What to do and see in Quito, Pichincha Province: The Best Tours

July 29, 2021 Carley Gatson

With a rich pre-Colombian history, Ecuador's capital was founded on the ruins of an Incan city but offers everything a modern traveler might need. It remains the least-altered historic center in Latin America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito’s important sites include baroque gems like San Francisco and Santo Domingo monasteries, as well as La Compañía church and college. This huge city sprawls across a breathtaking Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks.
Restaurants in Quito

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. Mindo Cloud Forest - Full Day

Magic Bean, Mariscal Foch E5-20, Quito 170143, Ecuador Real Dreams Tour Operador
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Visiting The Cloud Forest of Mindo is a good opportunity to have contact with nature, and it is so close to Quito City (2 hours). Located in the northwest of the Cordillera of the Andes, creates the best environment for birdwatching, and other activities like hiking to the waterfall in the Nambillo Reserve, enjoying the butterflies farm, tasting the favor of chocolate, and for the intrepid people taking the Zipline, or just having the good Cafe of that Place. Itinerary: • Meeting Point in Magic Bean, La Mariscal, Mariscal Foch E5-20, Quito 170143, Ecuador at 6h45 AM • Visit Butterfly • Walk to the Nambillo waterfall • Zipline Activities • Chocolate Factory • Coffee Museum • Return to Quito

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Reviewed By Ygor L

I had a great experience with the Quilotoa tour! Mainly due our amazing guide Pedro in Quito! He was just incredible! He knew pretty much everything about the history, culture and people of Ecuador! My friend made lots of questions and he answered all of them with minimum details and with a perfect English!!! Pedro was so patient with us, he didn’t rush us at all, he made lots of stops so we could take pictures, and of course, every stop he gave us lots of information about the place! Just what we look for on a guide! We now want to go for other tours and will make sure we’ll have him as our guide again! It was a great experience and it was worth every penny! Thank you again Pedro!

4. Free time in Quito? Lets go to Papallacta's Volcanic Termal Springs!

Quito, Ecuador Daniel Mucarsel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Openminded local tour guide, good music, good conversation, car in perfect conditions. Not many people know this place, nor the properties that these waters have, so it is the best option for a short stay in the city or a relaxing time with your nearby people. Some places/activities' availability may vary. Better to go during weekdays to avoid conglomeration. Keeping all biosafety standards, Covid free service. We take care of each other. 420 friendly.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Entrance ticket , Lunch, Tips

Reviewed By alexandraj706

The car was safe and secure, great price, nice conversations and Daniel is wonderful and informative guide! 100% recommended

5. 10-Day Ecuador Highlights

Swissôtel Quito, Avenue 12 De Octubre 1820, Quito 170143, Ecuador Adventure Journeys
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Discover the MAGIC of ECUADOR traveling through the Avenue of Volcanoes in the high Andes Mountains towards the best tropical Amazon destinations and explore the outdoor town of Baños, Unesco classified city of Cuenca and local indigenous market in Otavalo. On your journey, you will learn about all the different local tribes and their cultures. The Ecuador Highlights trip is the perfect combination of cultural experiences, wildlife spotting, adventure activities, and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the most mega-divers countries on Earth. "Unique Experiences:" Visit a native local family in the middle of the Amazon jungle and look for the smallest monkey in the world (Pygmy Marmoset)    Breathtaking zig-zag train ride through the rocky slopes of the Andes and the switchbacks of the Devil's Nose

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Transportation: Airfare Cuenca-Quito one way, airport transfers (national flights), private and comfortable land transportation, train, motorized canoe, Accommodation based on double occupancy: First Class hotel in Quito, colonial hacienda in Otavalo, 5-star Spa Resort Papallacta, Itamandi Eco-lodge in the Amazon, 3 or 4 star hotel in Baños, 5-star Andean lodge in Chimborazo, 3 or 4 star hotel in Cuenca, Activities: Indigenous Market, volcanic hot springs, encounter with indigenous people, road of the waterfalls, hiking up the glacier of Chimborazo, trekking, bird watching in the Amazon, canoeing and wildlife observation in the rainforest, Amazoonico Animal Rescue Center, chocolate making with indigenous people, train to Devil's Nose, cultural visit of Cuenca., Gear: hiking sticks, life jackets, Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader and local guides

Exclusions: My Own Room supplement, International flights, Airport transfer (international flights), Travel insurance (mandatory), Meals not described in the itinerary, Tips for guides and drivers

Reviewed By imnhoj

It would be hard to pick a favorite activity on this adventure, every day seemed to be better than the last. Climbing cotopaxi to 16k, mountain biking in the Andes, white water rafting, hiking around a volcanic crater lake, the otovalo market, the amazing hike through the rain forest, and exploring Quito. And I don't think we have ever had a better guide, Marcelo was a very knowledgeable and gracious host for his remarkable country. All of our accomodations were top notch and very unique. This trip far exceeded our expectations. If you are looking for an adventure, you will not be disappointed.

6. Cultural Tour of Otavalo: Market and Cuicocha Lagoon visit all inclusive

Juan Leon Mera Y Mariscal Foch, Quito 170143, Ecuador El Barak Ecuador Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

- All Inclusive: Professional Bilingual Guide, Lunch and Tourist Visits. - Tourist Transport from Quito - Otavalo - Quito - Trekking - Visit indigenous market - Visit Ponchos Square - Visit San Pablo Lake Viewpoint - Visit and hiking in the Cuicocha Lagoon - Visit to Cotacachi, known for the elaboration of leather goods - Professionalism and Quality of Service - Shared Tour: Every Tuesday and Saturday - Private Tour: Every day.

