10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Quito, Ecuador

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Looking for the absolute best activities in Quito? You’ve come to the right place!

After traveling around Ecuador for ourselves, we learned that a lot of the top things to do are in and around Quito. When we first visited, we were a little overwhelmed by where to begin, especially since we don’t speak the language and it’s a bustling city! 

If you’re feeling those same stressors, keep reading! We’ve put together the top activities and day trips in Quito, and they are all easy to book, have bilingual guides, and take care of the details for you. It makes traveling in Quito super easy, so you can just enjoy this wonderful city.

Things to do in Quito, Ecuador

1. Cotopaxi National Park

• Duration: 12 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Explore Cotopaxi National Park, walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, visit the interpretive center, hike up Cotopaxi to the José Rivas Refuge for close-up views of one of Ecuador’s most iconic active volcanoes
• Inclusions: Bilingual guide (English/Spanish), transport, all entrance fees, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Cotopaxi Volcano is actually one of the most dangerous types of volcanoes, meaning when it erupts, it is quite violent and destructive. Still, it is the most visited volcano in all of Ecuador! It hasn’t erupted since 1904, so don’t let that deter you from visiting this epic site—it didn’t stop us!

The top destination in Cotopaxi National Park is climbing to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, or going on a guided tour to summit it (this is not for the faint of heart or novice trekker). However, we chose to experience the park on a day trip, as there are still tons of trails and viewpoints you can enjoy without having to summit the second-highest volcano in Ecuador!

This day trip to Cotopaxi National Park includes stopping at the iconic Laguna de Limpiopungo, a lake that sits within the slopes of the volcano, and taking a hike to the Jose Rivas Refuge. We really loved this tour because we could catch epic views of Cotopaxi Volcano and glacier with the convenience of a day trip.

The hike itself was a bit challenging, but the tour guides were great at pacing for everyone in the group so we could all enjoy the climb. Plus, we got hot chocolate at the top to warm up and enjoy the views!

On the way home, we stopped for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, which was the perfect end to this day of adventure. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Quito, entrance fees, and your amazing guides! Be sure to bring cash for lunch and any other souvenirs you might want to pick up, and I recommend dressing warmly.

With over 1,200 glowing reviews, there’s a reason this is one of Quito’s top experiences!

Book this highly-rated tour in advance and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you take off.

2. Quilotoa Crater

• Duration: 11 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: See Quilotoa’s blue-green crater lake from multiple viewpoints on a day trip from Quito, hike down to the shore, visit Tigua artisan workshops and the Toachi Canyon lookout
• Inclusions: Bilingual guide (English/Spanish), transport, all entrance fees, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 540+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Quilotoa Crater is one of the most stunning locations outside of Quito. This volcanic crater now houses a lake that is 250 meters (820 feet) deep and is a lovely crystal turquoise color from the volcanic minerals in the soil from past eruptions.

The sheer size and depth of this lake were enough to blow me away, but its sparkling color and stunning mountainscape were unbeatable. 

The Quilotoa Loop is an epic multi-day hike that is popular here, but it’s not for the faint of heart!

If you are like us and don’t have time or energy to dedicate to a multi-day trek through the Ecuadorian Andes, but still want to see Quilotoa Crater, this full-day tour is just for you. It is definitely a long day—I think we were gone for a total of 11 hours, but it was well worth it.

The tour starts by picking you up at your hotel in Quito and driving 2.5 hours south to get to Quilotoa. You will get to marvel at this lake and mountainscape at viewpoints, have a photoshoot with the resident alpacas, enjoy time down by the lake, and then break for lunch. We also made a stop at a local farmer’s house at the end, which was really insightful to see how the locals live. You finish the day by visiting two craft workshops to see handmade items and take home some unique souvenirs!

This tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, lunch, entrance fees, and your guide, who makes the whole day more worthwhile! Honestly, pictures don’t do Quilotoa justice, so it’s best you go check it out yourself. No matter what you do, this is easily the best thing to do in Quito!

Book this tour with over 500 5-star reviews here and get FREE cancellation options.

3. Explore Quito’s top sights on a full-day tour

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 9 am
• Highlights: Ride the Teleférico for sweeping views, explore Quito’s historic Old Town on foot, and visit the Equator monument and museum
• Inclusions: Private transportation, private National tour guide with a legal certification, private tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 520+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

You can’t visit Quito without exploring its historic center, and this top-rated private tour is one of the best ways to do it. It’s a full-day experience covering the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Teleferico, and the famous Middle of the World monument—all with a customizable itinerary and an expert local guide.

