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10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Quito, Ecuador

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.

Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity

Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador

Don’t have time to read the full article?

Our personal FAVORITE Quito experience is this full-day tour to Cotopaxi National Park. Hike, take in the views, and enjoy the convenience of an organized tour. Check out the 850+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

Tip: This tour is popular, book it today and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.

Things to do in Quito, Eucador

1. Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi Volcano
Cotopaxi Volcano

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 roundtrip 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 warm. You can book this group tour online for $69 USD or make it a private tour for $149 USD per person. 

With over 900 glowing reviews, there’s a reason this is one of Quito’s top experiences!

2. Quilotoa Crater

Bailey looks into Quilotoa Crater near Quito, Ecuador
Bailey looks into Quilotoa Crater near Quito, Ecuador

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 roundtrip 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. This tour is $79 USD for a group tour or you can upgrade to a private tour for $149 USD per person. No matter what you do, this is easily the best thing to do in Quito!

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

Teleferico in Quito Excuador
What a view!

You can’t visit Quito without checking out the historic center and all it has to offer. In the historic center, you’ll find stunning colonial buildings, cute cafes and restaurants, and also the presidential palace at Plaza Grande. The historical center of Quito was even named a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site for its well-preserved colonial buildings, so we wanted to take a guided tour to learn all about it.

To make the most of our time, we joined this top-rated private tour that took us through the historic center, on the Teleferico, and also to the Middle of the World monument. We loved that we experienced a lot in this full-day tour, and with over 350 5-star reviews this is a top tour for a reason!

This tour is customizable because it’s a private tour, but we started by taking a trip up the Teleferiqo. This cable car travels up to over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level on the Pichincha Volcano and gives you stunning views of the city below and sometimes the Cotopaxi volcano. We had about 2 hours here, so not enough time to tackle the volcano hike that many travelers do, but we grabbed some coffee, took in the views, and even hopped on the famous swings!

After this, we headed to Quito Center for a walking city tour. We learned heaps about the buildings, history, and the city itself – thanks to our expert guide.

We also visited the Mitad del Mundo, which is one of the most popular things to do in Quito. But if I’m being honest, it’s a bit overrated! So that’s why I like that this tour combines other activities to make the day worthwhile. The Mitad del Mundo Monument marks the equator in Ecuador and is the most visited monument in Ecuador.

Here at the monument, you can stand in the middle of the world, climb the trapezoid stone memorial, and get amazing views of the rest of the area. There’s a pretty good museum here too that I thought was more interesting than the monument itself. 

Overall this tour is a fantastic overview of Quito. I’d recommend it for anyone’s first time in the city! It’s 8 hours long and is $155 USD per person for a private tour. 

4. Eat your way around the city

Empanadas cooking in quito, Ecuador
Mmm, empanadas!

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! This tour is $45 USD and includes all of your snacks and your guide. Bring some extra cash in case you want to pick up some more food along the way!

5. Mitad del Mundo 

Middle of the World monument in Quito Ecuador
Middle of the World monument in Quito Ecuador

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 that will take you all around the site. I learned so much more than I even knew was around this place. 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. 

I found this tour a worthwhile way to experience Mitad del Mundo. This half-day tour is completely private and includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel, the tour guide, and entrance to the museum. It does not include lunch or the gondola ride, which is $9 USD. This experience starts at $72 USD each.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

6. Visit the Otavalo Market

Fabrics at the Otavalo Market near Quito
Fabrics at the Otavalo Market near Quito

Otavalo is a small town nestled in the Andean highlands, surrounded by volcanoes, and 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 by 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 roundtrip 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. This tour can be reserved online for $99 USD or $89 USD for groups of 3 or more. 

7. Day trip to Baños

Bailey on the swing at the end of the earth in Banos, Ecuador
Bailey on the swing at the end of the earth in Banos, Ecuador

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 highlights of the area 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!

Prices range from $89 USD to $109 USD, depending on group size and date. It’s definitely a long day, but totally worth it if you’re short on time in Ecuador. Plus with over 400 5-star reviews, this tour is a winner in my book – see all the positive things people are saying here!

8. Learn to cook Ecuadorian food 

Close up of selective focus of Ecuadorian food: shrimp cebiche with some blurred chifles background
so good!

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 4-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 to the culture food is!

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, Ecuador! Prices vary by group size but start at $88 USD for two people.

9. Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve

A hummingbird at Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, Ecuador
A hummingbird at Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, Ecuador

Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest has a mystifying vibe with its low-hanging clouds, diverse plant life, and a wide variety of animals, including more than 500 species of birds! Ecuador has a lot of cloud forests (35 to be exact) but Mindo is the most visited, as it is only 2 hours from Quito.

We loved the cooler temperatures and being able to escape to the dense forest for a few hours. It was amazing to see how this area differed from the mountains or beaches we had explored in Ecuador. 

There is a plethora to see in Mindo’s Cloud Forest. Hiking is one of the main attractions, as there are tons of trails that will take you to epic viewpoints, giant waterfalls, and all around this unique ecosystem. Its climate is also perfect for growing coffee and cocoa beans, so there are lots of farms around that produce both. After you’re done working out with a hike, you can tour one of these farms and treat yourself to some locally-made coffee and chocolate! 

With so much to see in the Mindo Nambillo area, we thought this full-day private tour would be the easiest way to experience it all! This tour is unique because you get to take a cable car that takes you to the other side of the mountains, which gives incredible views of the forest below. After this, you’ll spend a few hours hiking through the jungle, past multiple waterfalls (you can even swim if you’re feeling up to it), and having a local guide will help you see all the wildlife. You will end your day by stopping at an orchid and hummingbird farm or chocolate factory – the choice is yours!

This day actually has so much to see and learn throughout the tour. I was amazed at how much comes from this cloud forest. It’s home to so many species, there are farms and natural wonders, and it is a great tourist destination. 

This private tour includes roundtrip transportation from your Quito hotel and your guide, but does not include lunch, the cable car ride, or entrance to the hummingbird farm, which are $5 USD each. This full-day tour can be reserved for $125 USD per person for two people, $99 USD each for a group of four, and even cheaper for larger groups!

10. Papallacta Hot Springs

One of the pools at Papallacta Hot Springs near Quito
One of the pools at Papallacta Hot Springs near Quito

With so many hiking and outdoor excursions outside of Quito, Papallacta Hot Springs will be a welcomed change of pace! These hot springs are located about an hour outside of Quito in the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, which is another epic national park that’s worth exploring.

We found it very beautiful and peaceful here, so you can see lots of wildlife and take a break from the bustling city life of Quito.

The hot springs are the most popular attraction in the national park, with eight different pools varying in size and temperature, there even is a cold water pool from the nearby river if you’re feeling a bit crazy!

The pools are built up very nicely, giving it a luxury resort feel. Getting to the hot springs isn’t the easiest task, you’ll have to catch a bus and a taxi, and it honestly takes away from the relaxation of a hot springs day. I highly recommend taking a tour here, I didn’t and I regretted it! 

This full-day tour from Quito is the perfect way to experience Papallacta Hot Springs. It takes off at 7 am and they will pick you up from your hotel – which is the biggest draw of booking a tour! They broke up the drive by stopping at scenic viewpoints, such as the lovely Papallacta Lagoon lookout.

We then had a few hours to hang out in the hot springs, soaking in the pools until our fingers shriveled up! The mountain views around were pretty amazing too. Before heading back to Quito, you’ll stop for a typical Ecuador lunch, the perfect end to a relaxing day. Lunch wasn’t included in the price, so bring some cash!

We went to the hot springs on a cold day with low-hanging clouds, which made the warm pools even more cozy! I frequently reminisce about my day at Papallacta Hot Springs, it was so peaceful and a unique way to experience this stunning area of Ecuador.

This experience was seamless and so relaxing, I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a chill activity out of Quito. This tour is $159 USD per person, including your spa entrance, transportation, and a few bonus stops along the way.

Where to Stay in Quito, Eucador

MERCURE Hotel Alameda
MERCURE Hotel Alameda

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 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 at just $10 USD and you also will have the choice of upgrading to a private room with a shared bathroom. You can check availability and book on Hostelworld.com.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey and Daniel pose for a photo in Banos, Ecuador before going canyoning
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 Eucador 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

Sarah

Wednesday 18th of December 2024

Super helpful information, thank you!

Lisa

Thursday 7th of November 2024

Great information - we are going to Ecuador in January and I hope to visit all of these wonderful sites.

Chris

Monday 28th of October 2024

Helpful initial information.thanks