Top Quito Day Trips

Discover the best that Quito has to offer as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Alongside a private guide, take in the views of Quito from the teleferico cable car and take a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Then, visit the 'Middle of the World' monument to learn more about the effects of the equator line.

Boasting a huge diversity of birdlife, the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve draws ornithologists worldwide. It’s also a popular destination for anyone wishing to escape the busy streets of Quito. With a small group and a guide to help you set the itinerary, you can visit a chocolate factory to learn how the finest cocoa is processed and discover the secrets of coffee cultivation at a plantation. Transport is made easy with hotel pickup in a 4WD vehicle.

After private pickup from your Quito hotel, head to the Cloud Forest in Mindo. Your private day tour stops at the best viewpoints and gives you plenty of time to take photos. Get the best views of the plants and wildlife on a cable car ride through the Cloud Forest.  Let your private guide lead you to the best waterfalls in Ecuador, before returning you to your hotel.

Check out two of Ecuador’s top natural attractions—the Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa lagoon—and their natural landscapes with ease on this day trip from Quito. Head to Cotopaxi National Park to see its snow-capped volcano—stopping to drink coca leaf tea on route to reduce altitude sickness—before visiting Limpiopungo Lagoon and Quilotoa’s turquoise caldera lagoon. Plus, during your trip, stop to browse a local market or two.

For travelers who have never been to Banos, it can be difficult figuring out how to plan your time. Take the stress out of your trip with this Banos Full-Day Tour from Quito that plans your activities for you with entrance fees included. Visit the small town of Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park, La Casa del Arbol, and Devil's Cauldron waterfall all with a guide who knows the ins and outs of the area.

Laguna Quilotoa, a blue-green volcanic crater lake, sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. With this tour, escape the busy streets of Quito for an all-inclusive day in the Andes, and see Quilotoa Lake from two different lookouts on the crater rim with views of Cotopaxi in the distance. En route back to Quito, spend some time craft workshops in Tigua.

Cover more ground than you could alone and make the most of your time in Quito during this private full-day excursion to Baños de Agua Santa, ideal for adventurous and time-pressed travelers. Plus, benefit from the undivided attention of your bilingual guide as you explore various microclimates and try the adventure activities that appeal to you.

Journey to the beautiful Quilotoa volcano, driving through stunning mountain scenery and stopping to visit local Andean communities, during this day trip from Quito. Travel along the spectacular ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ passing beneath its towering peaks, eventually stopping at a village of an indigenous community, to explore a local home and learn about their daily life. Finish your day with a trip to the lagoon inside Quilotoa volcano. This day trip includes a guide, entrance fees, round-trip hotel transport, and lunch.

Experience convenience and personalized attention on this private guided tour from Quito. Let go of logistical worries with convenient pickup from your preferred location—such as your hotel or accommodation—and then visit the world-renowned destination of the Mitad del Mundo equator line. Afterwards, ascend via the TelefériQo cable car for spectacular vistas of volcanoes and the cityscape.

Get a sense of the architecture, history, and culture of Quito during this private tour visiting the city’s top sights. Start with an exploration of the historic city center of this Ecuadorian capital, visiting its main Basilica, Independence Plaza, and many more colonial-era sites. Then take a trip aboard the Teleférico to a peak more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above the city for sublime views, finishing your day at ‘Mitad del Mundo,’ a monument marking where the earth’s equator splits the world into north and south.

Traveling between Quito and the dispersed monuments that surround it can often be a hassle. Eliminate the stress of public transport with an organized ride between colonial Quito and the Middle of the World Monument (La Mitad del Mundo), plus the Intinan Museum. Through our transport we make travel times shorter by having a private shuttle pick you up and take you directly to the attractions. Please note, entrance fees are not included.

Tour the capital city of Quito at your leisure aboard this popular hop-on hop-off bus tour. Enjoy hassle-free double-decker transportation through narrow city streets as you make your way to numerous city attractions and landmarks. Choose to get off at any of the stops and make the most of your time in Quito.

