BEYOND THE SHOW:
DISCOVER ECUADOR IN 1, 2 OR 3 FREE DAYS.
Quito’s exceptional location allows visitors to reach the Andes, Amazon, cloud forests, and Pacific ecosystems in only a few hours.
This means your stay can go far beyond the exhibition halls of Expo Flor Ecuador 2026—transforming into a journey through cultures, biodiversity, and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.
Whether it is a cultural immersion, a volcanic hike, a cloud forest retreat, or a rainforest expedition, Ecuador invites every participant to turn their free days into unforgettable stories. For those with additional time, Quito is also the main international gateway to the Galápagos Islands, making it possible to extend your floral trip into a 4–5 day once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
From colonial heritage and indigenous markets to active volcanoes, jungle rivers, and endemic species, Quito is one of South America’s most privileged tourism hubs.
Depending on the number of free days available, Expo Flor Ecuador assistants can easily connect with Ecuador’s most iconic destinations. Here are some of our recommendations:
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IF YOU HAVE 1 FREE DAY: CULTURE, LANDSCAPES, AND ANDEAN ICONS
1. OLD TOWN + MIDDLE OF THE WORLD
A perfect cultural introduction to Ecuador, combining the UNESCO-listed Historic Center with the equatorial line.
Best activities include:
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Walking tours through Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, and San Francisco
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Colonial art, architecture, and museum visits
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Standing on the equatorial line at Mitad del Mundo
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Interactive latitude experiments and cultural exhibits
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Local cuisine tastings and artisan shopping
2. TELEFÉRICO + CAPILLA DEL HOMBRE
A blend of dramatic landscapes and contemporary Ecuadorian culture.
Best activities include:
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Cable-car ride to over 4,000 meters above sea level
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Short high-Andean walks with panoramic volcano views
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Visit to the Capilla del Hombre Museum, dedicated to Oswaldo Guayasamín
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Exploration of Quito’s creative and cultural districts
4. OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET
A journey into Ecuador’s living ancestral culture.
Best activities include:
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Exploring South America’s most famous indigenous market
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Visiting weaving communities and artisan workshops
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Scenic stops at Andean lakes and viewpoints
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Traditional food tastings
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Cultural interaction with Otavalo Kichwa communities
3. COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
A high-altitude adventure to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Best activities include:
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Hiking inside Cotopaxi National Park
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Visit to Limpiopungo glacial lagoon
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Observation of wild horses and Andean birds
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Optional ascent to the refuge at 4,800 m
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Scenic photography of volcanic landscapes
IF YOU HAVE 2 FREE DAYS: VOLCANOES, CRATER LAKES, AND CLOUD FORESTS
1. COTOPAXI + QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE
One of Ecuador’s most iconic Andean circuits.
Best activities include:
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Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park
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Visiting indigenous highland villages
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Trekking down to the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake
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Optional horseback riding or kayaking
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Andean road trips through dramatic mountain scenery
2. MINDO CLOUD FOREST
An immersion into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
Best activities include:
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Guided rainforest and waterfall hikes
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Hummingbird and birdwatching experiences
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Chocolate and coffee farm visits
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Zip-lining, tubing, or canopy adventures
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Night walks and biodiversity interpretation
IF YOU HAVE 3 FREE DAYS: RAINFOREST AND ADVENTURE REGIONS
1. TENA – AMAZON JUNGLE EXPERIENCE
A direct gateway into the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Best activities include:
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Jungle lodge stays
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Guided rainforest expeditions
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Canoeing on jungle rivers
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Wildlife observation
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Visits to indigenous communities
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Medicinal plant and ancestral knowledge experiences
2. BAÑOS + JUNGLE
A vibrant mix of waterfalls, Andes, and Amazon ecosystems.
Best activities include:
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Waterfall routes and cable-car crossings
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Thermal hot springs and wellness experiences
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Swing at the “End of the World” viewpoint
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Cycling, canyon walks, and scenic drives
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Rafting and jungle excursions
IF YOU HAVE 4–5 FREE DAYS: THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
A short flight from Quito connects you to one of the most important natural destinations on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A definitely “must” for all nature lovers and an experience you will never forget.
A 4–5 day extension allows visitors to experience:
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Guided wildlife encounters with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies
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Snorkeling with sea turtles and tropical fish
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Visits to volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches
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Interpretation of evolution, conservation, and endemic species
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Responsible tourism experiences that directly support conservation efforts