7 Days in Quito & the Andean Cloud
Quito's Centro Histórico is a living museum of Spanish colonial grandeur frozen at altitude. Beyond the churches and plazas lie high-altitude cloud forests, Papallacta hot springs, and the Avenue of Volcanoes. This trip works for culture seekers who want hike-able landscape and indigenous Andean life without leaving the city's orbit.
What to expect
- Wander Quito's UNESCO-listed old town (17 baroque churches, impossible altitude)
- Hike to Papallacta hot springs through cloud forest (2 hours from Quito)
- Ride the TelefériQo cable car above the city to 3,600m; view Pichincha volcano
- Visit Otavalo Saturday market (indigenous weavings, textiles, 1.5 hours north)
- Taste ceviche and locro stew in market fondas (family kitchens)
- Stay in La Floresta neighbourhood (bohemian, art galleries, better than polluted centre)
Day by day
Arrive mid-morning; check into La Floresta (northern neighbourhood, safer, quieter).
Gentle walk through Quito's barrio, lunch at a local café, rest with coca tea.
Sunset walk in old town (Plaza Grande, Cathedral); light dinner, early sleep (altitude adjustment).
Tour Compañía de Jesús church (gold-leaf altar, jaw-dropping detail).
Climb bell tower of Basilica del Voto Nacional (360° city view, volcanoes).
Dinner in old town; browse artisan shops on Calle Guayaquil.
Ride TelefériQo cable car to 3,600m (Pichincha slopes, cloud views); walk ridge trail.
Descend; bus to Papallacta village (1.5 hours east); soak in natural hot springs.
Stay overnight in Papallacta (mountain lodge); dinner overlooking cloud forest.
Guided hike through Papallacta Cloud Forest (orchids, hummingbirds, mist, 4 hours).
Return to Papallacta; another long soak in the mineral pools.
Dinner; star-gazing from lodge (often clear at night despite daytime clouds).
Bus back to Quito; explore Mercado Central (produce, spices, local faces).
Visit Casa de la Cultura (pre-Columbian & modern Ecuadorian art); browse galleries in La Floresta.
Dinner in La Floresta (craft beer bars, bohemian restaurants).
Early bus to Otavalo (1.5 hours); arrive before 9am for textiles, weavings, indigenous goods.
Eat ceviche in market fonda; explore Plaza de Ponchos; buy alpaca sweater or textile.
Return to Quito; rest legs.
Leisurely breakfast in La Floresta; final coffee or chocolate.
Pack; last-minute gifts (balsa wood, chocolates, textiles).
Depart (afternoon/evening flights work well).
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free