Quito

Airport transfer to La Mariscal(45-60 minutes)

Fixed-rate taxi from the airport counter costs $25-30, or take the Aeroservicios shuttle bus for $8 to the old town

Light lunch at Zazu(1 hour)

One of Quito's best restaurants in La Mariscal — try the ceviche de camarones with a side of patacones, mains from $12-18

Gentle walk around Parque El Ejido(1.5 hours)

A low-key stroll through Quito's central park where weekend art markets set up along the pathways. Good for easing into the altitude

Coca tea at the hotel(30 minutes)

Ask your hotel for mate de coca — it's legal in Ecuador and locals swear by it for altitude adjustment

Plaza Grande & Presidential Palace(1 hour)

The heart of colonial Quito flanked by the Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Presidential Palace. Free guided tours of the palace run on the hour (bring your passport)

La Compania de Jesus Church(45 minutes)

Often called the most beautiful church in the Americas, covered in 7 tonnes of gold leaf. Entry $5, no photography inside. 10 minutes from Plaza Grande

Almuerzo lunch at a local comedor(1 hour)

Look for signs saying 'Almuerzo $3' — a full set menu with soup, main course, juice, and dessert for $2.50-3.50. Try one on Calle Venezuela near the church

Basilica del Voto Nacional tower climb(1.5 hours)

Climb the twin clock towers of this neo-Gothic basilica for panoramic city views. Note the gargoyles shaped like Galapagos iguanas and tortoises. Entry $2

Evening on La Ronda Street(2 hours)

This narrow cobblestone lane comes alive after 7PM with live music, artisan chocolate shops, and canelazo bars. Try the hot cinnamon canelazo ($2-3) and browse the handicraft workshops

TeleferiQo cable car ride(2.5 hours)

Take an Uber to the base station ($3-5 from La Mariscal). Tickets $8.50, open 9AM-6PM. At the top, walk the Cruz Loma trail for even better views. Don't overexert — you're at 4,000m+

Lunch at Café Mosaico(1.5 hours)

A hillside restaurant overlooking the old town with floor-to-ceiling windows. Their locro de papa (potato soup with avocado and cheese) is a Quito classic. Mains $8-15

Chocolate tasting at Pacari(1 hour)

Ecuador produces some of the world's finest cacao. Pacari's guided tasting in the old town costs $10-15 — sample single-origin bars and learn the bean-to-bar process

Sunset from Itchimbia Park(1 hour)

A hilltop park east of the old town with 360-degree views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. The crystal palace (Centro Cultural Itchimbia) glows at sunset. Free entry

Mitad del Mundo monument complex(1.5 hours)

The main Equator monument and surrounding park with museums and shops. Entry $5. Take an Uber from the city ($8-12) or a bus from Ofelia terminal ($0.35)

Intinan Solar Museum(1 hour)

The quirky museum just 200m from the main monument claims to be on the 'real' equator line. Fun experiments like balancing an egg on a nail and watching water drain both ways. Entry $5

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve viewpoint(1 hour)

A 15-minute drive from Mitad del Mundo brings you to the rim of a volcanic crater with a farming community living inside. The Ventanillas viewpoint is free and spectacular

Free afternoon — rest or explore La Mariscal(3 hours)

Browse the Mercado Artesanal (fixed-price crafts market) on Calle Juan León Mera, or rest at the hotel to recover from yesterday's altitude

Drive through Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park(2 hours)

Most tours depart hotels at 7AM. The park entrance fee is $10. On clear days, the snow-capped cone is visible for much of the drive

Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864m)(2 hours)

A 45-minute hike from the parking lot at 4,500m to the José Rivas refuge. Take it extremely slow — the altitude is punishing. Hot chocolate available at the refuge ($2)

Mountain bike descent from the parking area(1.5 hours)

Many tours include a thrilling downhill bike ride through the páramo (high-altitude grasslands). Bikes and helmets provided. Mostly downhill, suitable for beginners

Lunch at a hacienda near Cotopaxi(1 hour)

Tour operators typically include lunch at a traditional hacienda. Try llapingachos (potato patties with peanut sauce) — a highland Ecuadorian specialty

Museo Nacional del Ecuador (MuNa)(2 hours)

Housed in the Casa de la Cultura, this museum covers 10,000 years of Ecuadorian history from pre-Columbian gold to contemporary art. Entry $2. Open Tue-Sun 9AM-5PM

Mercado Central lunch(1 hour)

