OPTION 1: ANDES CLOUDFORESTS Visit two different cloudforest and highland regions each with its own personality. This itinerary offers great day activities supported by rest and relaxation for the WHOLE family (including the parents). We stay approximately 2 days in each location. Day 1 - Arrive in Quito. Overnight in Quito. Day 2 - Start the day mid morning to give your family time to recover from the travel day before. Enjoy a tour of the Old Town of Quito. You feel transported in time as you walk on cobblestone streets surrounded by beautiful Quito Baroque Cathedrals and colonial style buildings. Overnight in Quito. Day 2 - Head to the cloud forest only 2 hours from Quito. Visit biological research station, learn about local amphibians, birds and insects. Enjoy a day hike. Overnight in cloud forest lodge. Day 3 - Take advantage of the warm weather and the lush surroundings. Enjoy a waterfall hike and a visit to a butterfly farm. Overnight in cloud forest lodge. Day 4 - In the morning head to higher altitude and slightly cooler temperatures. Enjoy either a hike or horseback ride through Andean forests and grasslands. Overnight in colonial hacienda. Day 5 - Day hike or horseback ride to neighboring towns. Overnight in colonial hacienda. Day 6 - Papallacta Hot Springs. Have fun relaxing and enjoying the beautiful hot springs. Optional hike. Overnight in cabins at hot springs. Day 7 - Now that you have rested in the hot springs, enjoy the day exploring this rich cloudforest area located in the higher altitudes of the Andes. Return in the afternoon to the hot springs. Day 8 - Return to Quito.Free afternoon to visit Artisans Square or visit the several parks in Quito. Day 9 - Transfer Out.

OPTION 3: ANDES HIGHLANDS Day 1 - Arrive in Quito. Overnight in Quito. Day 2 - Start the day mid morning to give your family time to recover from the travel day before. Enjoy a tour of the Old Town of Quito. You feel transported in time as you walk on cobblestone streets surrounded by beautiful Quito Baroque Cathedrals and colonial style buildings. Overnight in Quito. Day 2 - Head to Cotopaxi National Park in the morning. Saddle up with traditional Ecuadorian cowboy garb and head to the highlands on horseback led by one of the local Ecuadorian chagras. Overnight at hacienda.  Day 3 - Take deep breaths and see if your lung capacity has changed at this higher altitude. Head to Cotopaxi volcano. Park at 14,000 feet above sea level and walk up to the refuge. You can see where many of the mountaineers sleep overnight before embarking on their summit of the volcano. The refuge is located right at the glacier. Return to the hacienda for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a hike to the Incan Tambo. Overnight at Hacienda. Day 4 - After breakfast, head north to warmer climates as we leave Cotopaxi province for Imbabura. The towns in this are known for their artisans and Otavalo market. Stop by at Peguche waterfall, a sacred place for the locals. Enjoy lunch at a native run restaurant and hostel. Overnight either in hacienda or garden cottages. Day 5 - Visit the artisan towns of the area. Depending on your interest we can see woodcarving or textile weaving both traditional and modern methods. The countryside is beautiful and there are easy hikes through these towns. Day 6 - Otavalo Market. This is a fun day for the family at the most famous market in South America. A great opportunity to practice Spanish with the local natives. Visit Parque Condor to watch a flying demonstration and see in person the rare Andean Condor. Day 7 - Return to Quito.Free afternoon to visit Artisans Square or visit the several parks in Quito. Day 9 - Transfer Out.

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OPTION 2: CLOUDFORESTS AND HIGHLANDS -7 Days Day 1 - Arrive in Quito. Overnight in Quito. Day 2 - Easy walking tour of Old Quito, visit Parque Carolina or Parque Ejido. Overnight in Quito. Day 3 - Leave by private vehicle in the morning. Stop by Cotopaxi National Park for a picnic lunch. Head further south to the warm cloudforest area near the town of Patate just north of Banos. Arrive at a family-run hacienda with organic gardens. Enjoy an optional hike to the waterfalls on their private property or enjoy an oxen cart ride. Overnight in Hacienda. Day 4 - Visit local artisans and weaving demonstration or optional trout fishing activity for children. Overnight in hacienda. Day 5 - Enjoy an easy day hike in the cloudforest and stop by the town of Banos for some shopping. Horseback riding is also a great option. Overnight in Hacienda. Day 6 - After breakfast, head back to Quito. Enjoy a free afternoon visiting the artisan market or depending on the day enjoy one of many park events in the city. Day 7 -Transfer Out.  For prices, please call and we can discuss your preference for accommodations, age of your children and activity choices. 336-329-8112 or info@coreexpeditions.com