Thursday, March 14th, 2024 - Arrive in Quito

Arrive at Quito and spend the night at Casa Aliso in the charming Floresta area. The Floresta

area in Quito is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that combines historic charm with a

contemporary atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the city, Floresta is known for its tree-lined

streets, lively cafes, and an array of cultural attractions. The neighborhood is a hub for arts and

creativity, hosting numerous art galleries, theaters, and cultural centers. With its mix of

colonial-era architecture and modern developments, Floresta provides a unique blend of

old-world charm and urban energy.

Friday, March 15th, 2024 - Day in Mindo Cloud Forest

A day in Mindo promises an enchanting journey into one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

Nestled within lush cloud forests, Mindo is a natural paradise 2 hours from your hotel, where the

convergence of the Andes Mountains and the Chocó-Andean biozone creates a haven for both

birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Begin your day at the Mariposario de Mindo, a captivating

butterfly garden that showcases the incredible diversity of these winged creatures. Then,

choose between two exciting options: a guided tour of a local chocolate factory, where you'll

discover the art of chocolate-making from cacao bean to bar, or an outdoor adventure, set out

on a trek to explore one of Mindo's stunning waterfalls. Following your morning activity, head to

one of Mindo's renowned hummingbird observatories. These sanctuaries offer a close

encounter with dazzling hummingbirds, including various species like the Violet-tailed Sylph and

Booted Racket-tail. Lastly, recharge with a delicious lunch at the Mariposario de Mindo, known

for its excellent cuisine, before heading back to Casa Aliso to rest.

Saturday, March 16th, 2024 - Papallacta Hot Springs

Spending a day in Papallacta offers a delightful escape into the heart of the Andes Mountains,

known for its pristine natural beauty, rejuvenating hot springs, and captivating landscapes. The

drive from the hotel takes approximately 1 hour, offering breathtaking views of the Andean

countryside along the way. Upon arrival, you can head straight to the renowned Papallacta Hot

Springs, famous for their therapeutic and relaxing qualities. Spend your morning soaking in the

mineral-rich thermal pools while surrounded by lush cloud forest and mist-covered mountains.

After your relaxing soak, enjoy lunch amidst the breathtaking Andean scenery. Savor local

Ecuadorian delicacies while taking in the fresh mountain air and serene surroundings. A half a

day in Papallacta immerses you in the pristine beauty of the Andes, offering relaxation and a

deep connection with nature. Then head back to Quito to freshen up and join us for the official

welcome dinner of our tour!

Please be sure to take a moment to review our cancellation policy below before finishing your booking. 

TRIP CANCELED by Client

In the event, a Heart of Travel trip is not canceled but you have chosen not to join the trip for whatever reason, including COVID-19, the following policy will apply:

• Cancellation 151+ days before the trip start date: Fully refundable 
• Cancellation 91 - 150 days before the trip start date: Loss of deposit, the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 
• Cancellation 60 – 90 days before the trip start date: 50% Refundable 
• Cancellation 59 or fewer days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed, however, you could apply 70% of your payment towards a future trip to the same destination or 50% towards a Heart of Travel trip to an alternate destination. 

*If you can’t make it on a trip but someone else can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your registrations and dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, the new participant would be responsible for covering this fee. 

TRIP POSTPONED OR CANCELED by Heart of Travel

In the event, a Heart of Travel trip is not possible due to COVID-19 (be it due to border closures or because we’ve determined the trip is not in the best interest of travelers and/or employees) we will notify participants immediately of the cancellation or postponement of the trip.

• If the trip is canceled with 75 days of notice or more, travelers will have the option to receive a full refund, join the trip on the postponed dates, or transfer the amount paid to an alternative trip. 
• In the event the trip is impacted 74 days or less before the start date of the trip, it will not be canceled, but rather postponed. In this case there will be no refund, however, you will receive a full 100% credit for the amount paid. This credit can be used towards any other Heart of Travel trip to any destination at any time, or you may wait to go on your original trip at the new dates.