3 day itinerary for Ecuador

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 3 days in Ecuador that is family-friendly, relaxed, and includes a chocolate tour:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a walking tour or hop on a trolley bus to explore the colonial architecture, colorful streets, and bustling plazas.
• After lunch, head to the Intiñan Museum, which is located on the equator line. Here, you can learn about the indigenous cultures of Ecuador, see demonstrations of traditional crafts, and even balance an egg on a nail at the exact point where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.
• In the late afternoon, visit the TelefériQo cable car, which takes you up to the top of Pichincha Volcano for stunning views of Quito and the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails, restaurants, and souvenir shops at the summit.

Day 2:

• Today, you'll take a day trip to Mindo, a charming town in the cloud forest about 2 hours from Quito. Along the way, you'll pass through scenic valleys and pastures, and maybe even spot some llamas or cows grazing.
• In Mindo, you can visit a butterfly farm, go ziplining through the forest canopy, or hike to a waterfall. But the highlight of the day will be the chocolate tour at El Quetzal, a local chocolate factory. You'll learn about the history and production of chocolate, taste different varieties, and make your own chocolate bar to take home.
• Return to Quito in the evening for dinner at one of the city's many restaurants, which offer everything from traditional Ecuadorian cuisine to international fusion dishes.

Day 3:

• For your final day in Ecuador, you'll visit Cotopaxi National Park, which is about 2 hours south of Quito. This park is home to Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, as well as a variety of wildlife such as llamas, condors, and foxes.
• You can take a guided tour of the park, which includes stops at scenic viewpoints, a visit to a traditional Andean market, and a hike around Limpiopungo Lake. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also rent mountain bikes or go horseback riding.
• In the afternoon, return to Quito for some last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation before your departure.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good idea of what to expect during your trip to Ecuador! Let me know if you have any other questions or preferences that I can help with.