Enjoy nature and Ecuadorian tradition at our Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve. San Jorge Botanical Reserve is on 200 acres and is the only private native reserve near Quito, located in the Pichincha foothills. The location is 17 minutes from Quito Airport, yet a world apart from the busy city. This is so convenient it is an ideal overnight stop for anyone coming and going to Galapagos. But, it is so much more. Lovingly restored, the owners have taken great pains to create unique rooms with authentic furnishings as well as each having its own in room fireplace. The dining room is also extremely charming with white linen, great views of the valley and old world elegance. Upon your evening arrival at Quito Airport, you will be met by your escort and transferred to the beautiful San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve. Our 18th Century Ecuadorian farm with its own 200 acre Botanical Reserve will be your primary base for this expedition. Here is a sample itinerary for a 3 night stay.  Day 1: Arrive Quito by air and transfer to our foothills ecolodge. Only 15 minutes from Quito, and qbout 200 years from today. This beautifully restored hacienda, formerly a Spanish Jesuit mission is now a reserve and botanical garden. Day 2: Half day City Tour of Old Colonial Quito, the capital of Ecuador. During your visit you will learn about the colonial art in the churches, history, archaeology and folklore in the museums. Your specialized guide will provide complete information of the baroque colonial art. Tour around the city visiting the most important areas (B)  Day 3: Medicinal Plant & Sacred Waterfall Expedition. In the San Jorge Botanical Reserve, we will trek (very easy) to the highland tropical rain forest, visiting up to 5 sacred waterfalls. Here, we will learn about the medicinal attributes of the native plants, containing up to 250 varieties in the region. At the same time you will take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, its valleys and mountains along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalo. We can observe 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve. (B)  Day 4: Transfer to airport and flight out. (B) Includes: Std double room accommodations, private bath with hot shower, including rustic built in fireplace, lit for comfort and eloquence in the evening. Enjoy heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish Bath, Jacuzzi, museum, library and explore our beautiful gardens. Tours, transfers and meals as noted. Relax at our festive El Cucayco Restaurant, that serves fine national and international gourmet cuisine, and overlooks the valley of Quito. Additional tours to Indian markets, Otavalo, other haciendas, Cotpaxi hiking, Bellasvista and Mindo Cloudforest, Mountain biking, horse riding and more can be arranged on request.