A little over an hour from Quito lies the Mindo Cloud Forest filled with amazing plants and animal life – perfect for a day trip from Quito. For the ornithologists in the bunch, Mindo and its surrounding cloud forest are a birdwatcher's paradise! This cloud forest tour in Mindo is a day of adventure in nature that can include everything from exploring an archeological site that pre-dates the Incas by thousands of years, to walking through a wild orchid collection and visiting a beautiful jungle waterfall. Another of its attractions of this cloud forest tour is a butterfly farm where you'll watch gargantuan butterflies dry their wings after emerging from their jewel-like cocoons inches away. You can dip your fingers into a banana concoction and then be thrilled as butterflies the size of birds land in your hands for a snack.

The Saturday market of Otavalo is South America's most famous Indian fair. We get an early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery northwards. You will have ample time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indians wearing blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair and to explore their handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries and more at bargain prices. Continuing the trip, we will go to Cotacachi, famous for its leather articles, and where lunch can be taken. Finally, we will go to Peguche, a small village is known for its waterfalls and wind instruments fabrics. We arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon.