What to do and see in Pichincha Province, Ecuador: The Best Day Trips from

August 6, 2021 Randal Brittian

Pichincha (Spanish pronunciation: [piˈtʃintʃa]) is a province of Ecuador located in the northern sierra region; its capital and largest city is Quito. It is bordered by Imbabura and Esmeraldas to the north, Cotopaxi and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to the south, Napo and Sucumbíos to the east, and Esmeraldas and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to the west.
Restaurants in Pichincha Province

1. Papallacta Thermals Pools (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)

Ecuador Local Guide
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Visit the village of Papallacta and spend the enjoying a number of customizable activities at one of the most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa in this area. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Andes Mountains on a hike and enjoy a relaxing time at the thermal water that have been certified for its medicinal properties that guarantee health benefits.

Inclusions: Private transportation, English speaking guide, English Speaking Driver/Guide for tours based from 1-3 passenguers, Bottle of water, Visits as mentioned above

Exclusions: Lunch (Available to purchase with addtional cost), Entrance fees (Available to purchase with additional cost 25 usd per person or it can be paid directly), Personal expenses

Reviewed By Tina S

We needed a rapid Covid test within 72 hours of our flight back to the US. Guanguiltagua Expeditions to the rescue!! Dennis and team helped Us get the test from a private lab that came to our condo in Cuenca and we Received results the very next day! Great experience and great service!

2. Live Otavalo... Day trip between valleys and mountains, crafts and culture

Tourexpress & Transfers
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

I want to give you a family experience, I want to show you the place where I have grown up, where I have seen these wonderful landscapes and also where I have learned about other cultures, share my experience so that your visit is unforgettable, besides going by land is relaxing and safe .

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Boat trip

Reviewed By tamm0v

Jorge is an excellent guide. Very proactive in arranging everything for my trip. Even calling me when I was still at home to make sure everything would go smoothly. He is highly recommended.

3. Full Day Cotopaxi & The Chuquiragua Trail

GUIDEcuador Travel
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Unique Andean views a long the way to Cotopaxi Park Best chance to experience the Andes not far from Quito Hiking admiring the Andes Visit to an Hacienda with more the 3 Centuries of History

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English Speaking Tour Guide , Park Admission Fee , Saquisili Indian Market Visit ( ONLY ON THURSDAYS)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Personal Expenses

Reviewed By SunriseFitness

I highly recommend this tour! It’s active but not strenuous, covers a lot, and Alex was friendly and knowledgeable throughout. It felt nice to have a blend of parks and the city, stopping along the way for photos, explanations and history, sweeping city views and gelato on a balcony.

4. Mindo Tour Including Coffee, Chocolate, and Cloud Forest

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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Mindo is a beautiful town known for its ecotourism and its wide variety of birds. The number of species rivals North America and Europe all together and that is why it’s a haven for Ornithologists worldwide. It is located within the Mindo-Nambillo protected Forest. Its warm climate is ideal. Among its main attractions you can find waterfalls, clouded forests, butterfly farms, river rafting, trekking, and adventure sports. In Mindo you can also enjoy mountains, fishing sites and it is the perfect area for do such activities as: tubbing, regattas, canopying, horseback rides, Orchid Farms, bicycle and motorcycle rides and you can also enjoy a Frog “concert” The best time to visit Mindo is between May and December, as the weather is a little bit drier.

Inclusions: private tour

Exclusions: Lunch, It is advisable to take an additional 20 dollars for tickets to the activities.

5. Otavalo Market

Galapagos My World
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore a colorful indigenous market in South America. Otavalo is one of the hundreds of indigenous markets that are still in force in Ecuador. The market is located 55 miles north of Quito. It is located in the inter-Andean valley above 8307feet. It presents a spring weather almost every month of the year with certain exceptions in the months of January through April. Step by step you will discover the skills of weavers from Otavalo. Immerse yourself in Andean colors, textiles with pre-Columbian designs and listen to the indigenous people speak a local language, Spanish and English with special enthusiasm in order to offer you their products. Look rose plantations, green pasturelands and volcanoes that are part of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Near reaching out Otavalo you can distinguish the San Pablo lake which is the largest lake in Ecuador. The lake has an extension of 6 km² and 49 meters deep. The Peguche waterfall and the visit to leather town will complement the day's tour.

Inclusions: An English-speaking Certified Naturalist Guide-Chauffeur, Pick-up from your centrally hotel in Quito, Activities according to the program

Exclusions: Lunch, Tips, Travel insurance

Reviewed By valeriavH3917KD

This day was incredible to look many mountains from the highest part of the visit. The tour guide made the trip a lot of fun. I enjoyed every thing we did. 100% recommended.

6. Quito City Tour Including Teleférico and Horse Ride in Pichincha Volcano

Latin Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Get to know this World Heritage UNESCO site on horseback, for a full-day tour riding for almost 3 miles in the Andes, with a great view of Quito surrounded by volcanoes.

Inclusions: All activities, Certified English/Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Admission fee Teleferico and La Compañia Church, Horses

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Tips

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

7. Private and Personalized City Tour of Quito Teleferico and Middle of the World

Ecuador a Color
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Quito is a beautiful city and a great destination in South America. Be part of these great experiences living the culture, friendly people, local food, and the best weather in the andes mountains.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: lunch and drinks

Reviewed By V7970GCstaceyp

Pato ( Patricio) made our Ecuador experience out of this world! He was the perfect guide for our family and was incredible at engaging the kids as well as my husband and myself. His knowledge of Ecuador and it’s history cannot be beat! Patricio started as a tour guide, but now he is family! Anyone going to Ecuador would be lucky to spend time with him! He took us to Mindo, La Mitad del Mundo, the market, many restaurants and all over Quito, too.

8. Full-Day Private Tour of Mindo Cloud Forest

Inspiring Ecuador
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

A little over an hour from Quito lies the Mindo cloud forest, filled with amazing plant and animal life – perfect for a day trip from Quito. For the ornithologists in the bunch, Mindo and its surrounding cloud forest are a birdwatcher’s paradise! This cloud forest tour in Mindo is a day of adventure in nature that can include everything from exploring an archaeological site that pre-dates the Incas by thousands of years, to walking through a hummingbird sanctuary and visiting a beautiful jungle waterfall among other optional activities, such us: chocolate tour, orchid garden, tubbing and more...

Inclusions: Transportation: Comfortable land transportation., Bilingual certified IE guide, Lunch, Fees and entrance: To Sacha Tamia bird sanctuary and Nambillo Waterfalls Reserve.

Exclusions: Tips, Souvenirs, Participation fees for optional activities

Reviewed By Clairekathryn

The views were incredible. I would totally recommend this trip! Great guides who made the group feel very safe, and went above and beyond to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols.

9. Rose Plantation, Equator Line and Otavalo Market Private Tour

Ecuador Best Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Don't waste your time waiting looking for the "typical" tour to Otavalo. Protect your family and avoid unnecessary crowds. Visit a wonderful and charming rose plantation, and also stand at the most accurate site where the equator line passes through..! Have a very relaxing time at the biggest Indian Market of South America, and explore Otavalo's surrounding areas! All this exciting adventures are awaiting for you very close to Quito! Make your stay in the capital city of Ecuador an unforgettable life experience!!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English speaking guide, Mentioned itinerary and visits

Exclusions: Drinks, Meals, All Fees and Taxes

Reviewed By JeannePlantation

I had only one afternoon in Quito to sightsee. I contacted Ecuador's Best Tour with late notice by email and Luis replied right away. Luis has a great laid back, no worries attitude and assured me he would take care of everything and pick me up at my hotel. He arrived early to pick me up. I was thrilled to visit the beautiful Church la Compania. Luis was very knowledgeable about the history of the church and architecture. Next we visited a beautiful view of the city with the statue Virgin of El Panecillo. I only had a few hours to visit and Ecuador's Best Tours really helped me make the most of my visit. I highly recommend booking this with this company and you will be lucky if Luis is your guide. His English is extraordinary and he's just a pleasant guide to be around. I have toured many places around the would and I would say Luis was one of the best guides I have encountered. I got some great photos from my visit and hope to return someday. I would certainly use Ecuador's Best Tours again.

10. Quilotoa Crater Lake Private Day Tour

Ecuador Best Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Don't waste time waiting for large group-tours, protect your family and avoid unnecessary crowds! Stop anywhere you want during your journey and make great pictures with unforgettable landscapes!! On this private cultural full day excursion have the opportunity to visit a local indian market, where you will see different cultural interactions, and very varied local products. Do a very nice downhill hike into a charming volcanic crater and enjoy a real lifetime experience!! Make your stay in Quito an unforgettable adventure with us!!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English speaking guide, Mentioned itinerary and visits, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Drinks, Mules or horses ride

Reviewed By JeannePlantation

I had only one afternoon in Quito to sightsee. I contacted Ecuador's Best Tour with late notice by email and Luis replied right away. Luis has a great laid back, no worries attitude and assured me he would take care of everything and pick me up at my hotel. He arrived early to pick me up. I was thrilled to visit the beautiful Church la Compania. Luis was very knowledgeable about the history of the church and architecture. Next we visited a beautiful view of the city with the statue Virgin of El Panecillo. I only had a few hours to visit and Ecuador's Best Tours really helped me make the most of my visit. I highly recommend booking this with this company and you will be lucky if Luis is your guide. His English is extraordinary and he's just a pleasant guide to be around. I have toured many places around the would and I would say Luis was one of the best guides I have encountered. I got some great photos from my visit and hope to return someday. I would certainly use Ecuador's Best Tours again.

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