Arrive in Quito. Meet and greet with your bilingual guide, then private transfer to the Mama Cuchara hotel or similar. Four nights, (double occupancy), including breakfast, hotel tax and service charge.

Start the day visiting a local market.  Here, you will explore the vibrant market, its people and, of course, its great variety of fresh produce. You will also learn the local names of fruits and vegetables, how to negotiate prices and how to obtain a “Yapa” (to add a free item to your purchase).

This is an authentic and interactive cooking class. The objective is to invite you to be the main character of our gastronomic tour, to learn and to participate in the preparation of traditional dishes of Ecuador. Learn to prepare 3 courses of typical Ecuadorian recipes including a starter (“Locro Quiteño”, an Andean potato soup), a main dish (“Encocado”, a coconut stew with fish or chicken) and a traditional dessert. You will see that the ingredients used can be found worldwide, therefore you will have the opportunity to prepare these recipes in your home country for your family or friends. You are also given the opportunity to be an Executive Chef. Feel free to adapt the receipt more specifically to your preferences and tastes! The Chef will explain the details and history of each dish. Thereafter, enjoy lunch which consists of what you prepared!

Then, enjoy a tour of Quito that is sure to impress! Quito is the capital and one of the largest cities in Ecuador, nestled between the Andes Mountains. A city tour of Quito will take you through the heart of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and show you a blend of colonial and modern architecture.

It starts in old colonial Quito in the main square, where the presidential palace, the main cathedral and some other important buildings can be appreciated. Then it continues to Plaza San Francisco, with a quick stop in the way so that you can try the typical sweets of Quito. San Francisco is the oldest church in Quito, and it is full of history and legends.

Of final stop will be Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, one of the most beautiful churches in South America, or perhaps the world, truly a treasure, famous for its baroque architecture and gold leaf decorations.

(B, L)

After breakfast, meet your guide and head towards the famous Teleférico.  From the hotel, you will drive west towards the Pichincha Volcano, where you will begin your tour. The Teleférico in Quito is an attraction that offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a cable car system that takes visitors on a thrilling ride up to the top of Cruz Loma, one of the peaks of the Pichincha Mountain range.

The journey up to the top takes around 20 minutes, during which passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, the valley, and the Andes Mountains. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy scenic views from one of the several lookout points.

Join us for a memorable lunch experience in the iconic La Floresta neighborhood! Savor the flavors of the city as we explore three different restaurants, each offering a unique local dish. To top it all off, enjoy a delightful coffee that will perfectly round out your afternoon. Experience the heart of the capital through its food.

(B, L)

We start the day by visiting the Equator, Latitude 0 º 0’0 «. Our first stop will be at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo where the main monument is located. Here, you won’t miss the chance to take a photo with your foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the south! After a short walk within this small tourist complex, we will visit the INTINAN Museum, located about 300 meters from the monument. This interactive Museum will teach you about the different cultures of Ecuador and some other facts applicable on the Equator line.

Then, enjoy a special chocolate tasting and art experience. Oswaldo Guayasamín, is one of Latin America’s most celebrated artists. His work has been on display in many of the finest museums and galleries in the world. Guayasamín’s house, along with the Capilla del Hombre, is one of Ecuador’s most iconic attractions. It is replete with archeological and artistic treasures that Guayasamín himself collected, along with his own great works of art.

To’ak Chocolate uses the oldest and rarest cacao variety on earth to make extremely limited editions of single-origin Ecuadorian dark chocolate. Its flagship edition was aged for four years in a French oak cognac cask and retails for $385 per bar, considered the most expensive chocolate in the world. To’ak chocolate prides itself as the finest chocolate in the world.

The first hour is a private tour of Guayasamín’s home and all of its most intimate chambers, guided by an art specialist from the museum. The guide will share Guayasamín’s passion for art and culture and explain the most significant pieces of his private art collection. This is a unique look inside the life of one of Latin America’s most creative minds in this past century.

The second hour is a tasting and pairing of To’ak chocolate, guided by a chocolate specialist from To’ak. The tasting is held in Guayasamín’s private wine cellar, where he entertained some of the 20th century’s most notable people, such as Fidel Castro, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Francois Mitterrand, the Prince of Monaco, and the King of Spain. Akin to a wine tasting, guests will be guided through a comprehensive tasting of raw and roasted cacao beans and four different editions of To’ak Chocolate. The guide will educate guests about different Ecuadorian cacao varieties, terroir, fermentation methods, barrel-aging and how these production variables influence the flavor and aroma profile of each expression of chocolate. Comparable to a Wine 101 course, but with the most luxurious and elaborate dark chocolate in the world.

