Top Quito How to Get Around - page 22

Depart from Quito for a full-day journey into the central Andes to visit one of Ecuador’s most stunning volcanic lakes: Quilotoa. Travel through indigenous villages and local markets, experiencing traditional Andean life. At the Quilotoa viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking panoramas and turquoise crater lake views, then hike down to the lake’s edge for spectacular scenery. The return ascent can be challenging, with mules available from local community members. A truly unforgettable day of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. *Visit the Tigua Community for a meaningful cultural encounter, engaging directly with local artists and learning about their vibrant naïf paintings—a rare and authentic experience.

Experience the real spirit of Quito in just half a day. Begin at the Hilton Colón and ride the modern Quito Metro with your guide, enjoying a genuine local moment as you travel to the heart of the city. In the UNESCO-listed Historic Center, stroll through charming cobblestone streets starting at Independence Square, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and other iconic landmarks. Admire the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional and walk past the breathtaking Church of La Compañía de Jesús, one of Latin America’s most beautiful temples. Enjoy 20 minutes of free time to enter and explore its dazzling gold-covered interior. At the end, return by metro with the guide or stay longer to discover cafés, museums, and markets on your own. A comfortable and authentic way to uncover Quito’s historic soul.

Discover the best of the Andean north on a journey filled with culture, history and unforgettable landscapes. We begin at the Quitsato Solar Clock, located exactly on the equator, where you’ll learn how pre-Columbian cultures interpreted the sky and the seasons from this unique point. We then continue to the Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most colorful in South America. Enjoy free time to explore, meet local artisans and find beautifully handcrafted textiles, hats and unique pieces made by the Otavalo Indigenous community. Next, we visit the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by Andean mountains—an ideal spot for breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature. *A short tasting at the Biscuit and Agave Museum in Cayambe.

This tour offers a rare blend of wellness and nature in one of Ecuador’s most scenic high-Andean settings. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to natural mineral hot springs, walk pristine páramo trails with breathtaking views, and experience authentic Andean cuisine in a peaceful mountain environment. It’s a uniquely balanced day that combines relaxation, soft adventure, and unforgettable landscapes.

Discover two of Ecuador’s most iconic treasures in a single day: the elegance of its world-famous roses and the majesty of Cotopaxi Volcano. Your day begins with hotel pick-up and a visit to a rose plantation in the fertile southern valleys, where you’ll learn about cultivation, selection, and export while admiring unique, vibrant, and fragrant varieties up close. Next, we explore Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the country’s most iconic active volcanoes. Enjoy a scenic walk around Laguna de Limpiopungo, surrounded by Andean birds and páramo landscapes, and, weather permitting, ascend to José Rivas Refuge at over 4,800 meters (15,750 ft) to witness the volcano’s breathtaking grandeur. Along the way, savor a pause with a local herbal infusion and a typical mountain lodge lunch before returning to the city with unforgettable memories of aromas, landscapes, and Andean traditions.

Discover one of Ecuador’s hidden natural treasures as you travel from Quito to the Antisana Ecological Reserve, a breathtaking high-Andean landscape filled with wildlife and panoramic views. As you ascend, the scenery opens into vast páramo grasslands, home to unique flora and iconic species. At the peaceful La Mica Lagoon, enjoy easy walks surrounded by high-mountain vegetation and, if weather allows, stunning views of the impressive Antisana Volcano. This pristine ecosystem is perfect for bird-watching, with opportunities to spot deer, foxes, caracaras and even several nesting sites of the Andean condor, one of the world’s most majestic birds. After exploring the reserve, enjoy a local lunch overlooking the silent, dramatic páramo before returning to Quito in the afternoon. *A brief condor-watching stop at Peñón del Isco, a natural viewpoint ideal for observing this emblematic Andean species.

Experience the best of Quito in one day, combining culture, history, and unique experiences. Start at the Hilton Colón Hotel and take the modern Quito Metro, a local experience in itself. In the Historic Center, enjoy a leisurely walk through Independence Plaza, surrounded by history and colonial architecture. Admire the stunning Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía), one of Latin America’s most beautiful churches, with time to explore its rich interior. Then visit the Intiñan Museum, located right on the equator, where interactive exhibits showcase scientific curiosities and Andean traditions. A perfect day to see Quito’s highlights, combining local transport, vibrant culture, and the thrill of standing with a foot in each hemisphere. *A short tasting of Ecuadorian chocolate in the Historic Center, savoring the world’s finest aromatic cocoa.