Since it’s a private tour, it’s completely customizable, but you’ll typically start the day by heading up the Teleferiqo, a cable car that climbs to over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) on the Pichincha Volcano. The views over the city are incredible, and on a clear day, you might even spot Cotopaxi in the distance. With about two hours at the top, you’ll have time to grab a coffee, explore the viewpoints, and even hop on the iconic swings before heading back down.

Back in the historic center, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through charming streets filled with colonial buildings, cute cafes, and major landmarks like the presidential palace at Plaza Grande. A guide helps bring the area to life, sharing stories and history you wouldn’t learn on your own.

To finish the day, you’ll visit the Mitad del Mundo, one of the most popular attractions in Ecuador. While the monument itself can feel a bit overrated, the tour makes the stop worthwhile by pairing it with richer experiences. You can stand on the equator line, climb the trapezoid monument, and visit the on-site museum.

Overall, this tour is a fantastic introduction to Quito and ideal for first-time visitors. It packs the city’s highlights into one seamless day—so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying that “wow, I’m actually in Ecuador!” feeling.

Check availability and book this private tour here, before dates fill up.

4. Eat your way around the city

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Time: 10 am 
• Highlights: Climb the Basilica towers, explore Indigenous art, taste Quito’s signature snacks and sweets, visit Old Town landmarks, end with a traditional canelazo on this culture-packed walking tour
• Inclusions: Tasting of traditional sweets, chocolate, canelazo, traditional drink, snacks (empanada, pristine, sanduche, humita, quinbolito), small-group tour
• Rating: 5 stars (check 840+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

They say the best way to explore a culture is through food, and I agree! If you’re on a budget, take a walk around the city and sample interesting food from local vendors. There is so much to try, such as empanadas, canelazo, and some traditional sweets. 

However, for a more in-depth experience, get yourself a local guide to show you around—they know the best places to eat. 

This specific Quito food tour combines history and food—two of my favorite things while traveling! You’ll visit iconic city sights, such as the Basilica del Voto Nacional, Plaza de la Independencia, and museums. But, you won’t just be walking for the whole 3.5 hours, you’ll stop and taste traditional street foods along the way, too. 

We ate a lot of unique pastries and savory foods, but my favorites were the empanadas (of course) and the chocolate tasting at the end! This tour is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and walking and snacking! It includes all of your snacks and your guide, but bring some extra cash in case you want to pick up some more food along the way!

Book this tour with over 800 five-star reviews here and get FREE cancellation options. 

Related Read: For a step-by-step guide on the best of Quito, our 3-day Quito itinerary hits all the highlights so you don’t have to stress!

5. Mitad del Mundo 

• Duration: 5 hours
• Time: 8 am, 8:20 am, and 1 pm
• Highlights: Stand on the Equator at Mitad del Mundo, try hands-on experiments at the Intiñan Museum, ride the Teleférico to panoramic volcano views
• Inclusions: Tour guide, private transportation, private tour
• Rating: 5 stars (check 160+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

I mentioned this experience a bit earlier, but as one of Quito’s main attractions, it deserves its own spot on the list. Mitad del Mundo is the site where the equator passes through Ecuador, which sounds pretty cool, right? You can stand exactly at the halfway point between the north and south poles; you are literally at the center of the earth (sort of like Middle-earth for Lord of the Rings fans). 

I have to admit, this experience has turned into somewhat of a tourist trap. The equator line is actually about 200 meters (656 feet) north of the monument that you will stand on and take photos. But, I will say that it is worth a visit, as there are other interesting things you can see and learn while visiting the monument and museum, and experiencing the center of the earth (even if it’s a few meters off). 

I think this half-day tour of Mitad del Mundo is actually the best way to go. As a private tour, you’ll have a personal guide who will take you all around the site. They will fill you in on the significance, history, and cultural elements that make this site so important. There is also a gondola that will take you up to the Pichincha Volcano, giving views of Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano, and the surrounding Andes. 

Overall, this tour offers a meaningful way to experience Mitad del Mundo beyond the usual quick photo stop. With a private guide, easy transportation, and museum entry included, it’s a smooth and insightful visit—just note that lunch and the gondola ride aren’t part of the package.

Don’t miss out—book your spot on this tour here before you go!

6. Visit the Otavalo Market

• Duration: 12 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Shop the vibrant Otavalo Market, stand on the Equator, taste Cayambe’s famous bizcochos, visit the sacred Peguche Waterfall, meet a local family to learn about traditional Andean music
• Inclusions: Bilingual guide (English/Spanish), tourist transport, all entrances, hotel pickup
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 380+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Otavalo is a small town nestled in the Andean highlands, surrounded by volcanoes, and it has a charm only mountain villages can hold. It is famously known for the Otavalo Market, which is the largest Indigenous market in South America.