(B, L)

Start your day with a journey to the north, where authentic Ecuadorian culture awaits!

Our first stop is the vibrant community of Compañía, where we’ll meet a local weaving family known for their skill and creativity in crafting traditional belts and bands. Here, you’ll dive into the artistry of weaving, learning techniques passed down through generations—and even create your own woven keepsake to take home!

Next, we’ll visit the Agato community, renowned for its 100% handmade, high-quality alpaca and sheep fiber garments, crafted with ancestral techniques. Watch artisans at work, creating each piece with skill and precision.

Our journey continues to Peguche, where we’ll step into an Andean music workshop. Experience the sounds of history as skilled musicians play traditional instruments from Inca times to the present day. You may even get to join in, helping compose a unique Andean melody!

For lunch, we’ll make our way to Quichinche for a true taste of Ecuador. Savor a traditional meal and take part in preparing cornbread from scratch—from shelling the corn to baking. Every dish is crafted with fresh, organic, seasonal ingredients for a delightful farm-to-table experience.

You’ll then be transferred to the enchanting Hacienda Pinsaquí, where you’ll spend the night immersed in an authentic local ambiance. This historic hacienda offers a unique experience, combining comfort with the charm and warmth of Ecuadorian heritage—a perfect setting for a memorable stay.

(B, L)

Today, you’ll fly to the captivating city of Cuenca, a gem of colonial architecture and rich history founded in 1557 by Spanish conquistador Gil Ramirez Davalos on the site of the ancient Inca settlement of Tomebamba. Upon arrival, your private guide will lead you on an enchanting city tour through Cuenca’s cobblestone streets, where the preserved colonial ambiance and architecture—including iconic landmarks like the old and new Cathedrals—transport you back in time.

Wander through lively, colorful markets, where you’ll experience the authentic local culture firsthand. Discover unique pre-Inca sites such as Pumapungo and enjoy the scenic views of Cuenca, surrounded by its four famous rivers.

For lunch, indulge in a vibrant street food tour, savoring Ecuadorian favorites like sanduche de pernil, tamales, empanadas, cuy (guinea pig) a, and refreshing morocho and coconut juice. Along the way, you’ll also visit notable sites including the ruins of Todos Los Santos, the Broken Bridge, and other historical landmarks.

End your day with a luxurious stay at the charming Cruz del Vado Hotel for 2 days, perfectly situated to immerse you in the heart of Cuenca’s timeless charm.

(B, L)

Start the day early with a trip to Cajas National Park, located just outside Cuenca. Known for its stunning high-altitude Andean landscapes. Cajas feature over 270 lakes and lagoons, along with unique flora and fauna. A guided hike offers a chance to explore the misty, rugged terrain. Look out for llamas, alpacas, and possibly even Andean condors or hummingbirds. Your guide can share information on the park’s unique ecosystem and the cultural significance of the area.

After leaving Cajas, head to a cacao hacienda where you can learn about Ecuador’s famous cacao production. The drive from Cajas to a lowland plantation offers a scenic transition from cool, high-altitude forests to warmer coastal plains. On arrival, take a guided tour of the plantation, learning about how cacao is grown, harvested, and transformed into chocolate. Many plantations offer hands-on demonstrations, and you can taste freshly processed cacao products. Taste a traditional Ecuadorian lunch with locally sourced ingredients, creating a delicious farm-to-table experience.

(B, L)

This relaxing day at the thermal baths is ideal to unwind and recharge before flying back home. Begin with a scenic drive from Cuenca to one of the nearby thermal spas. Baños de Cuenca, a town about 15-20 minutes from Cuenca, a popular destination known for its thermal waters. Upon arrival, enjoy the variety of pools available, each with different temperatures. The mineral-rich waters are reputed for their health benefits, especially for soothing muscles and easing stress. You’ll find both hot and warm pools, and some spas even offer cool pools for a refreshing dip. Many facilities offer additional spa treatments, such as massages, mud baths, saunas, and steam rooms. You can indulge in a massage or try a mineral-rich mud treatment for the skin.

After lunch, private transfer will take you to Cuenca’s airport. Upon arrival at Quito, connect with your international flight back home.

(B, L)