Inclusions: Professional Tourism Guide, Tourist visits, Lunch, Private transportation

Exclusions: Breakfast, Tickets, Personal expenses

Reviewed By Malejavr12

I had a very good hike with them. They took you from Baños to Chimborazo in a van, and from the first refuge you walk 50 minutes to get to the Condor Cocha Lagoon. The guide is very promptly and kind, he answered every question I had. The downhill was so good. The guide is near you in the van just in case. Highly recommended.

7. Quilotoa Laguna Daytour

CarpeDM Adventures, José de Antepara, Quito 170136, Ecuador CarpeDM Adventures
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

This full day cultural tour begins with a visit to local indigenous market at either Saquisilli (Thursdays only) or Pujili (Sundays only).  The drive to Laguna Quilotoa – an amazing emerald lagoon inside a volcano crater at the height of approximatetly 3,800 m – displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands.  The trip through the villages of the area provide a fantastic chance to see one of the most authentic parts of the country. Before lunch we visit a local indigenous home where you have the opportunity to interact with the locals. Prepare yourself for a taste of cultural and hiking.

Inclusions: What’s Included:, Transport, Guide, Lunch

Exclusions: What’s Not Included:, Additional Snacks / Beverages, TIPS, Breakfast

Reviewed By RichardA4235

Could not recommend more highly! We were in Quito and did a day trip to Mindo. Our guide, Alex, was amazing. He was a wealth of information and went far out of his way to show us everything we wanted to see. We zip-lined, went to the butterfly museum, did a chocolate tasting and learned how cocoa beans become chocolate. We also did a cable and hike to a waterfall. We really wanted to hit the equator museum on the way back and Alex made sure we got there -- we were running behind and he called to make sure they would stay open for us. Along the way, he gave us a great sense about Ecuador. Alex even helped us order pizza on the way home . He said that "no" was not in his vocabulary and that turned out to be true. The whole operation was so easy -- they even took us to the airport on our way out. The bus was comfortable, the driver safe, and it was just overall a fabulous trip -- our favorite activity in Quito. Thank you Alex and CarpeDM!

8. You in the Middle of the World

Redondel Mitad del Mundo (2), Quito, Ecuador Elvis Eduardo Guzmán Camacho
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour invites travelers to know places little visited but of great historical, cultural and natural interest

Inclusions: Private transportation, Tickets

Exclusions: Lunch, Breakfast

9. Self-Guided Quilotoa Loop Tour

Ecuador Freedom, Calle Finlandia N35-06 Y Suecia, Quito 170135, Ecuador Ecuador Freedom
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Although gaining in popularity, the Quilotoa Loop is still a destination for travellers seeking adventure off the beaten track.  The self-guided tour route takes you through small indigenous villages, spectacular mountain views, lush valleys and across roaring rivers.  The route will bring you to the spectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake, indigenous markets and give you insight into how native Ecuadorians have lived for centuries.  You will spend the night in a working organic farm bed and breakfast. Vehicle, lodging, dinner and breakfast included.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Breakfast, Dinner, GPS, Vehicle Rental 48 hours, Helmet, Gloves, Luggage Storage, Locker Usage, VIP Lounge Access, Jacuzzi, Shower

Exclusions: The listed price does not include fuel, A refundable security deposit using a major credit card is required

Reviewed By TheSeanFlaherty

Did the Pacific Discovery tour, 7-day motorcycle trip. This operation is unbelievable. They have thought of every detail from the rural farm, cocoa forests and fruit plantation stops where we got some hands-on learning from passionate, local experts to the small, super-friendly accommodations nestled in the rainforests with waterfalls and rope-swings. I was blown away at every turn. Ask for "Andy" >> the super-charismatic wonder guide who is so easy-going, caring, and authentic, that he makes you feel like his lifelong best friend after the first evening. This was the best boys trip I've ever been on. (And I have been on a lot of them!) 7 days of adrenalin pumping experience. You will be pleasantly exhausted every night and you will not be let down.

10. Mindo Cloud Forest

Galapagos My World
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Immerse yourself in a thick vegetation of plants, trees and wild flowers of the Cloud Forest which is located on the edge of the Andes Western Mountain Range. Mindo is 98 km away from the Quito city. This forest is the transition zone between the highlands and the coast. The altitude ranges from 2000m (6562 ft) above sea level and 1000m above sea level (3281 feet). This natural region is located in the Protector Forest Nambillo - Mindo. The reserve covers approximately 2000 hectares almost 2000 soccer fields. In addition, Mindo is part of the ecological corridor or hotspot so called Chocoan-Darien that crossing over Ecuador to reach out Colombia. This eco-route is one of the most biodiverse and endangered habitats. Hence, this bio-diversity region is within the 10 most important eco-regions in the world.

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

Exclusions: Travel Insurance, Entrance cost; Hummingbird Sanctuary $5 pp, Ziplining $ 20pp, Tarabita & Waterfall Santuary $ 5pp. , Mindo´s Chocolate Tour $8 pp, Mountain Cable Car $8 pp, Orchid Farm $3 pp, Tubing $6 pp (*min 4 pax)

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.

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