Quito day tours, culture & adventure
| country: | Ecuador |
| departures: | Daily departures throughout the year - form your own group or join other people |
| price: | From US $45 - US $80 (1 day) excluding flights including hotel transfers and private English speaking guide |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
There are a range of day trips easily accessible from Quito which include a private English speaking guide. Some of these trips can be adapted to be taken as a half day or two day trip.
Choose from:Colonial Quito - visit the old town and see life on the Ecuadorian line Cotopaxi NP - including a short trek around the Limpiopungo lagoon Mindo - ruins of the Quitus-cara, cable car ride and trek past waterfalls Otavalo - beautiful landscapes, artisan markets and Cuicocha lagoon Papallacta - pools and spa in a mountain setting, plus horseriding option Pichincha - cable car ride with spectacular views of the valley Quilotoa - the emerald waters of the Quilotoa loop, in a volcano crater
Our day tours from Quito
Colonial Quito, Middle of the World & Teleferico - From US $45 (excluding lunch, entrance fees, cable car and tips)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head to the old town of Quito. On the way, the guide will explain the main points of the history of Ecuador such as the important dates, which will help you understand why some streets here are named after dates.
Arriving in the old city, we will park the car and will visit the old town by foot. The historic center of Quito is well-preserved, with houses and churches that date back to the time of the colonies.
You will walk across the main squares such as Independence square, Sto Domingo square, San Fransisco square and Plaza Grande. During your walk, the guide will explain the history of the different churches and convents such as: San Francisco, the Compañia, the Cathedral, the Sagrario, the Basilica churches and then we ride up to the summit of the Panecillo, a mountain in the center of Quito, for a sweeping views over the whole of Quito.
Afterwards we will drive 30 minutes to the 'Middle of the World', which is the place where the planet is divided into two different hemispheres. In the Intiñan museum, local guides will explain about the physical effect of being on the Ecuadorian line and about the ruins of the Quitus-cara, the indigenous population before the Incas, who constructed their towns right on the Ecuadorian line. Then we go to the 'Middle of the World' town for lunch.
After lunch, we return to Quito and go to the Teleferico, a cable car that takes you up to the Pichincha volcano (4100m). From here you enjoy a beautiful view over the whole Quito area, and you can go for a short trek. Finally the guide will bring you back to your hotel.
Cotopaxi National Park - From US $55 - US $60 depending on group size, including lunch (but not entrance fees and tips)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head south to the Panamericana highway. This road is called 'the avenue of the volcanoes' because, from Quito to Riobamba, you have a constant view of volcanoes on both sides of the road: the Pichincha vocano, the Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Antisana... The guide will tell you the altitudes and characteristics of the volcanoes and explain the myths about all these volcanoes. If you want to take pictures or have more information, just tell the guide and he will stop.
You will leave the Panamericana highway at the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. From here on, you will find yourself in the pure natural surroundings of the park and observe the typical Páramo landscape around you. The guide will explain what characterises the harsh Páramo landscape and the animals that live in the park. When the view is clear you will be able to see the Cotopaxi summit with its snowy peak. The Cotopaxi is known as the highest active volcano in the world (5897m).
Then we drive to the Cotopaxi park museum, where you will have more detailed explanations about the flora and fauna of the park: llamas, alpacas, foxes, deers, wild hare, pumas, tapirs and a great variety of birds. At the base of the Cotopaxi volcano, we take a short trek around the Limpiopungo lagoon, where there is a magnificent view of the Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, Quilindaña and Illinizas mountains. The guide will drive you up to the parking lot (4500m), from where we will hike for about 30 minutes (depending on your fitness) to the refuge at 4800m. After a box lunch in the refuge, you will follow the well-marked scree slope up towards the glacier. Walking back down to the car, we will begin the journey back to Quito and your guide will take you back to your hotel.
