Quito, Mindo Cloud Forest, Otavalo Market & Papallacta Hot Springs
Starting from Quito, this route connects the Equator Line, Mindo Cloud Forest, Otavalo Market, and Papallacta Hot Springs.
A leisurely short-haul route for first-time visitors that avoids the long drives of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Spend the first day acclimatizing to Quito's altitude, then head west for birdwatching in the cloud forest, north to the indigenous market and a volcanic crater lake, and wrap up with high-altitude hot springs. Since the Otavalo Saturday market is the largest, we recommend planning your departure date backward from Saturday. Ideal for couples and seniors with limited time who are willing to skip Quilotoa and Baños in the south.
To visit the Otavalo market on Saturday, Day 4 should ideally fall on a Saturday.
Day by day
Day 1 · Quito Old Town Walking Tour
Quito（Historic Center of Quito、Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía)、Basilica and Convent of San Francisco、Basílica del Voto Nacional）
The main sights in the Old Town are close to each other and can be explored on foot in half a day to a full day. Take taxis for round trips at night.
Quito sits at an altitude of about 2,850 meters. Keep a slow pace on your first day.
Stay: Quito Old Town
Day 2 · Equator Line & West to Mindo
Quito（Ciudad Mitad del Mundo、Intiñan Solar Museum）
Charter a car from Quito north to the Equator Line (~1 hour), then head west to Mindo (~1.5 hours).
Stay: Mindo
Day 3 · Full Day in Mindo Cloud Forest
Take a local vehicle or walk from town to enter the reserve. The waterfall trails and hummingbird gardens can easily be covered in half a day.
Start early in the morning for birdwatching, as it often rains in the afternoon.
Stay: Mindo
Day 4 · Crater Lake & Otavalo Market
Cuicocha Lake → Quito（Otavalo Market）
Charter a car from Mindo east to Cuicocha Lake (~2.5 hours), then continue to Otavalo (~30 minutes).
Stay: Otavalo
Day 5 · Highland Hot Springs & Return to Quito
Drive from Otavalo south via Cayambe to Papallacta (~3 hours), then return to Quito (~1.5 hours).
The hot springs area is at an altitude of about 3,300 meters. Booking a late evening flight out is safer.