Your tour begins with pickup from your Quito hotel. After meeting your guide and small group of up to 15 people, head straight to one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, Panecillo Hill. The 655-foot (200-meter) high hill is capped by a famous statue of the Virgin Mary, but the real highlight is the view, which spans the entire city.
Descend into the Old Town and enjoy a walking tour of Quito’s UNESCO-listed monuments, as your guide tells you more about the city’s colonial history. Along the way, stroll through the colorful La Ronda district; explore the bustling Plaza Grande, formerly known as Plaza de la Independencia; and visit the magnificent Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional.
After stopping for lunch at a local restaurant (included), set out on the drive to the Papallacta hot springs, admiring the scenery as you wind through the Ecuadorian Andes. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the spa and bathing in the five thermal pools, where the volcanic spring waters boast temperatures ranging from 86°F (30°C) to 158°F (70°C). After drying off, finish off your experience with an indulgent cup of hot chocolate.
Back in Quito, your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.