After your guide collects you from your hotel, set off an adventure around the city.  First, ascend to Quito’s famous viewpoint in a cable car. From 4,100 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, you’ll see the city in all its splendor. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and stop to visit major attractions like the Presidential Palace, La Ronda, and the Cathedral.

Don’t worry about confusing and time-consuming public transit in Quito; instead, opt for a comprehensive full-day excursion which covers several city highlights and includes private transportation. Ideal for visitors with limited time in the city, visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional, tour the old town, and more in the company of a local guide, learning more than you could if exploring independently.

Venture away from the city and head into Ecuador’s more rural areas for a 3-day adventure. See volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park, learn about indigenous culture in Tigua, swing over the Toachi Canyon, zipline over a river, and much more over the course of the tour. Avoid the hassle of planning and booking several hotels and activities with this package.

Enjoy this full-day tour of Otavalo Marketplace, the largest Indigenous market in Latin America. Departing Quito, you’ll travel to Otavalo Marketplace, to browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. See, too, the famous equator monument and stop in Peguche to visit a waterfall and a local family to learn about local music.

Without insider tips from locals, it can be hard to shortlist the best street food stands in Quito. Avoid the guesswork, and get expert advice with this essential street food tour. Taste your way around the city and try a variety of local bites. Conveniently, lunch, coffee/tea, and soft drinks are included, so there's no need to stop and pay at each food spot.

Take the hassle out of organizing airport transfers and pre-book this private service for your convenience. Meet the driver at the Quito airport arrivals hall or your Quito hotel, then head to your vehicle for a speedy ride to your next destination. Choose an arrival or departure transfer, or make two reservations for round-trip service.

Discover the rich culture and history of Old Town Quito on this 3-hour guided walking tour. Hear the stories and legends behind the Ecuadorian capital’s most iconic landmarks that you visit, including Independence Plaza, Government Palace, the Independence Monument, and the Archbishop’s palace. On this tour, you don’t just sightsee — try your hand at making traditional ice cream, too., using uniquely South American ingredients Visit the market where every kiosk tells a story, and uncover local culture and customs as you explore the heart of Old Town. Plus top off this fantastic day with a stop at an old-school ice cream shop, and sample delightful flavors.

A new place offers so many new experiences but when you go home, all you have is the pictures of your time there. This Quito Cooking Class and Market Tour with Professional Chef lets you bring home much more than just photos, as you'll learn to make traditional recipes with a gourmet twist in old town Quito.

Explore the rugged surroundings and stunning scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and Cotopaxi Volcano during this full-day trip. Enjoy a short hike into the Limpiopungo Valley before driving ever-higher into this sky-high region, stopping at the 15,800-foot (4830-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge. If you’re feeling up for it, you’ll continue to the 16,500-foot (5,050-meter) Cotopaxi Glacier. This Cotopaxi day trip also includes national park fees, a guide, bottled water, round-trip hotel transport and an optional trip upgrade with lunch.

Explore the incredible range of historic and cultural influences on the city of Quito with this comprehensive three day tour. Learn about Ecuador's colonial past while walking through streets filled with old churches, squares and government buildings. Marvel at the wonders of the Compañia de Jesus Church and the Cathedral, Carondelet Palace. Afterwards ride on the cable car to the top of Cruz Loma Mountain to admire incredible views.

Avoid possible delays in your flights or activities in Quito and feel the peace of mind of having booked your private transfer in advance. Whether you have just arrived in Quito or are about to leave the city, rest assured that you will always arrive on time and safely aboard our comfortable vehicles in the company of our professional and friendly drivers. This transportation service is totally private for you and your group, so you won't have to worry about additional pickups along the way. • No fixed time: We adapt to your flight schedule • Enjoy onboard perks like Wi-Fi and air conditioning. • Avoid overcrowded buses or high-fare, unsafe taxis and opt instead for a private transfer instead.