The central food market near Plaza Grande where locals eat — try encebollado (tuna and onion soup, considered Ecuador's national hangover cure) for $3-4

Free afternoon at leisure(4 hours)

Rest at the hotel, revisit the old town, or book a cooking class through your hotel. Many hostels and hotels offer evening Ecuadorian cooking workshops from $25-35 including dinner

Morning walk and last-minute shopping(1.5 hours)

Pick up Panama hats ($15-50 — they're actually Ecuadorian!), chocolate bars from Pacari or Republica del Cacao ($3-5 each), and tagua nut carvings from the Mercado Artesanal

Breakfast at Café Dios No Muere(45 minutes)

A cozy spot on Calle García Moreno in the old town — their humitas (sweet corn tamales) and fresh fruit juice are a perfect farewell meal

Airport transfer(45-60 minutes)

Take an Uber ($12-15) or arrange a hotel transfer. Allow extra time for traffic, especially on weekday mornings. International flights: arrive 3 hours early

Airport transfer to La Mariscal(45-60 minutes)

Fixed-rate taxi from the airport counter costs $25-30, or take the Aeroservicios shuttle bus for $8

Light lunch at Zazu(1 hour)

One of Quito's best restaurants in La Mariscal — try the ceviche de camarones, mains $12-18

Gentle walk around Parque El Ejido(1.5 hours)

A low-key stroll through Quito's central park where weekend art markets line the pathways

Coca tea at the hotel(30 minutes)

Mate de coca is legal in Ecuador and helps with altitude adjustment

Plaza Grande & Presidential Palace(1 hour)

Free guided tours of the Presidential Palace run on the hour — bring your passport

La Compania de Jesus Church(45 minutes)

Seven tonnes of gold leaf cover the interior — often called the most beautiful church in the Americas. Entry $5, no photography inside

Almuerzo lunch on Calle Venezuela(1 hour)

Full set menu of soup, main course, juice, and dessert for $2.50-3.50 at any comedor with a sign

Basilica del Voto Nacional tower climb(1.5 hours)

Neo-Gothic basilica with Galapagos animal gargoyles. Climb the towers for panoramic views. Entry $2

Evening stroll on La Ronda Street(2 hours)

Live music, artisan chocolate, and canelazo bars come alive after 7PM. Try the hot cinnamon canelazo for $2-3

TeleferiQo cable car ride(2.5 hours)

Uber to the base station ($3-5). Tickets $8.50. Walk the Cruz Loma trail at the top for even better views

Lunch at Café Mosaico(1.5 hours)

Hillside restaurant overlooking old town — try the locro de papa (potato soup with avocado). Mains $8-15

Chocolate tasting at Pacari(1 hour)

Guided single-origin chocolate tasting in the old town, $10-15

Sunset from Itchimbia Park(1 hour)

360-degree views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Free entry

Mitad del Mundo monument complex(1.5 hours)

Main equator monument and surrounding park. Entry $5. Uber from city $8-12

Intinan Solar Museum(1 hour)

Quirky equator experiments — balance eggs on nails, watch water drain both ways. Entry $5, 200m from the main monument

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve(1 hour)

Volcanic crater with a farming village inside. The Ventanillas viewpoint is free and stunning. 15 min drive from Mitad del Mundo

Afternoon at Mercado Artesanal(2 hours)

Fixed-price crafts market on Calle Juan León Mera — Panama hats ($15-50), alpaca scarves, and tagua nut carvings

Drive to Cotopaxi National Park(2 hours)

Tours depart hotels at 7AM. Park entrance $10. Snow-capped cone visible on clear days

Hike to José Rivas Refuge (4,864m)(2 hours)

45-minute hike from the 4,500m parking lot. Go extremely slow — hot chocolate at the refuge for $2

Mountain bike descent through páramo(1.5 hours)

Thrilling downhill through high-altitude grasslands. Bikes and helmets provided, suitable for beginners

Hacienda lunch with llapingachos(1 hour)

Traditional highland meal of potato patties with peanut sauce, usually included in tour price

Museo Nacional del Ecuador (MuNa)(2 hours)

10,000 years of Ecuadorian history from pre-Columbian gold to contemporary art. Entry $2. Open Tue-Sun 9AM-5PM

Mercado Central lunch(1 hour)

Try encebollado — tuna and onion soup, Ecuador's national hangover cure. $3-4 at the central food market

Free afternoon at leisure(4 hours)

