Top Quito Nature Walks in 2026

Nature lovers will relish in the opportunity to roam through the landscape of this extinct volcano, and discover all the geological wonder hiding along the Ruco Pichincha on this guided hike. Escape the rushed pace of city life. Instead, relax and enjoy the journey to the top. Upon arrival admire incredible views out over the nearby city and the reward of visiting the home of paranormal spirits.

Cotopaxi Volcano is the centerpiece of Cotopaxi National Park. At more than 19,000 feet (nearly 6,000 meters), its snowy peak dominates the landscape of the park. During this full-day tour from Quito, travelers experience the volcano from many vantage points. Explore a lagoon favored by water birds, learn more about the area at an interpretive center, and hike up the flanks of Cotopaxi Volcano to a recently-renovated climbers' refuge to experience this active volcano up close.

Explore the best of Cotopaxi National Park in a single day on a group tour from Quito. This round-trip adventure is perfect for active travelers who want to utilize every second of their Ecuador vacation. Highlights include Chuquiragua Lodge, Jose Rivas Refuge, Limpiopungo Lagoon, and Chuquiragua Lodge. A relaxing round-trip transfer from the city gives you time to rest before and after the hike.

Tour the capital city of Quito at your leisure aboard this popular hop-on hop-off bus tour. Enjoy hassle-free double-decker transportation through narrow city streets as you make your way to numerous city attractions and landmarks. Choose to get off at any of the stops and make the most of your time in Quito.

Forget following a rigid sightseeing itinerary and explore Ecuador your way thanks to this fully customizable private tour from Quito. Share your interests with your driver-guide, so a day can be created around places and experiences that interest you—whether that means hiking Cotopaxi, visiting Quilotoa Lake, or exploring Quito’s center. The choice is yours and a private guide is with you throughout the day.

See condors and other wildlife in their natural habitat. This private day trip with transit from Quito brings you to Reserva Chakana, where you’ll see incredible Andean condor, hummingbirds, and dozens of other bird species, and possibly the Andean Spectacled Bear. Hike and explore the preserve, visiting a beautiful lagoon and enjoying volcano views. Stop for lunch at Tambo Condor (cost not included), with a condor nest viewpoint, before returning to your hotel.

Climb Cotopaxi Summit (19,347 ft /5897 m.) This tour is recommended for experienced or beginners climbers who have already acclimatized in Ecuador .Cotopaxi is the most beautiful volcano in the world, as well as one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second highest volcano in Ecuador. The climb to the summit of Cotopaxi is not highly technical, but it does require the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes. Departing from the refuge around midnight climbers begin the ascent of the volcano reaching at the top of Cotopaxi after sunrise at 6 am. Here, climbers can enjoy the breathtaking views of Cotopaxi's crater and on clear days, it is possible to see all of Quito. We recommend to you our Acclimatization Packages to ensure that you to enjoy your climbing experience!

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.

- You have the right to a Professional Bilingual Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Lodging and Tourist Visits. - Tourist Transportation from Quito - Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Quito - Hiking and horseback riding in the same tour if you decide to return on horseback not included in Quilotoa. - Visit indigenous market - Visit indigenous house - Visit Quilotoa Viewpoint - Visit and descent to the Quilotoa Lagoon - Hiking, horseback riding and kayaking in the same tour. - Visit Jose Rivas Refuge 4897 meters - Visit Glaciers of the Volcano 5000 meters - Visit and tour of the Limpiopungo Lagoon - Professionalism and Quality of Service

Spend a day away from the city and immerse yourself in nature on this private tour from Quito. Head to the Mindo Cloud Forest, a biodiverse region on the end of the western Andes Mountains, and admire the beautiful nature that surrounds you. Then, choose from an array of optional activities like ziplining, tubing, and a chocolate tour, or simply enjoy a hike through the jungle. Round-trip transit helps make this experience seamless.

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.

Discover the heart of Quito on this walking tour, designed to immerse you in the rich history and vibrant culture of Ecuador's capital. Your bilingual guide will take you through the city's most significant landmarks. Begin your journey at Independence Square, the political and historical heart of Quito. Visit the stunning Basilica del Voto Nacional, a marvel of Gothic architecture, and climb its towers for panoramic views of the city. Explore the San Agustin Church and its fascinating catacombs, and witness the changing of the presidential guard on Mondays. Along the way, savor the taste of local Ecuadorian chocolate and capture memorable photos of your adventure.