Discover one of Ecuador’s most breathtaking natural wonders on a full-day adventure from Quito. Travel through the heart of the Andes, passing indigenous villages and colorful local markets that reveal the authentic rhythm of rural mountain life. Arrive at the stunning Quilotoa viewpoint and take in unforgettable panoramas of its turquoise crater lake. Enjoy free time for photos and, if you wish, hike down to the lagoon’s edge along a trail filled with dramatic Andean scenery. The return ascent is challenging due to the altitude, but you can choose to rent a mule from local community members for an easier ride. This journey offers an exceptional blend of majestic landscapes, cultural encounters, and natural beauty. *Tigua Painting Workshop: Experience an authentic cultural activity by creating your own artwork guided by a local artisan, inspired by the famous naïve art of Tigua.

Explore the history and heritage of Pisco—Peru’s most famous spirit—on this tasting tour from Ica. With pickup and drop-off at you Ica hotel included, spin along the Pisco Route with your private guide and find out what makes this cocktail staple special. Sample traditional Pisco in distilleries in Ica and Chincha, visit seedbeds and plantation houses, and listen as your guide sheds light on Pisco’s interesting backstory.

Discover the heart of Ecuador’s northern Andes through authentic community encounters, living traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and ancestral craftsmanship. This immersive two-day experience blends cultural connection, hands-on activities, and natural beauty in the charming highland regions of Zuleta and Otavalo.

Discover the lush cloud forests of Mindo, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, on a full-day journey from Quito. Visit a butterfly garden where hundreds of butterflies fly freely around you, enjoy a gentle forest walk ideal for birdwatching—tangers, toucans, hummingbirds, and even the elusive umbrella bird—and savor a homemade organic lunch at a local restaurant. The experience continues at an artisanal chocolate factory, where you’ll learn about Ecuador’s fine-aroma cacao, taste different chocolates, and try a fun pure-cacao facial mask. *A close-up encounter with hummingbirds in a dedicated garden, where these tiny birds hover just inches away and, with a little patience, may even feed directly from your hand—an unforgettable moment that makes this tour truly unique.

The adventure starts from the moment we pick them up, the timely information of the guide along the way is important and fun, passing through a river of lava from past eruptions of the volcano Antisana is impressive, reaching several observation vantage points of the Andean Condor is mind-blowing, breathing a pure mountain air is comforting, seeing the flora and fauna of the place fills us with inner peace, making a short walk through the base of a large lake that supplies water for the city of Quito is magnificent, highly recommended to visit it, after the excursion we could at the end drop them at Mariscal Sucre Quito airport.

Dive into the colorful world of Otavalo with our immersive market tour! Discover the bustling Otavalo Market, famous for its vibrant textiles, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional Andean crafts. Wander through stalls filled with exquisite fabrics, local produce, and unique souvenirs, all while experiencing the lively atmosphere and rich culture of the region.

Embark on an exhilarating full-day tour of Banos, Ecuador, and experience the best that this vibrant town has to offer. From breathtaking natural wonders to thrilling activities and charming local culture, this tour is designed to provide a memorable adventure for every traveler.

Join us for an unforgettable day at Cotopaxi Volcano one of the most stunning and iconic of the world. One of the highlights of the day is hiking up to the José Ribas Refuge, located at nearly 15,750ft It’s a rewarding climb with incredible views and a real taste of high-altitude adventure! We’ll explore the incredible landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, surrounded by wide open plains, wild horses, Andean foxes and if we’re lucky, carascaras and andean Condors and the towering snow-capped volcano. This day trip is perfect for nature lovers, families, couples, or anyone looking for a little adventure. You’ll enjoy scenic hikes, breathtaking viewpoints, and a chance to learn about the unique wildlife and plants of the Andean highlands.

Our experienced Guides will show you the City as an old friend. You will visit the Old town Quito, you can enjoy the views from 13.000 feet; if that is too high you can go to a local Market to see the tropical fruits. In the afternoon we will visit the equator line. The City has a lot to offer: History, Nature, Art, Gastronomy.