Mindo - From US $55 (excluding entrance fees, tubing and tips)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head north to 'Middle of the World', which is the place where the planet is divided into two different hemispheres. In the Intiñan museum the local guides will explain the physical effect of being on the Ecuadorian line and about the ruins of the Quitus-cara, the indigenous population before the Incas, who constructed their towns right on the Ecuadorian line. We will pass near the Puluahua Reserve, where you can see an inhabited active volcano.
Then we head further north and will soon arrive in Nanegalito, a little town where you can taste Fritada (fried pork) and empanadas de queso. Then we head to our main destination: Mindo. On the way, you will be able to see the cloud forest landscape and flora changing every minute, only descending some 100m in altitude. You will see more and more animals including many different birds, like the colorful hummingbirds. Then we arrive to Mindo, a nice little place in the middle of the cloud forest. We will eat lunch in one of the nice restaurants there.
The guide will drive you up to the entrance of the Tarabita (cable car) which goes over a large green valley. From the cable car you will have an amazing view over the whole jungle. Then you will walk through the forest to see the waterfalls. You can take a trek to see five different waterfalls. If you feel tired we can shorten the trek or you can bathe in the refreshing water. Then we walk back to the Tarabita, and make the same trip back through the air above the green valley.
Afterwards, we will drive back to Mindo and visit the Butterfly farm, where local guides will explain about the life of the butterflies. If you still have some energy, we offer an optional tubing (rafting) activity in the Nambillo river. Then we return to Quito where the guide will return you to your hotel.
Otavalo - From US $60 (excluding lunch and entrance fees)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head North along the Panamericana highway. On the way, we will see the volcanoes on both sides of the road: Cayambe, Imbabura, Cotacachi, Fuya Fuya. We will stop at the sightseeing point near the lake of San Pablo. From here on, you can see the whole landscape surrounding the Otavalo region and its beautiful loops. The guide will tell you all about the different indigenous populations near Otavalo and their traditions and celebrations.
We then arrive at the famous Otavalo artisan market where you will have some time to visit and buy presents and souvenirs. On the Poncho Place you will find the best textiles in South America, made by the famous but still very traditional Otavaleño people. Walking around in the city of Otavalo you'll see everything from Cuys (Guinea pigs) to beautiful ceramic plates.
The guide will also show you the famous leather market in Cotacachi. In this area the Indians have different traditions and celebrations; your guide can answer any questions you might have. You will have your lunch in a restaurant in Cotacachi (national and international food).
Having visited the two markets, you will go by car to the beautiful lagoon Cuicocha, which is in the Cotacachi-Cayapas reserve. From here on you have a beautiful view over the whole landscape around the lagoon. You will see lots of different orchids and go for a walk in the area surrounding the lagoon. Finally we will go back to Quito, driving along the Panamericana to see the same volcanoes from the other side, and arriving back at your hotel.
Papallacta Thermal Baths - From US $60 (excluding lunch, horseback ride and entrance fees to pools and spa)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito at 9am and we head east through Cumbaya Valley and the Paramo (high mountain harsh vegetation) to 3800m. We travel about 1.5 hours with a stop and a short walk by the Sucus Lagoon. Then we follow the road to the Termas de Papallacta (3300m). This complex offers you the opportunity to relax in its 5 pools (which vary in temperature from 33-43ºC), in a wonderful mountain landscape setting. You can also enjoy the facilities of the spa and, if the weather is good, go for a ride on horseback. At midday, we will eat in a good restaurant. When you are ready to leave the thermal baths, we drive back to Quito and your hotel.
Pichincha - From US $55 - US $60 depending on group size, including lunch
Our guide meets you at your hotel in Quito at 9am. We go by private car for 15 minutes to reach the cable car station (Teleferico). From there on using a cabin we go up until the top of the Cruz Loma hill (4100m). On arrival you have a spectacular view of the whole valley of Quito and, if the weather is good, we can see as far as the Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes. After stopping to take photos we continue up for 3-4 hours until reach the top of Guagua Pichincha (4784m), an active volcano. At midday we will have a box lunch. Then we walk back to the cable car (2 hours). At the bottom our driver will be waiting for us to drive you back to your hotel around 3-4pm.
