DAY 1

We leave our hotel early, taking the road north-west out of Quito heading towards Tulipe.

En route, we stop for a pre-packed breakfast and enjoy the magnificent scenery and surrounding beauty.

Our next port of call is Santa Elena, an opportunity to explore the local handicraft market and purchase a few local products.

Upon arrival at Tulipe, we visit the village's museum and the archeological site that gives us an insight into the Yumbo culture. Quito's Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Fund (FONSAL) has opened up a path from the site of the first 6 archeological pools up to a new circular pool. The path skirts the river and allows us to appreciate the varied soils and landscapes to the full.

Lunch is taken at the museum restaurant.

We complete our day with a walk to the petroglyphs where we enjoy a refreshing dip in the nearby river whose energy the Yumbos believed penetrated their veins.

We then continue on to Mindo for dinner and our overnight stay in one of the local high category ecological lodges.

DAY 2

A morning of bird watching calls for a very early start. Mindo is renowned throughout the world for diverse birdlife. Indeed, few places are home to so many species in one area.

Return to the lodge and a well-deserved breakfast.

During the day we stop off at one of the tributaries to the river ….. Those seeking water adventure can indulge themselves floating downstream on inflated tyre inner tubes while those in need of an adrenalin kick can embark on a white water-rafting trip

A packed lunch is then taken on the river bank before we continue our journey on to the Arashá SPA resort where a variety of activities are available, though you may just choose to simply wind down and relax.

Dinner and lodgings.

DAY 3

We are up early to have breakfast before setting off to visit the archeological settlements of various pre-Inca cultures near Quito.

During the morning, we visit the Florida, Rumicucho and Rumipamba sites before enjoying a delightful lunch at the Rumiloma lodge, nestling on the side of Pichincha volcano.

Return to Quito hotel.