Visit the most important Volcano around Quito, due the elevation of 19.342 feet we can still see a Glacier on the top, on the way enjoying the views of the Avenue of the Volcanos. In this tour you have two hours of Horseback riding. The horses are fed well and in a great condition. At noon we will drive to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, there we have a Walk of 1 hour. That walk is at 12.500 feet easy walk on a nice trail, there you will see especial Flora and Fauna of the aerea.

Adventure of Height: Cotopaxi National Park We start early from Quito, with pick-up and return from your accommodation. We will take the impressive Avenue of Volcanoes, enjoying views of the Andes and its snow-capped peaks towards Cotopaxi National Park, where we will live an unforgettable experience in contact with nature. For groups of up to 4 people, the guide can also be a driver. From 5 people, the tour includes guide and driver in larger vehicle. Sacha Pedregal Tours, with more than 15 years of experience, promotes responsible tourism. We work with local communities, respect nature and take care of the welfare of all animals involved. Experience an authentic and conscious adventure in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes!

Choosing Andino Travel for your excursion to Quilotoa guarantees a unique and exclusive experience. With years of expertise, Andino Travel offers luxury transportation, expert guides, and personalized service, ensuring comfort, safety, and attention to every detail. This tour is tailored to your preferences, with flexible itineraries and access to authentic experiences, such as private visits to local communities. Additionally, Andino Travel is committed to sustainable tourism, supporting communities and protecting the environment. If you're looking for a comfortable, exclusive, and well-organized tour, Andino Travel is the perfect option to fully enjoy Quilotoa.

Step into the enchanting world of Mindo with Andino Travel (Andean Escape) and experience the beauty of the cloud forest in a way you’ll never forget. Our full-day tour takes you deep into one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions, where you’ll immerse yourself in lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities. What makes our tour stand out? With Andino Travel, we provide an exclusive experience that combines the best of nature and adventure. Whether you’re zip-lining through the forest canopy, visiting breathtaking waterfalls, or spotting exotic birds, our expert guides ensure you make the most of every moment. Enjoy the serenity of the cloud forest, experience Mindo’s rich wildlife, and connect with nature in a way that feels both thrilling and peaceful.

This isn’t just a tour, it’s an unforgettable escape. From the moment you leave Quito in private, comfortable transport, you’ll immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean landscape. Experience the rejuvenating thermal hot springs of Papallacta, surrounded by nature’s serenity. Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and mountains, perfect for photos. Relax in pools of varying temperatures, unwind at your own pace, and treat yourself to optional massages and spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation. Recharge, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories. Book your unforgettable day now!

Enjoy a safe and personalized experience in our comfortable SUV vehicles and pickup trucks, ideal for exploring Quito and its surroundings with total peace of mind. All our vehicles undergo regular preventive mechanical check-ups to ensure your safety and comfort. I am a finance professional with a long-standing passion for tourism and culture, and I love sharing the beauty and history of Ecuador with travelers from around the world. We speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese to make sure you feel at home during your trip. Whether you're visiting historic landmarks or breathtaking natural wonders, our private tours are designed to adapt to your pace and preferences. Let us take care of the logistics while you enjoy a relaxed and unforgettable journey through one of the most fascinating destinations in South America.

Enjoy a safe and personalized experience in our comfortable SUV vehicles and pickup trucks, ideal for exploring Quito and its surroundings with total peace of mind. All our vehicles undergo regular preventive mechanical check-ups to ensure your safety and comfort. I am a finance professional with a long-standing passion for tourism and culture, and I love sharing the beauty and history of Ecuador with travelers from around the world. We speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese to make sure you feel at home during your trip. Whether you're visiting historic landmarks or breathtaking natural wonders, our private tours are designed to adapt to your pace and preferences. Let us take care of the logistics while you enjoy a relaxed and unforgettable journey through one of the most fascinating destinations in South America.

Discover Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, on an immersive 5.2 km walking tour that immerses you in its rich cultural and historical heritage. Explore emblematic sites such as the Church of the Society of Jesus, the Palace of Carondelet and the Basilica del Voto Nacional. See local art at Mural Okuda and enjoy fine dining at Mercado San Francisco. This tour offers you a unique opportunity to understand the fascinating history and colonial architecture of the city, while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding Andes. - 5.2 km walking tour to explore the historic center of Quito - Visit 19 places of interest including churches and museums - Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture with gastronomic stops - Ideal for lovers of history and architectural heritage