Would appreciate any feedback on our proposed itinerary - we are flying into Guayaquil on Nov 30, leaving for Galapagos week on Dec 2 with Ecoventura. The part we want feedback on starts here -
Dec 9, fly to Quito/Old town arrive evening. Plan to stay at Hotel SanFrancisco for 2 nights. While there, planning to see Iglesia de la Campona, Iglesia de la San Francisco, Ari Gallery. We plan for leisurely days to rest up from the week in Galapagos.
Dec 11-13, side trip to Bellavista/Mindo. We are looking at staying at Mindo Garden Lodge with their bird tour package which includeds pick-up and return transport to Quito. Some independent things on the 3rd day Dec 13 on the way back to Quito - chocolate factory, Armonia orchid farm, and butterfly farm Mariposas de Mindo, possible Tarabita cable car.
Dec13 overnight stay in Quito at Hotel San francisco.
Dec 14-16, go to Banos with guide Lincoln planning to stay at Posada del arte. We understand there is an town celebration during that week ending Dec 16. Any suggestions for things while there - we are NOT big hikers as DH has knee issues but we do ride bikes.
Dec 17-21 stay again at same hotel San Francisco. Planning for a day trip to Otovalo Market, unless someone has a suggestion for a nice place to stay in the town of Otovalo that dies not require a 2 night stay. Any suggestions for a day tour operator?
We fly out of Quito on Dec 21. Appreciate any thoughts on restaurants, open to any price range, any other suggestions? We also would like to visit a coffee plantation at some point, preferably on the way to Banos.