As you walk through the market, you’ll see bright, vibrant colors everywhere you turn, gorgeous fabrics, textiles, and handcrafted items. 

To be honest, driving 2 hours just to hit the market isn’t completely worth it for me. While the market is impressive, that’s really the only exciting thing to see in Otavalo. This is why I highly recommend booking a tour that includes stops at other sites, because there are plenty of cool things to see, you just have to get to them!

This full-day tour will start by taking you to Cayamba, which is a monument where the equator line passes, on your way up to Otavalo. This is cool but pretty touristy, so you will make your way up to the mountains and to the Otavalo Market for a few hours of exploration.

Afterward, you’ll head to my favorite stop on this tour, Peguche Waterfall. This waterfall is not only a beautiful scenic part of the day, but it also holds important spiritual and ritual significance for Indigenous people, which was really fascinating to learn about.

To end the tour, we stopped at the town of Peguche to check out a musical instrument museum and try locally-made chocolates! It was a great ending to a truly unique day.

This tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Quito, entrance fees, and your guide, but does not include food, so be sure to bring money! We were gone all day on this tour, so you can expect a packed day. 

Check availability and reserve this full-day tour in advance here!

7. Day trip to Baños

• Duration: 14 hours
• Time: 6 am
• Highlights: Ride the Swing at the End of the World, visit the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall, enjoy a cable car over the Pastaza River, stop for Andean treats along the way 
• Inclusions: Bilingual guide (English/Spanish), transportation, Casa del Árbol and Devil’s Cauldron waterfall entrance, cable car over the Pastaza River
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 620+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Baños is an outdoor lover’s haven and is often referred to as “the gateway to the Amazon.” Its full name, Baños de Agua Santa, means “Baths of Sacred Water” because of the many waterfalls, hot springs, and rivers that surround the area.

Visiting Baños will appeal to the adventurer and casual outdoor lover alike, as you can partake in hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and rock climbing, or have a lazy hot springs day all in one area!

This full-day tour to Baños is a great way to see the area’s highlights in one day! You’ll stop by the small town of Machachi and then visit Cotopaxi National Park to take photos of the iconic volcano. After a snack break of Salcedo (traditional ice cream), you’ll hit La Casa del Arbol, which is a giant swing overlooking Baños! Your last stop will take you to the iconic Devil’s Cauldron waterfall to hike around, put your toes in the water, and enjoy this beautiful place.

This tour really does hit the highlights of Baños and is a great way to experience the outdoor beauty. It includes transportation from your hotel in Quito, entrance fees, and your guides, but does not include any food or drinks. Be sure to pack snacks and extra cash!

It’s definitely a long day, but totally worth it if you’re short on time in Ecuador. Plus, with over 500 five-star reviews, this tour is a winner in my book—see all the positive things people are saying here!

Don’t miss out on this day trip—reserve your spot now and pay later.

8. Learn to cook Ecuadorian food 

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 9:30 am, 11 am, and 1 pm
• Highlights: Shop Quito’s vibrant Central Market for fresh ingredients, learn to cook traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a historic colonial kitchen, enjoy the meal you create with guidance from a professional chef
• Inclusions: Lunch, tour of Central Market and private cooking class, use of apron and chef hat, soda/pop, local fruit juice, recipes
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

While in Ecuador, you might find yourself falling in love with the local cuisine. I mean, you’re only human. So, why not impress your friends back home and learn to cook some Ecuadorian food with a talented chef?

We love taking cooking classes and end up trying the best traditional dishes. This cooking class in Quito takes you on a culinary journey that begins at the Quito Central Market, where we picked up our cooking ingredients. Then, it’s off to a private kitchen to learn all the Ecuadorian cooking techniques before helping to cook a four-course meal. 

We loved our chef, Magola, who was very patient and made our class a lot of fun. I loved hearing their passion for cooking and how important food is to the culture! You’ll get great tips, hands-on practice, and a deeper appreciation for the dishes you’re creating.

Afterward, sample your food with a sit-down dinner and meet lots of other travelers along the way. This is easily one of the best tours in Quito! 

Book your spot on this food tour here, before spots fill up.

9. Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve

• Duration: 8–9 hours
• Time: 8 am
• Highlights: Spot hummingbirds and orchids at the Alambi Reserve, ride a cable car across the cloud forest, hike to waterfalls, and explore Mindo’s wildlife-rich trails, with optional visits to butterfly or chocolate farms
• Inclusions: Certified English-speaking guide, private transportation, private tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 420+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest has a mystifying, almost otherworldly feel with its low-hanging clouds, dense greenery, and more than 500 bird species. It’s also the most accessible cloud forest in Ecuador—just two hours from Quito—which is why this full-day private tour is such an easy and rewarding way to experience it.

Once you arrive, you’ll notice how different Mindo feels from the mountains and beaches around Ecuador. The cooler temperatures and lush, dense forest make it the perfect escape, and the area is packed with things to see and do. Hiking is one of the main highlights, with trails leading to viewpoints, giant waterfalls, and deep into the forest’s unique ecosystem. Because the climate is ideal for growing coffee and cacao, you’ll also find plenty of local farms where you can sample fresh coffee and chocolate.

One of the most unique parts of this tour is the cable car ride that takes you across the forest canopy to the other side of the mountains—an incredible way to take in the landscape. From there, you’ll spend a few hours hiking past multiple waterfalls, with the chance to swim if you’re up for it. A local guide makes the experience even richer by helping you spot wildlife you’d likely miss on your own.

To end the day, you can choose between visiting an orchid and hummingbird farm or a chocolate factory. The tour includes round-trip transportation and your guide, but lunch, the cable car, and the hummingbird farm entrance aren’t included.

It’s a full, rewarding day that blends adventure, wildlife, and culture—making it one of the most complete and memorable ways to experience Ecuador’s famous cloud forest.

Don’t miss out on this epic Quito experience—book this tour here!

10. Papallacta Hot Springs

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Relax in the volcanic hot springs of Termas de Papallacta, enjoy a short nature walk to spot Andean flora and fauna, take in lagoon views before unwinding in the spa’s steaming thermal pools
• Inclusions: Tourist transport, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), Termas de Papallacta pools entrance, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

With so many outdoor adventures around Quito, a visit to Papallacta Hot Springs on this full-day tour is the perfect way to slow down and unwind. Located about an hour from the city in the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve—another stunning national park—these thermal pools offer a peaceful escape surrounded by wildlife and misty mountain scenery.

Papallacta’s hot springs are the park’s main draw, featuring eight different pools of varying sizes and temperatures. There’s even a freezing cold pool fed by the nearby river if you’re feeling brave. The area has a luxury resort feel, but getting here independently requires buses and taxis, which takes away from the relaxation. A tour truly makes the day smoother.

This particular tour leaves Quito around 7 am and includes hotel pickup, which is one of its biggest perks. Along the way, you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints like the Papallacta Lagoon lookout before arriving at the hot springs. Once there, you’ll have a few hours to soak, relax, and enjoy the mountain views, especially magical on colder days with low-hanging clouds.

Before returning to Quito, the tour includes a stop for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. Just note that the meal isn’t included in the tour price, so bring some cash.

Overall, this experience is seamless, peaceful, and a refreshing break from city life—an ideal choice for anyone looking for a laid-back day trip from Quito.

Check availability and reserve this relaxing tour before you go here!

Where to Stay in Quito, Ecuador

Now that you have some awesome activities to add to your Quito itinerary, you need to find somewhere comfortable to stay! There are tons of options for any budget, so we narrowed down our three favorites for each budget.

Luxury – $$$

MERCURE Hotel Alameda is an absolutely stunning property. The central location is perfect, the rooms are beautiful, and the service is amazing. The hotel has a modern-looking pool and hot tub to enjoy yourself in, too! If your budget allows you to spend around $90 USD per night, this is likely the best choice in Quito!

You can check availability and book MERCURE Hotel Alameda on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Boutique Hotel Casa Foch is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic center. It’s clean, comfortable, and includes a superb breakfast. Some rooms even include a balcony and a fireplace. Starting at just $40 USD a night for a private room, it makes a great choice for those looking for a comfortable but cheap stay in Quito.

You can check availability and book Boutique Hotel Casa Foch on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Secret Garden Hostel is the most famous Hostel in Quito. It’s a party hostel, but the rooms are still reasonably quiet at night, which is a good balance. The rooftop here is awesome and a reason to stay in itself!

The cost for a bed in a mixed dorm begins as low as $7 USD per night, and you will also have the choice of upgrading to a private room for as low as $50 USD with a shared bathroom. You can check availability and book on Booking.com.

Thanks for reading!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our guide to the best things to do in Quito, Ecuador. We both really hope you enjoyed reading it and now have a huge list of awesome activities to cross off your Quito bucket list!

Before you take off, check out our other Ecuador blogs to help with your travel planning. I’ll leave a few related blogs below to help you get started!

The BEST 10-Day Colombia Itinerary

12 Epic Things to do in Baños, Ecuador

Detailed Guide to Visiting the Poor Man’s Galapagos, Ecuador