Top Quito Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

Discover the rich culture and history of Old Town Quito on this 3-hour guided walking tour. Hear the stories and legends behind the Ecuadorian capital’s most iconic landmarks that you visit, including Independence Plaza, Government Palace, the Independence Monument, and the Archbishop’s palace. On this tour, you don’t just sightsee — try your hand at making traditional ice cream, too., using uniquely South American ingredients Visit the market where every kiosk tells a story, and uncover local culture and customs as you explore the heart of Old Town. Plus top off this fantastic day with a stop at an old-school ice cream shop, and sample delightful flavors.

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.

There’s so much to see and do in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, it’s hard to know where to start. Rest easy during this full-day tour knowing you’ll hit the best parts to make the most of your time. Start with panoramic views of the city from Pichincha Volcano, then head to the Middle of the World to straddle the equator. Return to the city’s colonial heart, then choose your own 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.

At night, Ecuador’s capital transforms into an illuminated wonderland. See Quito at its most magical on an evening tour by double-decker bus, ideal for first-time visitors. From a premium vantage point on the lower or upper deck, you’ll see lit-up landmarks such as San Francisco Church and the Center for Contemporary Art. Enjoy a walking tour with your guide through Quito Old Town before enjoying free time to explore.

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’.

Escape to the serene Papallacta rejuvenating thermal springs, nestled between the Cayambe-Coca and Antisana National Parks, for a private day of relaxation and natural beauty. Departing from Quito with hotel pickup, enjoy breathtaking Andean scenery before soaking in the mineral-rich thermal pools, known for their therapeutic benefits like muscle relaxation, stress relief, and improved circulation. Surrounded by lush landscapes and volcanic history, this retreat is the perfect way to rejuvenate your body and mind.

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.

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.

Navigate Quito’s renowned museums with ease on a private tour that reveals the highlights of two top Quito museums— the Guayasamin Museum and Central Bank Museum. You’ll enjoy the undivided attention of your guide as you explore the museums at your own pace, rather than one set by a larger group.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Quito’s best in one unforgettable day on this private full-day tour. Ride the Teleférico to 13,000 feet (4,000 m) for breathtaking views of the Andes, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its colonial plazas, churches, and vibrant markets, and stand on both hemispheres at the Middle of the World Monument for an iconic photo. Unlike large group tours, this experience offers personalized attention, a flexible itinerary, and insider tips from your expert local guide. Whether it’s savoring a local snack, taking extra time at a viewpoint, or exploring hidden corners, the pace is yours to set. Enjoy private transportation, hotel pickup/drop-off, and a seamless itinerary that combines Quito’s top highlights with authentic cultural moments perfect for travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and a deeper connection to Ecuador’s capital.

Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park is a unique area with a diverse ecosystem of fauna and flora. Join this full-day tour from Quito to explore the area around the active volcano and learn about the natural history of the region. You also visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon where you enjoy beautiful views of the volcano and surrounding areas.

If you’re short on time and want to see all that Ecuador has to offer, take a comprehensive 4-day tour.  Three nights of accommodation and transportation are included between your visits to Quito, Banos, Cuenca, and more. If you'd like to tack on an additional day, a visit to El Cajas National Park and Piedra da Agua Spa is on the itinerary. Where you begin is up to you, as the tour can begin from either Quito or Cuenca.

Discover the various landscapes of Ecuador on a private expedition from Quito. Visit the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Andes Mountains, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, and more over the course of four days. Spend your days relaxing in volcanic hot springs, spotting native wildlife, and participating in outdoor activities during this all-inclusive excursion.

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.

Take a break from the busy streets of Quito and visit Ecuador’s second-highest summit, Cotopaxi Volcano, on this full-day tour. With a private guide, head to the top of the volcano and take in the surrounding views. Learn about the geological history of Ecuador, home to several volcanoes, and enjoy a short hike around Limpiopungo Lake.

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.

Take a break from Quito's busy streets and spend a day in the cloud forest on this day trip to Mindo. Join a small group and discover the unique fauna and flora of the region. Walk through the forest to see hummingbirds and butterflies, soar through the treetops on a series of ziplines, and hike to beautiful waterfalls all in one day.

Without insider tips from locals, it can be hard to shortlist the best street food stands in Quito. Avoid the guesswork, and get expert advice with this essential street food tour. Taste your way around the city and try a variety of local bites. Conveniently, lunch, coffee/tea, and soft drinks are included, so there's no need to stop and pay at each food spot.

Fit more into your time in Ecuador with Banos Private Full-Day Tour from Quito. Encounter Salasaca Indian weavers at a local market, take in wonderful scenery at the foot of the volcano Mama Tungurahua, see the beautiful Agoyan Waterfall, and much more. Plus, since this is a private tour, your personal needs can easily be catered for.