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The concept of this ½ day trip is to show tourists the alternative or "real" side to Quito life, in other words some of the sites that tourists do not usually get to see.
The day starts with a trip to the colourful San Roque market to witness the hustle and bustle of locals buying the huge array of tropical fruits, grains, vegetables and even guinea pigs! Next up is a visit to a traditional Quito confectionary maker to see their method of production and sample the delicious sweets. The tour next takes an artsy angle visiting a local education project training under-priveleged youths in traditional crafts, and the Capilla del Hombre art gallery which displays the finest works of Ecuadorian artist Guayasamin famed for his moving representations of the struggle of Latin America's indigenous people.
We are the only agency in Quito that runs this unique trip so if you are looking for something different and original then come and sign up!
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The city of Quito lies just 22km from the equator so it makes a perfect ½ day add-on to your trip.
We visit three different sites: The pictoresque Pululahua Volcanic Crater; The official equator monument for perfect photos with one foot in each hemisphere; and the Inti Ñan Museum where you are able to perform fascinating scientific tests which only hold true at the equator such as balancing an egg on a nail and witnessing the coriolis Force that sends falling water in different directions in each hemisphere.
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The indigenous town of Otavalo is famous across South America for its handicraft market and colourful inhabitants, but the area also offers far more besides!!!
The Happy Gringo daytour of course takes you to the famous handicraft market and allows freetime for shopaholics to explore the many wares and splurge, but we also like to take our tourists a little further off of the beaten-path ... so we also find time for a visit to a fascinating weaving workshop, lunch at the spiritual Peguche waterfall, sampling the delicious bizcochos biscuits and cheese at Cayambe, as well as time to see an indigenous family who make and play traditional musical instruments.
An action-packed combo of the best culture, nature and shopping in the Otavalo area!
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Mindo is a tiny town set amidst some of the most beautiful and peaceful countryside in the entire country. It is a centre for both nature and for adventure activities - Happy Gringo run two separate itineraries which focus on each area.
The Nature trip first visits a butterfly farm where you will also be able to see orchids and an array of colourful humming birds for which Mindo is reknowned. The rest of the day is spent trekking through the cloudforest with the reward of freetime for lunch, swimming and enjoying the peace and tranquility upon arrival at the picturesque waterfall.
The Adventure trip includes both the adrenalin-rush of a network of flying-fox canopy runs between towers high in the forest canopy, and a more relaxing afternoon floating on a giant inner-tube down the river. Both are completely different ways of taking in the beautiful cloudforest scenery.
There is also the option of a chocolate tour which includes a demonstration of the chocolate-making process and of course tasting too!
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The Cotopaxi National Park is home to Ecuador’s most destructive yet captively photogenic volcano – towering in at 5897 metres this giant peak boasts a perfectly symmetrical snow-capped cone and picturesque surrounding parkland.
The most enjoyable part of the itinerary is the trek up to the snowline refuge to enjoy panoramic views (in clear weather) and visit the glacier. The day also usually includes visits to the park museum and the pretty Limpiopungo Lake but can be flexible to your needs.
Note that during this trip you will travelling to points of high altitude (approx up to 4800 metres) and that warm clothes are recommended.
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Quilotoa Laguna is a rewarding daytrip that takes you off of the regular beaten tourist path high up into “grand canyon” area of the Andes. The laguna and crater will literally take your breath away, and the area is also culturally very interesting.
The itinerary is very flexible as there are various treks that you can do in this area – the most recommended is to trek into the crater itself down to the lake-side, with the option of riding a mule (or trekking) back out. The altitude of the crater (approx 3800 metres above sea level) make this an enjoyable but challenging walk.
Another recommended visit is the Tigua art workshop which showcases the colourful artwork typical of the region. There are also 2 local markets that make for wonderful visits – Saquisili (Thursday) and Zumbahua (Saturday). Your guide can help to coordinate these activities depending on your wishes and how much time you have.
Note that this is a long day (leaving Quito usually around 7am and returning around 7pm) and that warm clothes are recommended.
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Our daytour to Papallacta is all about relaxation and pampering!!!
The town of Papallacta is famed for exquisite hot-springs boasting renowned curative properties. There are over 15 pools fed by natural springs heated by the nearby volcanoes with temperatures of between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius. There is also an on-site spa offering an excellent array of treatments and a small network of trekking trails.
The itinerary is completely flexible – most people prefer simply to relax and enjoy the hot-spring pools.
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All tours are available 7 days a week with the exception of Quito reality (weekdays Mon-Fri only, note - on Mondays we visit the Guayasamin Foundation instead of the Capilla del hombre).
Prices include return transport to / from your hotel and English-speaking guide.
Exclusions: lunch, entry fees, costs of activities, personal expenses & tips (optional).
All itineraries are suggested only - as the tours are private for your group you have flexibility to make any changes that you prefer - the exact visits and timings can be agreed together with your guide, he/she will be able to advise what activities fit together in the time allowed.
Note that cheaper group daytours may also be available last minute in our office.
Contact our sales staff for further information about the tours or to book.
