Miriam & Ricardo
Things To Do
QUITO – 2–3 Day Itinerary
✨ Day 1 – Historic Quito (Must-Do) • Explore Quito’s Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit Plaza Grande & Presidential Palace • Climb the towers at Basílica del Voto Nacional and explore the Metropolitan Cathedral. • Visit La Compañía de Jesús (the golden church) • Teleférico cable car for sunset views • Eat typical food and drink hot Canelazo on Calle La Ronda. ✨ Day 2 – Culture + Views (Must-Do) • Visit the Guayasamín Museum & Capilla del Hombre • Visit the Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) • Fun equator experiments at Intiñan Museum • Dinner & drinks in Cumbayá or Plaza Foch (Party Area) ✨ Day 3 – Optional (Extra Time) • El Panecillo & Virgin statue • Buy handmade crafts and souvenirs at Mercado Artesanal de Quito • Explore the art corners of La Floresta
CUENCA – 2–3 Day Itinerary
✨ Day 1 – Historic Cuenca (Must-Do) • Explore the Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage) • Visit the New Cathedral (guardian of the famous blue domes) and San Luis Seminary • Walk around Parque Calderón and Plaza de las Flores • Visit Pumapungo Museum & its archaeological gardens ✨ Day 2 – Art + Views (Must-Do) • Visit local artisan workshops (ceramics, toquilla straw hats, handmade art). • Explore El Barranco neighborhood and its cozy cafés. • Sunset at Turi viewpoint, you can drink a Canelazo over there to get warm. ✨ Day 3 – Optional (Extra Time) • Cajas National Park for hiking and lakes, you can visit Hostería Dos Chorreras. • Visit the Modern Art Museum, Las Conceptas Museum. • Get lost in its lovely streets and enjoy a all the good restaurants without rushing.
DAY TRIPS FROM QUITO – Fun & Quick Guides
🌋 Cotopaxi National Park Vibe: Volcano views Fun Fact: One of the world’s highest active volcanoes Do: Lagoon hikes, photos at the base 💎 Quilotoa Crater Lake Vibe: Turquoise crater lake Fun Fact: Color changes with sunlight due to minerals Do: Rim hike, mule ride, artisan shops 🧵 Otavalo + Ibarra (Poncho Plaza) Vibe: Colors, culture, crafts Fun Fact: One of the oldest Indigenous markets in the Americas Do: Shopping, leather town Cotacachi 🌿 Mindo Cloud Forest Vibe: Nature, waterfalls, chocolate, birds Fun Fact: Home to 500+ bird species Do: Rafting, ziplining, chocolate tours ⚡ Baños de Agua Santa Vibe: Ecuador’s adventure capital Fun Fact: Built around volcanic hot springs Do: Canyoning, swings, waterfalls, thermal baths
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS — 4 - 5 days trip
You can easily fly there from Quito or Guayaquil. 🐢 Santa Cruz Island • Giant tortoises in the wild (El Chato Reserve) • Tortuga Bay • Day trip to Isabela or Seymour 🐢 Isabela Island • Los Túneles (spectacular snorkeling) • Sierra Negra Volcano • Penguins, sharks, and manta rays 🐢 San Cristóbal • Kicker Rock (León Dormido) for diving/snorkeling • Playa Mann and Cerro Tijeretas • A more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere A little expensive…but every dollar is worth it. Once-in-a-lifetime wildlife paradise!
AMAZON REGION - ADVENTURE IN THE JUNGLE
🌿Tena • Gateway to the jungle, rafting, waterfalls, and river adventures. 🌿Misahuallí • Riverside town, local markets, and encounters with indigenous communities. 🌿Cuyabeno • Reserve with amazing wildlife: caimans, monkeys, pink dolphins, and exotic birds. 🌿Yasuní • National Park with incredible biodiversity, guided jungle tours. 🌿Puyo • Waterfalls, hanging bridges, and jungle trails, perfect for short hikes. Tip: Wear light clothing, bring insect repellent, and always respect nature and local communities.