Rest, revisit the old town, or book an Ecuadorian cooking workshop ($25-35 including dinner)

Drive to Otavalo(2 hours)

Organized tours cost $40-60. Alternatively, buses depart from Terminal Carcelén every 30 min ($2.50, 2 hours)

Plaza de Ponchos Market(3 hours)

A kaleidoscope of alpaca sweaters ($15-30), woven tapestries, leather goods, and indigenous crafts. Bargaining is expected — start at 60% of asking

Lunch at La Cosecha Café in Otavalo(1 hour)

Farm-to-table café near the market serving highland dishes with organic ingredients. Mains $6-10

Cuicocha Crater Lake(1.5 hours)

A volcanic crater lake 17 km from Otavalo at 3,064m. Walk part of the rim trail (full loop is 12 km, 5 hours) for dramatic views. Free entry

Drive to Mindo(2 hours)

Buses from Terminal Ofelia ($3, 2.5 hours) or organized tours from $50. The road drops 1,600m through cloud forest

Hummingbird garden visit(1 hour)

Mindo has 500+ bird species. Visit the Alambi or Yellow House garden — feeders attract dozens of hummingbird species. Entry $5

Tarabita (cable car) to Nambillo Waterfalls(2 hours)

Ride the open-air cable car across the valley ($5 round trip), then hike 30-45 min through forest to reach a series of waterfalls. Bring water shoes

Chocolate-making workshop at El Quetzal(2 hours)

Bean-to-bar chocolate workshop in Mindo town. Learn the full process and make your own bar. $15-20 per person

Dawn birdwatching walk(2.5 hours)

Hire a local guide ($20-30) for a 5:30AM walk — toucans, tanagers, and the Andean cock-of-the-rock are all possible. Bring binoculars

Breakfast at Mishqui Quinde restaurant(45 minutes)

Popular spot in Mindo town serving thick Ecuadorian hot chocolate and tigrillo (scrambled eggs with green plantains and cheese). $5-8

Zipline through the cloud forest canopy(1.5 hours)

13 cables spanning river gorges and forest canopy. $20 per person at MindoCanopy Adventure. Thrilling and safe

Return to Quito(2 hours)

Bus or arranged transport back to Quito. Arrive by early afternoon for a relaxed evening

Drive to Quilotoa(3 hours)

Organized tours from Quito cost $45-65 including lunch. The road passes through highland indigenous villages with patchwork farming on steep hillsides

Hike down to the lake(1.5 hours)

The descent takes 30 minutes; the climb back up takes 45-60 minutes at this altitude. Mules are available for the return ($10). The turquoise water is incredible

Kayak on the crater lake(45 minutes)

Kayak rentals at the lakeshore cost $3-5. Paddling across the crater floor with 400m walls rising above you is surreal

Lunch in Quilotoa village(1 hour)

Simple village restaurants serve warming lentil soup and grilled trout for $3-5. Browse indigenous paintings on sheepskin at the village workshops

Drive to Papallacta(1.5 hours)

67 km east of Quito. Buses from Terminal Quitumbe ($4, 2 hours) or Uber ($25-30 one way). The road climbs to 4,100m before descending

Termas de Papallacta hot springs(4 hours)

Multiple thermal pools at different temperatures set against cloud forest mountains. Day pass $9 (public pools) or $25 (spa pools with fewer crowds). Towel rental $2

Lunch at the Termas restaurant(1 hour)

On-site restaurant serving highland comfort food — trucha (trout) from local farms and locro de papa. Mains $8-14

Return to Quito via sunset drive(1.5 hours)

The return drive west offers stunning sunset views over the highland valley as you descend back into Quito

Parque Metropolitano morning walk(1.5 hours)

Quito's largest urban park — 557 hectares of eucalyptus forest with trails and city views. Free entry. Popular with local joggers and families

Guápulo neighborhood walk(1.5 hours)

A bohemian hillside neighborhood east of La Floresta with street art, small galleries, and the colonial Guápulo church. Walk down the steep Camino de Orellana — take a taxi back up

Lunch at Café de la Vaca(1 hour)

Beloved local spot in Guápulo serving set lunches and humitas (sweet corn tamales). Mains $4-8

Ecuadorian cooking class(3 hours)

Learn to make ceviche, llapingachos, and canelazo at a cooking workshop. Several hotels and Airbnb Experiences offer classes from $25-40 including dinner

Drive or bus to Baños(3.5 hours)