Quilotoa - From US $80 including lunch (but not entrance fees, tips, donkey ride and boat trip)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head south to the Panamerica highway. This road is called 'the avenue of the volcanoes' because from Quito to Riobamba you have volcanoes on both sides of the road: the Pichincha vocano, the Illinizas, Cotopaxi Rumiñahui, Antisana... Your guide will tell you their altitudes and characteristics, and explain the myths about all these volcanoes. If you want to take pictures or have more explanations, just tell the guide and he will stop. You will leave the Panamericana highway in Latacunga, where you can taste the local food (chuchucara).
You'll then go to the indigenous market of Pujili, where the indigenous people sell beautiful clay and ceramic handicrafts. We continue to Zumbahua, a colourful indigenous village. On the way from Latacunga to the laguna Quilotoa through Pujili and Zumbahua, you will pass through lots of indigenous villages, and will be able to observe the lifestyle of the people there. If you are lucky, you will also meet some typical Tigua painting sellers on your way.
Then we arrive at the mysterious Quilotoa loop, which is situated in a volcano crater and filled with emerald waters. The view from the border of the crater (3900m), extends over the whole laguna and its mountainous surroundings, and is really impressive. We take some beautiful pictures from there and enjoy a box lunch. After lunch, it will take you more or less half an hour to descend into the crater until the laguna, where you can go for a boat ride. Afterwards, if you are tired, you also can ride back to the border of the crater by donkey. Once you reach the top again we will begin our journey back to Quito. Finally, the guide will return you back to your hotel.
Choose from:
Our day tours from Quito
Colonial Quito, Middle of the World & Teleferico - From US $45 (excluding lunch, entrance fees, cable car and tips)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head to the old town of Quito. On the way, the guide will explain the main points of the history of Ecuador such as the important dates, which will help you understand why some streets here are named after dates. Arriving in the old city, we will park the car and will visit the old town by foot. The historic center of Quito is well-preserved, with houses and churches that date back to the time of the colonies.
You will walk across the main squares such as Independence square, Sto Domingo square, San Fransisco square and Plaza Grande. During your walk, the guide will explain the history of the different churches and convents such as: San Francisco, the Compañia, the Cathedral, the Sagrario, the Basilica churches and then we ride up to the summit of the Panecillo, a mountain in the center of Quito, for a sweeping views over the whole of Quito.
Afterwards we will drive 30 minutes to the 'Middle of the World', which is the place where the planet is divided into two different hemispheres. In the Intiñan museum, local guides will explain about the physical effect of being on the Ecuadorian line and about the ruins of the Quitus-cara, the indigenous population before the Incas, who constructed their towns right on the Ecuadorian line. Then we go to the 'Middle of the World' town for lunch.
After lunch, we return to Quito and go to the Teleferico, a cable car that takes you up to the Pichincha volcano (4100m). From here you enjoy a beautiful view over the whole Quito area, and you can go for a short trek. Finally the guide will bring you back to your hotel.
Cotopaxi National Park - From US $55 - US $60 depending on group size, including lunch (but not entrance fees and tips)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head south to the Panamericana highway. This road is called 'the avenue of the volcanoes' because, from Quito to Riobamba, you have a constant view of volcanoes on both sides of the road: the Pichincha vocano, the Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Antisana... The guide will tell you the altitudes and characteristics of the volcanoes and explain the myths about all these volcanoes. If you want to take pictures or have more information, just tell the guide and he will stop. You will leave the Panamericana highway at the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. From here on, you will find yourself in the pure natural surroundings of the park and observe the typical Páramo landscape around you. The guide will explain what characterises the harsh Páramo landscape and the animals that live in the park. When the view is clear you will be able to see the Cotopaxi summit with its snowy peak. The Cotopaxi is known as the highest active volcano in the world (5897m).
