Day 8: Cotopaxi - Quito
Breakfast at the hotel.
Cotopaxi National Park was founded in 1975 in order to protect the volcanos and lakes within it. You will be fascinated by nature at its best, in this popular national park in Ecuador. An impressive range of animals lives within the 34,000-hectare park, such as: condors, pumas, spectacled bears, Andean foxes, orange-headed caracaras, llamas, frogs, paramos, hummingbirds and many others. This park also counts an important collection of lakes and mountain peaks. Two of the most outstanding lakes are Limpiopungo Lake and Santo Domingo Lake. The waters of Limpiopungo Lake reflect the 4,757 meters high majestic Rumiñahui. Santo Domingo Lake is surrounded by walls on Incan stone, the ruins of Pucarás (Incan forts) and other stone platforms that are said to have been built by Pre-Colombian shepherds.
Once you arrive at the park, you will visit a museum and learn about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as other important information about the Cotopaxi Volcano. After you've had your fill of the museum, you'll walk to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, which will take about 30 minutes. Birds frequent this lagoon, and it's a great place for birding. Commonly sighted species include great thrushes, ground-tyrants, and speckled teals.
Return to Quito for a City Tour.
Quito city tour is perfect for seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and roofs that have an important historical value. You will admire and learn about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 9.350 feet. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic Center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors, are pure examples of Quito School of sculpture, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. After four incredible hours exploring the Old Town, you'll understand why Quito was the world's first city named to UNESCO's Cultural Heritage list.
Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Grande 5*
Breakfast/Lunch