Buses from Terminal Quitumbe ($5, 3.5 hours). Alternatively, book a guided day tour from $60-80. The town sits at 1,820m — notably warmer than Quito

Casa del Árbol swing (Swing at the End of the World)(1.5 hours)

The famous tree swing overlooking the Tungurahua volcano. Taxi from town ($3), entry $1. The views are vertigo-inducing — arrive before 10AM to avoid queues

Ruta de las Cascadas bike ride(2 hours)

Rent a bike ($5/day) and ride the 17 km downhill route past 7 waterfalls, including the massive Pailón del Diablo. A taxi back costs $5

Hot springs at Termas de la Virgen(1.5 hours)

Volcanic hot springs in town with pools at different temperatures. Entry $3. Open until 10PM. The cold plunge pool is refreshing after the ride

Final souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)

Pick up Panama hats ($15-50), Pacari chocolate bars ($3-5), and tagua nut carvings from La Mariscal shops or the Mercado Artesanal

Farewell breakfast at Café Dios No Muere(45 minutes)

Humitas and fresh fruit juice in the old town on Calle García Moreno — a perfect last meal

Airport transfer(45-60 minutes)

Uber to UIO costs $12-15. Allow extra time for weekday morning traffic. International flights: arrive 3 hours early

Airport transfer to La Mariscal(45-60 minutes)

Fixed-rate taxi $25-30 from the airport counter, or Aeroservicios shuttle $8

Light lunch at Zazu(1 hour)

Top Quito restaurant — ceviche de camarones and patacones, mains $12-18

Gentle walk around Parque El Ejido(1.5 hours)

Central park with weekend art markets. Low-key introduction to the altitude

Coca tea and early night(30 minutes)

Ask your hotel for mate de coca to help with altitude adjustment

Plaza Grande & Presidential Palace(1 hour)

Free guided tours of the palace run on the hour — bring your passport

La Compania de Jesus Church(45 minutes)

Seven tonnes of gold leaf interior. Entry $5, no photography

Almuerzo lunch on Calle Venezuela(1 hour)

Set menu — soup, main, juice, dessert for $2.50-3.50

Basilica del Voto Nacional tower climb(1.5 hours)

Panoramic views from the towers. Galapagos animal gargoyles. Entry $2

Evening on La Ronda Street(2 hours)

Live music and canelazo bars after 7PM. Hot cinnamon canelazo $2-3

TeleferiQo cable car ride & Cruz Loma trail(2.5 hours)

Uber to base ($3-5). Tickets $8.50. Walk the ridge trail at the top for volcano views

Lunch at Café Mosaico(1.5 hours)

Hillside restaurant with old town views. Locro de papa (potato soup with avocado) is a classic. $8-15

Chocolate tasting at Pacari(1 hour)

Single-origin guided tasting in the old town. $10-15

Sunset from Itchimbia Park(1 hour)

360-degree city views and the glowing Centro Cultural Itchimbia. Free

Mitad del Mundo monument complex(1.5 hours)

Equator monument and park. Entry $5. Uber from city $8-12

Intinan Solar Museum(1 hour)

Egg-balancing and water-draining experiments. Entry $5. 200m from main monument

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve(1 hour)

Volcanic crater with village inside. Free viewpoint, 15 min drive from Mitad del Mundo

Afternoon browsing Mercado Artesanal(2 hours)

Fixed-price crafts market on Juan León Mera. Panama hats $15-50, alpaca goods, tagua carvings

Drive to Cotopaxi National Park(2 hours)

Depart 7AM. Park entrance $10. Avenue of Volcanoes scenery

Hike to José Rivas Refuge (4,864m)(2 hours)

45-min hike from 4,500m parking lot. Go slow. Hot chocolate at the refuge $2

Mountain bike descent through páramo(1.5 hours)

Downhill through high-altitude grasslands. Bikes/helmets provided

Hacienda lunch(1 hour)

Traditional llapingachos (potato patties with peanut sauce), included in tour

Museo Nacional del Ecuador (MuNa)(2 hours)

10,000 years of history from pre-Columbian gold to contemporary art. Entry $2

Mercado Central lunch(1 hour)

Try encebollado (tuna and onion soup) for $3-4 at the central food market

Free afternoon at leisure(4 hours)

Rest, re-explore favorites, or book a cooking class ($25-35 including dinner)

Drive to Otavalo(2 hours)

Tours $40-60, or buses from Terminal Carcelén every 30 min ($2.50)

