Top Quito Nature Walks in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What makes this tour special. ✓No other circuit combines so many layers in so little space: colonial history, mixed-race art, popular legends, Andean height, gastronomy and science, all walkable or minutes away. It is not a tour of isolated monuments, but a continuous narrative where each stop explains some of the previous one and prepares the next. That is why Quito is not visited: it is toured, tested and listened to. Besides. ✓Our service offers accompaniment all the time with a Certified Guide with experience in many tourist places of the country, (Costa-Sierra-Oriente/Amazonia) plus for your comfort and security we have private transportation round trip. Personalized attention, English-Spanish language. Above all, the good energy of the guide and the willingness to help you take many photos.

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 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.

- 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

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.

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.

Don’t worry about confusing and time-consuming public transit in Quito; instead, opt for a comprehensive full-day excursion which covers several city highlights and includes private transportation. Ideal for visitors with limited time in the city, visit the Intiñan Museum, tour the old town, and more in the company of a local guide, learning more than you could if exploring independently.

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.

Take a trip to Ecuador’s highest active volcano on this day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. With a small group, hike along the volcanic trails and take in the unique biodiversity of the Andes Mountains, including several species of birds. Walk around the Limpopungo Lagoon to see more wildlife and take photographs of the stunning mountain landscapes in the background.

This tour offers three days of fun, outdoor sports, short walks, and a sip of the jungle. In Baños visit the waterfalls that includes waterfalls of Agoyan, Manto de la Novia and Pailon del Diablo, take experience this powerfull and energy recharging spot. When you return from the waterfalls you can practice the Zipline or cross the Pastaza river in the famous Tarabita. Visit the renowned swing of the end of the world at the charming three house(Casa del Arbol). On day two, in the morning, you can choose an adventure sport that is of your interest such as Rafting, Rappel, Canyoning or rentals such as Bicycles, Motorcycles, Boogies, Horses, or enjoy thew town, go for a hike or soak into the hot springs. And around 2 pm we will drive towards the Jungle, and get to the town of Puyo, to then visit a wild animal rescue center, then check out town and drive to our accomodation. On day 3 visit the jungle, lookout, hike to a waterfall, visit a quichua community and drive back to Quito

Ecuador is home to several different climates and places of historical significance. Cover the highlights in just eight days when you book this adventure that begins in Quito. With private tours throughout most of the trip, see the main sights of Quito, including the “Middle of the World” monument, drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes to explore Cotopaxi, and the highlight of the tour is four days exploring the Galapagos Islands.

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 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.