Top Quito How to Get Around in 2026

Don’t let limited time in Quito stop you ticking off two of the country’s top natural attractions—visit both Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon in just one day on a private tour that lets you set the pace. Letting someone else drive means you can soak up the scenery, while a private guide ensures you’ll explore according to your own agenda.

Rather than be overwhelmed at one of South America’s largest markets, let a personal guide accompany you. On this private day trip from Quito to Otavalo Market, you’ll have a better opportunity to interact with traditionally attired Quichua vendors selling handicrafts, textiles, and even livestock. Savor views of the Ecuadorian Andes on a brief waterfall walk after lunch in Cotacachi, a town known for its leather goods.

Set off on a day trip to Otavalo Market with a private guide. Skip the crowded public transit and enjoy the sights of the Pan-American highway from the comfort of your private vehicle.  Make stops at lesser known points of interest, including the foothills of Imbabura Volcano. Your tour of the Otavalvo Market can be customized to include a visit to Pecuche.

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.

Quito’s Old Town is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its colonial architecture and historic churches. With this small-group tour, visit two of the city’s most important churches and discover other less-visited attractions around the city. Climb up to the dome of the Santo Domingo Church for a magnificent view over Quito and visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, otherwise known as the ‘Golden Church’.

In this tour, we will visit the Quilotoa Lagoon which is in the Cotopaxi Province by the town of Pujili. It is a unique tourist attraction in South America and is considered one of the 15 most beautiful volcano crater lagoons in the world. We will also visit an indigenous market, an indigenous hut, and more... It is a full-day tour, with lunch included, highly recommended.

Swap the bustle of Quito for the natural beauty of Mindo, a small mountain town home to an abundance of nature, on a private tour from Ecuador’s capital. You’ll tick off all the highlights—which include a nature reserve, waterfall, zipline, and chocolate factory—without having to book each one separately or navigate between them.

Get to know the historic center of Quito in just a few short hours on this walking tour. See many of the highlights of the city, including Independence Square, San Agustin Church, the catacombs, the change of the presidential guard (Mondays only) and much more. A bilingual guide (speaking English and Spanish) ensures you can ask questions and understand the historical sights you are encountering.

Ecuador is an amazingly beautiful country where you can experience the Pacific Ocean and Andean Highlands, but around one-third of the country is home to the ever-dangerous Amazon Jungle. Journey into the Amazon with a guide during this Amazon Rainforest 3-Day Tour from Quito to Napo, and explore the jungle terrain with a custom-designed itinerary.

Discover the true site of the equator during your time in Ecuador when you take this “Middle of the World” tour from Quito. Join a small group and make visit the village of San Antonio de Pichincha and Pululahua Volcano before heading to the landmark. Then, visit the Intiñan Museum, to learn about the science of the equator, and the obelisk that represents the equatorial line.

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.

Experience the volcanoes of Cotopaxi National Park from a different perspective on this private excursion from Quito. Once you arrive at the park, embark on a hike to the Padre Ribas Refuge, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the area. Then, take a horseback ride around Cotopaxi Volcano before enjoying a delicious lunch with even more views of the Andean landscape.

Dive into the spontaneous and colorful soul of Quito’s urban art scene. Explore the streets off the beaten path while spotting some of the coolest walls in town by talented local and foreign artists. Meet some of the artists and their studios, and admire a local gallery while trying local cocktails and the best chocolate. This tour is for the art lover.

Visit two of the world’s most interesting locations on a full-day private tour. First, visit one of only two inhabited volcanic craters in the world and see how locals are living. Then, head to the Intiñan Museum to visit the exact division of the northern and southern hemispheres at 00º 00’ 00”. Lastly, head to Quito for a tour of the world’s first UNESCO-listed city and learn about its rich history.

Discover the best of Quito city, the capital city of Ecuador. Wander through the UNESCO Heritage site of the historical center, which is the largest old town in Latin America. Visit churches, plazas and palaces. Continue up the Teleferico de Quito for a panoramic viewpoint of the city and a volcano. Finish by visiting the monument to the middle of the world.

Two of Ecuador's most popular destinations combine to bring natural beauty and adventure to this private full-day tour from Quito. In Cotopaxi National Park, appreciate the park's snow-capped centerpiece, the nearly 20,000-foot (nearly 6,000-meter) Cotopaxi Volcano, while strolling around a lagoon favored by birds. In the town of Banos, local culture, waterfalls, and the country's much-photographed Tree House swing in the clouds await.

Experience the biodiverse Mindo Cloud Forest to observe its many species on this full-day tour from Quito. Join a small group and visit a reserve to see more than 1,000 colorful butterflies fluttering around you. Then, walk through the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve to a waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. Your tour also includes access to a canopy zipline or another adventure sport.

Escape the bustling streets of Quito and explore more of the Andean highlands on this full-day tour. With a private guide, explore the traditional Otavalo Market to purchase handicrafts. Then immerse yourself in nature at Cuicocha Lake and Peguche Waterfall, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Cotacachi Volcano and Ecuadorian Andes.

Don’t worry about matching the pace of a large tour group or waiting for other travelers during this private full-day excursion to Cotopaxi National Park. Instead, go at your own speed alongside a professional guide as you hike the Cotopaxi Volcano, marvel over the Limpiopungo Lagoon, and enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience.

Expand your exploration of Ecuador with this private and customizable full-day tour from Quito with options including bargain hunting at the famous Otavalo Market, touring one of Ecuador's rose plantations, an artisan workshop, a visit to a bird sanctuary, photo opportunities on the shores of the largest lake in Ecuador, volcano views, a waterfall hike, the chance to taste a beloved regional pastry, and more.

Explore Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes that stretches from Quito to Cuenca during this 5-day excursion. Alongside a private tour guide, explore top Andean highlights including Quilotoa Lake, Cotopaxi, the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and the Ingapirca ruins. Your package is inclusive of four nights' accommodation and most meals for a hassle-free experience.

This exclusive experience will introduce you to the Andes Mountain Range landscape and wildlife. Your profesional tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or airbnb to start the tour and go to Cotopaxi. The 90 minutes drive from Quito to Cotopaxi is full of beautifull mountains and cosy small villages. Arriving to Cotopaxi the local guide will be waiting with helmets, ponchos and horses. Then you will ride a horse for 2 hours around the grassland and the beautifull volcano. Then you will go to the Limpiopungo lagoon to hike around it. The lagoon is located in a flat highland where you will hike for 1 hour around it. That is an amazing place to see the local plants, flowers and birds. At the end you will come back to Quito or stop in a local restaurant to have a lunch. Dropoff at your hotel

Discover the cuisine of one of Latin America's tastiest capitals, Quito, during this street food and drinks tour. Walk around the city with your guide and stop at several locally-known vendors to sample delicious Ecuadorian dishes. Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Guapolo and watch the sunset from a scenic viewpoint. Your night ends with a drink at a local speakeasy.

Discover indigenous arts and local markets that you might otherwise miss during this cultural tour of Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha. Well-suited for travelers staying in Quito, escape the city and journey into Ecuador's more rural hillsides as you follow your guide through a selection of the area's key cultural attractions.