Things To Do
Centro Histórico
Quito's historic downtown is one of the best kept colonial downtowns in all South America. Places to see downtown are: - El Panecillo is a great spot to view the city from the top of the hill and has a majestic sculpture of the Virgen on top. - La Ronda is a colonial street in the heart of downtown that will show you a great time with the many restaurants and bars around. - We have a ton of gorgeous churches but the must sees are the Basilica del Voto Nacional (we recommend climbing to the top to see the city from up top), Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia La Compania.
Middle of the World City
This is the place we got engaged! In the Mitad del Mundo you will have the chance to be in the north and south hemispheres at the same time, over the latitude 0 line. This is a must see if you are in Quito and is a very special place for us.
Cumbayá
Cumbaya is fairly close to the hotel and is a good spot for great food and bars.
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is an active volcano located in the Andes. Standing at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), it is one of the highest volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most iconic landmarks. To get to the park, we recommend renting a car or finding a local reputable tour. The park is about 1-1h30 from Quito. If you decide to hike the mountain, we recommend bringing chocolate or sugary snacks in case you get altitude sickness.
Amazon Rainforest
The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, located in the eastern part of the country, is a vast and biodiverse region that is part of the larger Amazon Basin. Covering approximately 120,000 square kilometers, it is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the area. The rainforest is inhabited by indigenous communities and offers unique opportunities for eco-tourism, with activities like wildlife watching, river navigation, and hiking through lush forests. Recommended resorts to stay at are: - La Casa del Suizo: https://www.casadelsuizo.com/ To get here, we recommend renting out a car or finding a local reputable tour.
Baños de Agua Santa
Baños de Agua Santa, often simply called Baños, is a popular town in central Ecuador known for its stunning natural beauty and thermal hot springs. Nestled in the Andes, near the Tungurahua volcano, Baños is famous for its waterfalls, including the iconic Pailón del Diablo. Additionally, it is known for its extreme sports, like bungee jumping, zip-lining, etc. To get here, we recommend renting a car or finding a local reputable tour. It is about 3h away from Quito. A recommended hotel in Baños is Luna Volcan: https://en.lunavolcan.com/
Galapagos
Famous for their unique biodiversity and role in inspiring Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, the Galapagos islands are home to species found nowhere else on Earth, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and diverse birdlife. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and volcanic landscapes, the Galápagos offer unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, diving, hiking, and wildlife watching, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable, eco-conscious adventure. The Galapagos are one of Maria´s favorite spots in Ecuador and we highly recommend you visit them if you have some free time either before or after the wedding. At least 4-5 days are recommended to explore the islands. A recommended hotel is Finch Bay, one of National Geographic’s ‘Unique Lodges of the World’: https://www.finchbayhotel.com/ Please reach out to Maria or Armaan for recommendations.
Mindo
Mindo is a small town located in the cloud forest region of Ecuador, about 1 hour north of Quito. It's known for its rich biodiversity, lush green landscapes, and opportunities for ecotourism. The area is famous for its birdwatching, with hundreds of species, including toucans and hummingbirds, found in the region. Mindo also offers activities like hiking, waterfall visits, and zip-lining. It's a popular destination for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat with a cool, tropical climate. We recommend Terrabambu Lodges https://terrabambulodge.com/en/