which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason up to 72 hours prior to travel and received a full refund and have access to 24-hr Emergency Assistance while you travel.

What they’re known for
Budget-friendly vacation packages and expert itineraries designed for independent travelers wanting an easy trip planning experience.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-ATC-UIO

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >