Day Tours from Quito

Quito Culinary Experience Tour - Half Day Tour

Pick up from your hotel. We first head to the local market in the Old Town of Quito, where we will be able to see the diversity of tropical fruits and vegetables. At the local market the chef will give you explanations and you will learn about the different products and culinary traditions in Ecuador. After this interesting visit we are going to do an authentic and interactive cooking class! The recipes you will prepare are traditional Ecuadorian dishes: Locro Quiteño (Andean potato soup), Encocado (fish in coconut sauce) and a dessert made with Ecuadorian chocolate and fruits. We chose for these three recipes because the ingredients can be found all over the world, so you will be able to prepare it back home. It is no problem to prepare other dishes in case you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. During the cooking class you will peel, cut and season. The chef will be there guiding you, and he will give explanations about the history of each dish and its origin. After the cooking class you will be able to taste the delicious results and you will receive the recipes of the dishes you prepared!

• 1 person: USD 260
• 2 persons: USD 145 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 130 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 115 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Visit to the local market
• All the ingredients for the cooking class
• Cooking class (3 course lunch with a soft drink) with a professional chef
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Additional beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• The visit to the local market is only possible from Monday to Saturday.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Quito City Tour & Visit to the Equator

From your hotel we drive to the Old Town of Quito, which is one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in Latin America. We will see the Basilica with its unique gargoyles depicting native animals of Ecuador and we will be able to climb into the towers. Afterwards we start our walk at the Plaza Grande where we will see the Presidential Palace, the main Cathedral and the Independence monument. Then we continue to visit one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America, the Compañía de Jesus church, which façade is carved entirely out of volcanic stone and its interior is completely decorated with gold leaf. Next we walk through one of the oldest and most historical streets in Quito: La Ronda, which now houses a number of interesting workshops. We will end our walk at Plaza San Francisco where we will visit the San Francisco church, which is the oldest church of Quito (1534). Here we also have the opportunity to try Ecuadorian chocolate and we will learn how cacao beans end up as chocolate bars. Afterwards we drive to Panecillo hill where we can see the statue of the Virgin of Quito and a spectacular view of the city. We continue to the Equator, which is located 20 km north of Quito. We will visit the Inti Ñan museum where we will learn about the different cultures that we have in Ecuador and interesting facts and experiments which are only applicable at the Equator, like balancing an egg on a nail and we will observe the Coriolis forces. Bring your passport if you want to get a stamp of the equator in your passport! After this exciting day we return to your hotel.

• 1 person: USD 200
• 2 persons: USD 125 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 110 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 95 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Chocolate tasting
• Entrance fees to the Basilica, la Compañía de Jesus church, Panecillo hill and Inti Ñan museum
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Lunch
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• It is possible to add a visit to the Teleferico cable car for an additional cost.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Day Tour Otavalo Market

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Our first stop is in Guayllabamba village where we will try the “chirimoya”, which is a local fruit. Then we continue to Cayambe, here you will be able to try the local cheese and bizcochos biscuits. Once we reach Imbabura province we drive to Agato to visit the Tahuantinsuyo weaving workshop. Here they make traditional weavings on a back strap loom using handspun wool and natural dyes and products. After this interesting visit we will continue to the famous Indian Market at Plaza de Ponchos, which is known for its handicrafts, tapestries and textiles. Here you have time to wander around and buy some souvenirs. In the afternoon we will visit Peguche, where we can visit a workshop where the local family makes musical instruments and we can go to the mystical Peguche waterfall; this waterfall is a sacred place for the indigenous people.

• 1 person: USD 215
• 2 persons: USD 125 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 110 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 95 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the mentioned sites
• Chirimoya fruit tasting
• Local cheese and bizcochos biscuits
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Lunch
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Day Tour Mindo Cloud Forest

Pick up from your hotel. Mindo is a laid back village located in the cloud forest. On the way we will stop at a cloud forest reserve where we will be able to see around 10 species of hummingbirds at the feeders; including the Collared Inca, the Purple-throated Woodstar, Andean Emerald and the Booted Racket-tail. Upon arrival to Mindo we will do a chocolate tour, where you can see how chocolate is being made and of course you can taste some chocolate as well! Then it is time for ziplining! We will take you on a journey of 3500 m. throughout the canopy. The different lines are connected by short walking trails. You are accompanied by experienced guides using the best equipment to offer safety and adrenaline during the canopy tour. Before we return to Quito we also will visit the butterfly farm. Here you can see the process of metamorphosis of butterflies and even feed butterflies on your hands!

• 1 person: USD 250
• 2 persons: USD 165 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 145 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 130 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Hummingbird observation
• Chocolate tour
• Ziplining tour
• Entrance fees to the butterfly farm
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Lunch
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Day Tour Quilotoa Crater Lake

Pick up from your hotel. We drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes towards the beautiful turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake. We will make a stop in Tigua, where we will visit the painting workshop of Alfredo Toaquiza; one of the Indian artists from the region who paints the colorful Tigua paintings on sheep skin. There are also interesting local markets in this area; on Thursdays it is possible to visit the market of Saquisili, on Saturdays we can visit the local market in Zumbahua and on Sundays the local market in Pujili. Here we will see the huge diversity of tropical fruits, vegetables, grains and medicinal plants. We will also stop at the Toachi canyon to take pictures. Upon arrival to the Quilotoa Crater Lake (altitude of 3800 m. - 12467 ft.), you can walk part of the crater rim or you can hike into the crater to the lake and hike back up again, which because of the altitude is a great but challenging walk. It is also possible to go kayaking on the lake.

• 1 person: USD 295
• 2 persons: USD 170 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 135 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 100 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the mentioned sites
• Kayaking on the lake
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Lunch
• Beverages
• Optional mules rent (USD 10 p.p.)
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Day Tour Cotopaxi National Park

From your hotel we drive south through the Pan American Highway, also called Avenue of Volcanoes, to the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano in the world (5897 m. – 19347 ft.) and second highest mountain in Ecuador. Once we enter the National Park we drive to Limpiopungo Lake where we can observe Andean birds like Andean gulls and speckled teals. We will hike and learn about the flora and fauna of this unique paramo area. Then we continue to the parking lot (located at 4500 m. - 14763 ft.) and from here we hike to the refuge which is located at an altitude of 4800 m. – 15748 ft. Because of the altitude this is a great but challenging walk. After a rest in the refuge (you can get a stamp in your passport for USD 1 p.p. and buy hot chocolate or coca tea), and when the weather and National Park permit, you have the opportunity to hike a little further to reach the glacier (5000 m. – 16404 ft.).

• 1 person: USD 250
• 2 persons: USD 135 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 110 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 85 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Permit to enter the national park
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Lunch
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Day Tour Papallacta Hot Springs

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. We drive through beautiful landscapes to the Papallacta Hot Springs. We start with a small hike, where you can appreciate the local flora and fauna. In this area you can find different species of birds, including hummingbirds and tanagers. Afterwards you can bath and relax in the hot springs. At Termas de Papallacta you can find several pools fed by natural springs heated by the nearby Antisana volcano with temperatures between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius. The open air thermal pools have various benefits and these waters will relax your body.

• 1 person: USD 215
• 2 persons: USD 125 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 105 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 90 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the public pools
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• If you want to use the spa area instead of the public pool this costs USD 15 p.p. extra
• Lunch
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• Sometimes there are a lot of people in the public pools, especially in the weekends. In that case it could be better to use the spa area, which is more private and exclusive (USD 15 p.p. surcharge). Both places have different pools with different temperatures; in the spa area it is also possible to book massages and treatments (at an additional cost).
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Day Tour Cloud Forest Birdwatching

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. We start our drive to the cloud forest. Today we will visit different cloud forest reserves where we will watch hummingbirds at the feeders; including the Purple-throated Woodstar, Andean Emerald, Violet-tailed Sylph and the Booted Racket-tail. Other bird species which are also common in this area: Masked Flowerpiercer, Dusky Bush Tanager, Toucan Barbet, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Flame-faced Tanager or the Crimson-rumped Toucanet. We will learn about the ecosystem, flora and fauna. The area is part of the Chocó bioregion, Andean hotspot for biodiversity, and the reserves are set in an area that is known to have more than 330 species of birds. All are located at different altitudes, so they host different species of plants and wildlife, all adapted to their very specific environment. We will have lunch and in the afternoon we drive back to Quito.

• 1 person: USD 325
• 2 persons: USD 205 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 175 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 150 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking birding guide
• Entrance fees to the reserves
• Lunch
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Additional beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Day Tour Antisana National Park Birdwatching

Pick up from your hotel. Today we will visit the Antisana National Park; the Antisana Volcano is the fourth in altitude in Ecuador (5758 m. - 18891 ft.). The Andean Condor is an endangered species in Ecuador. This national park has some cliffs in which up to 35 Andean Condors have been recorded as they use these areas as their nesting sites. This is a large number considering there is an estimated population of just 150 condors in the whole country. In the paramo area (at about 3500 m. - 11482 ft.) we make several stops to walk and observe the beautiful paramo vegetation; yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush and chuquiraguas. We also might be able to see a number of birds such as the highly endangered Black-Headed Ibis, Tawny Antpitta, Andean Gulls, Andean Lapwing and Caranculated Caracara. If we are lucky and if the weather conditions are good we can see the impressive glacier of the Antisana volcano. Then we drive to La Mica Lake, where we can see Andean Teals, Andean Ruddy Ducks and Yellow-billed Pintails. We will have lunch at a restaurant where you have a view of the cliffs and you can see several species of hummingbirds at the feeders.

• 1 person: USD 275
• 2 persons: USD 160 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 130 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 105 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking birding guide
• Permit to enter the reserve
• Lunch
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Additional beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Riding Tour

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and then we head south from Quito, along the picturesque Avenue of Volcanoes, to the Cotopaxi province. We go to a ranch where we get ponchos, helmets and zamarros (sheepskin chaps) in the style of the chagras, before getting acquainted with our horses. The ride is led by an experienced and knowledgeable chagra (Andean cowboy). The chagra is a local Spanish speaking guide, but you also will be accompanied by your English speaking guide. The 2 hour horseback riding tour takes you through beautiful paramo scenery with magnificent views of the Cotopaxi Volcano. This horseback riding tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. You will never forget these stunning landscapes and you even might see wild horses! The pace of the horses is mainly walking, but you have the opportunity to canter on parts of the ride if you want. After the ride we go back to the hacienda, where we will get a nice 3 course lunch.

• 1 person: USD 340
• 2 persons: USD 225 p.p.
• 3 - 5 persons: USD 200 p.p.
• 6 or more persons: USD 175 p.p.

• Children under the age of 12 receive a 10% discount

• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Spanish speaking local chagra guide
• Horseback riding tour (shared)
• Poncho, zamarros and helmet
• Lunch
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

• Additional beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses

• Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
• Since we will ride in the mountains where the trails could be steep and where there is less oxygen lead us to put a maximum on rider weights of 220 pounds.
• There might be other guests joining you during this horse ride, but your English speaking guide will accompany you during the whole tour.
• Please note that at this high altitude the weather can change suddenly from sunny to cold with stormy winds and wet snow.
• Important things to bring: warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, comfortable shoes, water, sun block, sunglasses and your passport.
• There is a surcharge for pickup and drop off from hotels near Quito airport or the valley area.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

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