Enjoy this full-day tour of Otavalo Marketplace, the largest Indigenous market in Latin America. Departing Quito, you’ll travel to Otavalo Marketplace, to browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. See, too, the famous equator monument and stop in Peguche to visit a waterfall and a local family to learn about local music.

Experience a mix of nature and local flavours on this 3-in-1 private tour. Escape the busy streets of Quito—hotel transfers are included for a seamless experience—and immerse yourself in nature during a visit to Mindo Cloud Forest. You can also visit a chocolate factory and coffee plantation to see how these products are made. Travel in comfort in a private vehicle throughout the day, skipping the hassle of organizing transportation.

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.

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing outside Quito the easy way with this guided tour. After being picked up from your accommodation in Quito, head to the dazzling Quilotoa Lagoon for a guided trek to the crater of the active volcano. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and check out the workshops of local artisans on your way back to Quito.

This adventure tour in Baños combines nature and thrilling activities. It includes visits to the Cascada de la Virgen and Pailón del Diablo waterfalls, both requiring moderate to high fitness levels. You'll also see stunning views of the Pastaza River at Agoyán and panoramic views of Tungurahua Volcano from the Mirador Casa del Árbol, home to the "Swing at the End of the World." Optional activities include zip-lining (for those in good physical condition) or a cable car ride. Ideal for adventure seekers, the tour requires comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, a raincoat, sunscreen, water, and a camera.

Experience unique Ecuadorian culture on a full-day market tour to Otavalo and Cotacachi Market. Comfortable transportation will pick you and other group members up from two convenient Quito locations, before taking you to the Mazapan handicrafts market in Calderon.  A stop at the Otalvo market is the perfect opportunity for taking photos.  You’ll enjoy a hearty lunch in Cotacachi before exploring the natural area surrounding it.

Straddle two different hemispheres during this half-day visit to the equator at Ecuador’s famous ‘Mitad del Mundo.' Try out some unique physics experiments demonstrating the influence of the earth’s poles at the Intiñan Museum. This private tour includes a guide, Intiñan Museum entrance fees, and round-trip hotel transport from Quito's city center.

Experience Quito from a completely different perspective as you rise above the city on one of the highest cable cars in South America. This tour combines breathtaking views, a guided walk in the Andean highlands, and a personalized experience in small groups. Unlike standard visits, you’ll explore beyond the viewpoint, connecting with nature while learning about the unique páramo ecosystem from a local expert. It’s the perfect balance of scenery, light adventure, and authentic insight—ideal for travelers seeking more than just a photo stop.

Take the guesswork out of figuring out ground transportation when you arrive in Quito when you pre-book this airport shuttle. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall of Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) holding the company's nameplate. After your group has assembled, head to your shuttle bus and enjoy a swift journey to your accommodation located in Quito’s city center.

Enjoy a day of wild adventures by land and water during the 10-hour excursion to practice canyoning near Guayaquil. The cloud forest is one of the best places in Ecuador to practice canyoning, since its waterfalls are located in the middle of the forest and they are beautiful and can be traversed in abseiling, swimming, or walking on water. Book your adventure now and we include a lunch at a local restaurant. The excursion to practice canyoning includes a professional guide, all the equipment and transfer to and from the hotel. - Spend the day doing canyoning in the Cloud Forest during your trip through Guayaquil. - Experience a site that is considered one of the best places of canyoning in the world. - Enjoy a beautiful natural environment with waterfalls and clear mountain pools - Descend with a combination of abseiling, swimming and sliding in natural slides - Celebrate your exciting adventure day with a lunch at a local restaurant

Embark on a tour crafted for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Our daily departures from Quito ensure accessibility. Following the tour's conclusion in Tena, you'll have the choice to extend your stay in this captivating region or journey onward to Baños de Agua Santa. At the lodge, we're dedicated to assisting you in organizing your next destination or facilitating your return to Quito. During the exhilarating rafting excursion, rest assured, our safety kayaker will capture stunning photos and videos for you. On the first day, enjoy the convenience of a private transfer from Quito; simply inform us of your preferred pickup time and location. Along the way, feel free to ask our driver to make stops for additional activities—it's your transport, and you're in control. Upon arrival at the ecolodge, prepare for a thrilling itinerary featuring a jungle hike, river tubing, and a night walk. Yes, it's a jam-packed two days, but that's the essence of living in Ecuador.