Plaza de Ponchos Market(3 hours)

Alpaca sweaters ($15-30), woven tapestries, leather goods. Bargain starting at 60% of asking

Lunch at La Cosecha Café(1 hour)

Farm-to-table highland cuisine with organic ingredients. Mains $6-10

Cuicocha Crater Lake(1.5 hours)

Volcanic crater lake at 3,064m. Partial rim walk with dramatic views. Free entry

Drive to Mindo(2 hours)

Bus from Terminal Ofelia ($3) or tour from $50. Road drops 1,600m through cloud forest

Hummingbird garden visit(1 hour)

Alambi or Yellow House garden — feeders attract dozens of species. Entry $5

Tarabita cable car to Nambillo Waterfalls(2 hours)

Open-air cable car ($5 round trip) then 30-45 min forest hike to waterfalls. Bring water shoes

Chocolate-making workshop at El Quetzal(2 hours)

Bean-to-bar workshop — make your own chocolate bar. $15-20

Dawn birdwatching walk(2.5 hours)

Guided 5:30AM walk ($20-30). Toucans, tanagers, and Andean cock-of-the-rock possible. Bring binoculars

Breakfast at Mishqui Quinde(45 minutes)

Thick Ecuadorian hot chocolate and tigrillo (scrambled eggs with plantains and cheese). $5-8

Zipline through cloud forest canopy(1.5 hours)

13 cables across river gorges. $20 per person at MindoCanopy Adventure

Return to Quito(2 hours)

Arrive by early afternoon for a relaxed evening

Drive to Quilotoa(3 hours)

Tours $45-65 including lunch. Road passes through highland indigenous villages

Hike down to the lake(1.5 hours)

30 min down, 45-60 min up. Mules available for return $10. Turquoise water is surreal

Kayak on the crater lake(45 minutes)

Rentals $3-5 at the lakeshore. Paddling with 400m crater walls above you

Lunch in Quilotoa village(1 hour)

Lentil soup and grilled trout for $3-5. Browse indigenous sheepskin paintings at workshops

Drive to Papallacta(1.5 hours)

67 km east. Bus from Quitumbe ($4) or Uber ($25-30). Road climbs to 4,100m before descending

Termas de Papallacta hot springs(4 hours)

Multiple thermal pools against cloud forest mountains. Day pass $9 (public) or $25 (spa pools)

Lunch at the Termas restaurant(1 hour)

Trucha (trout) from local farms and locro de papa. $8-14

Return via sunset drive(1.5 hours)

Stunning sunset views over the highland valley on the way back

Parque Metropolitano morning walk(1.5 hours)

Quito's largest urban park — 557 hectares of eucalyptus forest with trails. Free

Guápulo neighborhood walk(1.5 hours)

Bohemian hillside neighborhood with street art, galleries, and a colonial church. Walk down Camino de Orellana, taxi back up

Lunch at Café de la Vaca(1 hour)

Beloved Guápulo spot with set lunches and humitas. $4-8

Ecuadorian cooking class(3 hours)

Learn ceviche, llapingachos, and canelazo. $25-40 including dinner

Drive to Baños(3.5 hours)

Bus from Terminal Quitumbe ($5). The town sits at 1,820m — warmer than Quito

Casa del Árbol swing(1.5 hours)

Famous tree swing overlooking Tungurahua volcano. Taxi from town $3, entry $1. Arrive before 10AM

Ruta de las Cascadas bike ride(2 hours)

17 km downhill past 7 waterfalls including the massive Pailón del Diablo. Bike rental $5, taxi return $5

Hot springs at Termas de la Virgen(1.5 hours)

Volcanic hot springs in town with pools at varying temperatures. Entry $3, open until 10PM

Canyoning at Chamana or Río Blanco(3 hours)

Rappel down waterfalls (up to 35m high) in the cloud forest. Half-day tours from $30 including gear and guide

Lunch at Café Hood(1 hour)

Popular traveler café on Calle Maldonado serving excellent burritos and fresh juices. $5-8

Walk across the Pailón del Diablo suspension bridge(1 hour)

If you biked past yesterday, return by taxi to properly walk down to the Devil's Cauldron waterfall. Entry $2

Return to Quito(3.5 hours)

Evening bus back to Quito ($5). Arrive for a late dinner

Sleep in and late brunch(2 hours)

Café Galletti in La Floresta serves excellent Ecuadorian-Italian brunch with fresh-pressed juices. $8-12

