Welcome to Ecuador
Jessica + Familia Torres
Jessica, we’re so excited to have you and your family here. This thoughtfully curated itinerary is designed to make the most of your one-week-ish stay—taking into account ideal routes, traffic patterns, and the best days to experience each destination seamlessly.
A journey to your roots, where Ecuador’s flavors, landscapes, and heritage unfold in a safe, thoughtful, and unforgettable way.
It’s a true pleasure for me—and for Casa Rodriguez—to be part of the beginning of this journey. We’re honored to welcome you all and help make this experience unforgettable.
FEW NOTES:
From my experience, Cotopaxi is often hidden by clouds after 11 AM in Oct, and you’ll want to see it in its full glory. That’s why it’s essential to arrive as early as possible!
Please be aware that Quito's altitude of 9,350 feet means the air is thinner, so some acclimation may be necessary. We take this into account in our planning.
I'm happy to tailor the itinerary to your preferences, so feel free to let me know exactly which activities you'd like to include—whether it's spa treatments, dental services, facials, hiking. Once I have that information, I can refine the schedule accordingly.
Lastly, the schedule is a projection and subject to change depending on weather or guide discretion.
Nestled in the Andes at an altitude of 9,350 feet, Quito stretches along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, flanked by the Panecillo and Ichimbia hills. Once a vital hub in the Inca Empire, it held strategic importance as both an administrative and ceremonial center. Colonized by the Spanish in 1534, Quito was built atop the ruins of the Inca city. Today, it proudly preserves one of the largest and best-maintained historic centers in the Americas, offering a unique blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial architecture.
Quito stands out as a city of unparalleled uniqueness due to its rich history, diverse geography, and vibrant culture. Its position as a gateway to Ecuador’s varied regions and its deep historical significance make it truly one of a kind.
Proposed
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Rest Day
FRIDAY // OCTOBER 17
7am - UIO Airport Pick up by Doña Judy 8am - Arrive at Casa Rodriguez 1:30am - Breakfast 1-2pm - Guagua Making @ Casa Rodriguez paired with Colada Morada & a decorated altar; feel free to bring a photo of a loved one 7pm - Dinner at Casa Rodriguez Canelazo on the terrace by the fire pit
DAY 2 | El Centro
SATURDAY // OCTOBER 18
9am - Breakfast at home 9:30am - Depart to el Centro 10am - Climb to the top of The Basilica 12pm - Explore Quito’s Historical Center - Helados @ Republica del Cacao / Cacao Museo - Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Museum - La Compañía de Jesús Golden Church - Iglesia & Museo San Francisco - Vic Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes got married here 4pm - Quito High Tea at Casa Gangotena 5pm - Sunset & Canelazo at Cafe Mosaico 8pm - Tour & Farra in La Ronda // Dinner Casa Geranios
Church Galore
Explore Quito’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Ecuador’s rich history. Stroll its cobblestone streets, marvel at colonial architecture, and visit iconic landmarks like La Compañía de Jesús Church, renowned for its ornate gold interiors. Enhance your journey with a visit to the Casa del Alabado Museum, where an exquisite collection of Pre-Columbian art offers a fascinating glimpse into Ecuador’s ancient civilizations. Unlike any other city, Quito sits high in the Andes, offering breathtaking mountain views, and it’s the only capital city directly on the equator, blending cultural heritage with unparalleled natural beauty.
Cultural Mosaic
Continue your Quito adventure with a delightful bite at Casa Gangotena’s Café, where local flavors meet the charm of the city’s historic center. As evening approaches, head to Café Mosaico for a warm canelazo, the perfect companion to a breathtaking sunset view over El Panecillo and the city below. End your day strolling through La Ronda, Quito’s most iconic street, where cobblestone paths come alive with music, art, and the inviting aroma of traditional Ecuadorian treats. It’s a perfect blend of flavors, sights, and culture that captures the magic of Quito.
DAY 3 | Cotopaxi
SUNDAY // OCTOBER 19
7:30am - Breakfast to go 7:30am - Depart to Machachi 9am - 2 Hour 4x4 Moto Riding 11am - Drive to Cotopaxi 1pm - Lunch at Hacienda Porvenir 4pm - Return to Casa Rodriguez 7pm - Dinner at Casa Rodriguez
4X4 Ride
Discover the rugged beauty of Machachi on an unforgettable 4x4 moto adventure. Journey through winding mountain trails, open valleys, and hidden streams surrounded by Ecuador’s breathtaking highlands. Guided by local experts, you’ll explore remote landscapes rich with vibrant flora, crisp Andean air, and panoramic views that capture the true spirit of adventure. Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, this ride promises a raw, immersive connection to Ecuador’s wild terrain.
DAY 4 | Nature+Culture
MONDAY // OCTOBER 20
8:30am - Breakfast at home 9am - Depart to Pululahua 9:30am - Tour - Temple of the Sun 11am - Tour - Intiñan Museum (actual equator) 12:30pm - Lunch at Zeviche 2pm - Museo Guayasamin 4pm - Go home // Villa Ines 7pm - SOMOS for dinner
Volcano Crater Hike
Embark on a fascinating day trip to explore Ecuador’s unique wonders, starting with the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve—one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world. Hike through its lush landscapes, take in its diverse flora and the breathtaking views of this ancient caldera. A true hidden gem in Ecuador.
Next, dive into Andean culture at the Temple of the Sun Museum, an inspiring space dedicated to Ecuador’s indigenous heritage, art, and traditions. Conclude your journey at the Intiñan Museum, where you’ll stand on the true Equator line, witnessing fun, interactive experiments that reveal the unique forces at play on this one-of-a-kind latitude. This trip is a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture!
DAY 5 | Food+History
TUESDAY // OCTOBER 21
9:30am - Breakfast at PIA Pasteleria Best Bakery of Quito, owned by 1 of the Top Chefs in Ecuador 10:30am - Casa De La Cultura 12pm - Museo Guayasamin 2pm - Late Lunch at Zeviche the best ceviche options in my humble opinion, Closes at 5pm 4pm - Explore Cumbaya - the beverly hills of Quito Will provide more places to see here ;) 7pm - Dinner + Drinks at Mimi Bar Fluido (Queer) or BIG (mad cute)
DAY 6 | Chao
WEDNESDAY // OCTOBER 21
10am - Breakfast at Casa Rodriguez 11:30am - Airport Drop-off 1:30pm - Depart from UIO

