Hot equatorial air from the Pacific Ocean hits the steeps slopes of the Andes, rises up and bathes the mountains with moisture and clouds. Because of this unique climate combination the forest houses plants and animals unknown in other parts of the world. Hot equatorial air from the Pacific Ocean hits the steeps slopes of the Andes, rises up and bathes the mountains with moisture and clouds. Because of this unique climate combination the forest houses plants and animals unknown in other parts of the world.

Tours Unlimited is a leading company offering personalized service to international tourists. For 15 years, it has contributed to the development and promotion of all Ecuador’s four regions. We invite you to come and enjoy the “hummingbird heaven”, Mindo, one of the best places to go for avid birdwatchers; 8 out of 10 of our clients and visitors has given an “excellent” rating to our tours dedicated to discover Mindo and its surroundings.

We will offer a punctual, courteous and professional service adjusted to your individual needs with the objective of showing the magic of Ecuador in a safe, fun and responsible way. All of our guides are bilingual fully prepared to give you the most complete information about the local culture, history and geography; 9 out of 10 of our clients and visitors has given an “excellent” rating to our guides. If you don’t believe us, check out some of our clients’ testimonials:

“Excellent tour guide and driver. Very knowledgeable and interesting”. Sol Cohen, USA

“Alex was fantastic. Tour was beyond my expectations!” John Foster, USA

“Impeccable service. Ecuadorians should be very proud of their country. Thanks Nicolas and Jose”. Lalanis Kurban, Canada

Itinerary

We head northwest out of Quito, crossing the Equator (Middle of the World monument), and make a stop at the viewpoint of Pululahua, an extinct volcano. We visit the archaeological site of Gualea and arrive at Tulipe Private Reserve. Tulipe is one of the best places to observe flora, as the altitude of this area ranges from 500 to 1500 meters above sea level.

In this place there are plenty of bromeliads and orchids. The trekking takes about 4 hours. We will also take you to the archaeological museum of Tulipe located nearby.

• - Bilingual guide English/Spanish (we also offer German and French speaking guides)
• - Transportation
• - Entrance to the Tulipe archeological site and Las Tolas community
• - Lunch at local Inn

• - Tips

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Tulipe was built by the Yumbo people, who inhabited the north and northwestern valleys and mountains around Quito from around 800 to 1660 AD. It’s thought that the Yumbo people migrated to the Amazon after a great eruption of the Pichincha Volcano in 1660, and this theory is currently being investigated.

Although disregarded by the Spanish chroniclers and subsequent historians, the site at Tulipe, as well as the 2,000 pyramids and mounds now unearthed, point to an important nation. It’s thought that it controlled this crucial trade route between the Pacific coast, the Andes and the Amazon to the east. The remains at Tulipe suggests it was the civilisation’s main ceremonial site. It is made up of eight structures, one of which one is of Incan construction, since the conquering Incas built their temple on top of the existing one. Water played a primordial role at Tulipe, with many pools reflecting its ceremonial importance.

The “Yumbo People Interpretation Centre” was inaugurated in 2007. It houses didactic information on the site and the Yumbos, and is the starting point for the future investigation of the geometric mounds, paths, cemeteries, petroglyphs and swimming pools which abound in the area.