Capilla del Hombre (Guayasamín Museum)(2 hours)

A powerful museum dedicated to Ecuador's most famous artist, Oswaldo Guayasamín. The Chapel of Man is a monument to Latin American suffering and resilience. Entry $8

Evening at La Floresta neighborhood(2 hours)

Quito's artsy neighborhood with craft beer bars, vinyl shops, and independent bookstores. Try Bandido Brewing for local craft beers ($4-6)

Drive to Ingapirca ruins(4 hours)

Bus from Quitumbe to Cañar ($10, 5 hours) or rent a car. The Inca sun temple at 3,160m is Ecuador's best-preserved archaeological site

Explore Ingapirca archaeological complex(1.5 hours)

Inca-Cañari sun temple and surrounding ruins. Entry $6. Museum on-site explains the dual Inca-indigenous heritage

Continue drive to Cuenca(2 hours)

Ecuador's third-largest city and another UNESCO colonial gem. Check into a hotel in the historic center

Evening walk along Río Tomebamba(1 hour)

The Barranco del Río Tomebamba promenade is lit up at night with colonial buildings reflected in the water. Free and beautiful

Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción(1 hour)

Cuenca's massive blue-domed cathedral — one of the largest in South America. Free entry. The rooftop terrace offers city views

Homero Ortega Panama hat workshop(1.5 hours)

Watch master weavers create superfino hats that take 4-6 months to complete. Free tour. Hats from $30 (basic) to $500+ (superfino)

Lunch at Raymipampa(1 hour)

Iconic Cuenca restaurant on Parque Calderón serving mote pillo (hominy with scrambled eggs) and hornado (roasted pork). $6-10

Pumapungo Museum & Inca ruins(2 hours)

Free museum with Inca archaeological site, ethnographic exhibits, and a rescued bird aviary. The Inca garden terraces are impressive

Flower market at Plaza de las Flores(30 minutes)

A daily riot of color next to the Carmen de la Asunción church. Roses (Ecuador is the world's #3 rose exporter) cost $1-3 per dozen

Drive to Cajas National Park(45 minutes)

30 km west of Cuenca. Free entry. The landscape of lakes and misty moorland at 4,000m+ feels like another planet

Tres Cruces trail hike(2.5 hours)

A 7 km loop trail past high-altitude lakes with Andean condor sighting potential. Bring warm/waterproof layers — weather changes fast

Flight or overnight bus to Quito(1-8 hours)

TAME and LATAM fly Cuenca-Quito in 1 hour ($60-100). The overnight bus takes 8 hours ($12) — comfortable semi-cama seats

Late brunch at Café Galletti(1.5 hours)

Ecuadorian-Italian brunch spot in La Floresta. Fresh juices and eggs any style. $8-12

Mindalae Museum of Indigenous Cultures(1.5 hours)

Small but excellent museum in La Mariscal covering Ecuador's 14 indigenous nationalities. Entry $3. The gift shop has authentic crafts at fair prices

Afternoon beer tasting at Bandido Brewing(1.5 hours)

Quito's best craft brewery with rotating taps of IPAs and stouts made with Ecuadorian ingredients. Flight of 4 beers $6

Farewell dinner at Urko(2 hours)

One of Quito's finest restaurants using Ecuadorian ancestral ingredients in modern tasting menus. $45-65 for the tasting menu. Book ahead

Morning return to the old town(2 hours)

Revisit your favorite church, grab one more $3 almuerzo, and walk the streets without a guidebook for once

Iglesia de San Francisco & plaza(1 hour)

The largest colonial-era religious complex in South America — the plaza and church predate everything else in the old town. Free entry, museum $2

Final shopping at Olga Fisch Folklórica(1 hour)

High-end indigenous art and crafts gallery in La Mariscal. Pricier but exceptional quality — woven tapestries, pottery, and silver from $20-500

Sunset canelazo on a rooftop(1.5 hours)

Vista Hermosa Café near the Basilica has one of the best rooftop views in the old town. Canelazo $3, coffee $2

Breakfast at Café Dios No Muere(45 minutes)

Humitas and fresh fruit juice on Calle García Moreno — a perfect farewell meal

Last-minute Pacari chocolate purchases(30 minutes)

Grab bars ($3-5 each) for friends at home. Available at their old town shop or the airport duty free

Airport transfer(45-60 minutes)

Uber $12-15 to UIO. Allow extra time for traffic. International flights: arrive 3 hours early