Then we drive to the Cotopaxi park museum, where you will have more detailed explanations about the flora and fauna of the park: llamas, alpacas, foxes, deers, wild hare, pumas, tapirs and a great variety of birds. At the base of the Cotopaxi volcano, we take a short trek around the Limpiopungo lagoon, where there is a magnificent view of the Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, Quilindaña and Illinizas mountains. The guide will drive you up to the parking lot (4500m), from where we will hike for about 30 minutes (depending on your fitness) to the refuge at 4800m. After a box lunch in the refuge, you will follow the well-marked scree slope up towards the glacier. Walking back down to the car, we will begin the journey back to Quito and your guide will take you back to your hotel.
Mindo - From US $55 (excluding entrance fees, tubing and tips) Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head north to 'Middle of the World', which is the place where the planet is divided into two different hemispheres. In the Intiñan museum the local guides will explain the physical effect of being on the Ecuadorian line and about the ruins of the Quitus-cara, the indigenous population before the Incas, who constructed their towns right on the Ecuadorian line. We will pass near the Puluahua Reserve, where you can see an inhabited active volcano.
Then we head further north and will soon arrive in Nanegalito, a little town where you can taste Fritada (fried pork) and empanadas de queso. Then we head to our main destination: Mindo. On the way, you will be able to see the cloud forest landscape and flora changing every minute, only descending some 100m in altitude. You will see more and more animals including many different birds, like the colorful hummingbirds. Then we arrive to Mindo, a nice little place in the middle of the cloud forest. We will eat lunch in one of the nice restaurants there.
The guide will drive you up to the entrance of the Tarabita (cable car) which goes over a large green valley. From the cable car you will have an amazing view over the whole jungle. Then you will walk through the forest to see the waterfalls. You can take a trek to see five different waterfalls. If you feel tired we can shorten the trek or you can bathe in the refreshing water. Then we walk back to the Tarabita, and make the same trip back through the air above the green valley.
Afterwards, we will drive back to Mindo and visit the Butterfly farm, where local guides will explain about the life of the butterflies. If you still have some energy, we offer an optional tubing (rafting) activity in the Nambillo river. Then we return to Quito where the guide will return you to your hotel.
Otavalo - From US $60 (excluding lunch and entrance fees) Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head North along the Panamericana highway. On the way, we will see the volcanoes on both sides of the road: Cayambe, Imbabura, Cotacachi, Fuya Fuya. We will stop at the sightseeing point near the lake of San Pablo. From here on, you can see the whole landscape surrounding the Otavalo region and its beautiful loops. The guide will tell you all about the different indigenous populations near Otavalo and their traditions and celebrations.
We then arrive at the famous Otavalo artisan market where you will have some time to visit and buy presents and souvenirs. On the Poncho Place you will find the best textiles in South America, made by the famous but still very traditional Otavaleño people. Walking around in the city of Otavalo you'll see everything from Cuys (Guinea pigs) to beautiful ceramic plates.
The guide will also show you the famous leather market in Cotacachi. In this area the Indians have different traditions and celebrations; your guide can answer any questions you might have. You will have your lunch in a restaurant in Cotacachi (national and international food).
Having visited the two markets, you will go by car to the beautiful lagoon Cuicocha, which is in the Cotacachi-Cayapas reserve. From here on you have a beautiful view over the whole landscape around the lagoon. You will see lots of different orchids and go for a walk in the area surrounding the lagoon. Finally we will go back to Quito, driving along the Panamericana to see the same volcanoes from the other side, and arriving back at your hotel.
Papallacta Thermal Baths - From US $60 (excluding lunch, horseback ride and entrance fees to pools and spa)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito at 9am and we head east through Cumbaya Valley and the Paramo (high mountain harsh vegetation) to 3800m. We travel about 1.5 hours with a stop and a short walk by the Sucus Lagoon. Then we follow the road to the Termas de Papallacta (3300m). This complex offers you the opportunity to relax in its 5 pools (which vary in temperature from 33-43ºC), in a wonderful mountain landscape setting. You can also enjoy the facilities of the spa and, if the weather is good, go for a ride on horseback. At midday, we will eat in a good restaurant. When you are ready to leave the thermal baths, we drive back to Quito and your hotel. Pichincha - From US $55 - US $60 depending on group size, including lunch
Our guide meets you at your hotel in Quito at 9am. We go by private car for 15 minutes to reach the cable car station (Teleferico). From there on using a cabin we go up until the top of the Cruz Loma hill (4100m). On arrival you have a spectacular view of the whole valley of Quito and, if the weather is good, we can see as far as the Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes. After stopping to take photos we continue up for 3-4 hours until reach the top of Guagua Pichincha (4784m), an active volcano. At midday we will have a box lunch. Then we walk back to the cable car (2 hours). At the bottom our driver will be waiting for us to drive you back to your hotel around 3-4pm. Quilotoa - From US $80 including lunch (but not entrance fees, tips, donkey ride and boat trip)
Our private guide meets you at your hotel in Quito in the morning and you head south to the Panamerica highway. This road is called 'the avenue of the volcanoes' because from Quito to Riobamba you have volcanoes on both sides of the road: the Pichincha vocano, the Illinizas, Cotopaxi Rumiñahui, Antisana... Your guide will tell you their altitudes and characteristics, and explain the myths about all these volcanoes. If you want to take pictures or have more explanations, just tell the guide and he will stop. You will leave the Panamericana highway in Latacunga, where you can taste the local food (chuchucara). You'll then go to the indigenous market of Pujili, where the indigenous people sell beautiful clay and ceramic handicrafts. We continue to Zumbahua, a colourful indigenous village. On the way from Latacunga to the laguna Quilotoa through Pujili and Zumbahua, you will pass through lots of indigenous villages, and will be able to observe the lifestyle of the people there. If you are lucky, you will also meet some typical Tigua painting sellers on your way.
Then we arrive at the mysterious Quilotoa loop, which is situated in a volcano crater and filled with emerald waters. The view from the border of the crater (3900m), extends over the whole laguna and its mountainous surroundings, and is really impressive. We take some beautiful pictures from there and enjoy a box lunch. After lunch, it will take you more or less half an hour to descend into the crater until the laguna, where you can go for a boat ride. Afterwards, if you are tired, you also can ride back to the border of the crater by donkey. Once you reach the top again we will begin our journey back to Quito. Finally, the guide will return you back to your hotel.
how this holiday makes a difference
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In line with our strong stance on responsible tourism, all guides on this trip are local Ecuadorians; they have excellent indigenous knowledge of the area and high degree of training. This makes for a more enlightening experience as you learn of the country's flora, fauna and local culture first hand. We advise to our tourists show respect for the history and natural space.
The restaurants that we use belong to the local communities; our tourists have the opportunity of eating a Ecuadorian typical dish. In our trip to Otavalo, we stop in the local shops and restaurants that belong to Otavaleños and Zuletas. In our trip to Quilotoa, we use a restaurant that belong to Zumbahuas (indigenous community) and we stop in an indigenous shop, where our tourists can buy typical Tigua paintings. The tourists pay an entrance fee to Quilotoa; this money helps to conserve and protect the Quilotoa loop. In all our trips we provide our tourists with plastic bags, so each person gathers their garbage and avoids throwing garbage or contaminating the environment. When out on tour we encourage learning about Ecuador, the local culture of the teams we work with and the areas we pass through. Our guides hold informal talks with groups to inform about and discuss with them all aspects of local life. This helps understanding of the area and appreciation of the people who live there. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |