Top Quito Sightseeing Tours

Combine culture with nature on this full-day tour of Otavalo Marketplace and Cuicocha Lagoon, ideal for first-time visitors with limited time in Ecuador. Departing Quito, you’ll travel to Otavalo Marketplace, one of Latin America’s largest markets, to browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs. See, too, the Peguche Waterfall and Cuicocha Lagoon, on which you;ll enjoy a short boat ride.

Get a sense of the architecture, history, and culture of Quito during this private tour visiting the city’s top sights. Start with an exploration of the historic city center of this Ecuadorian capital, visiting its main Basilica, Independence Plaza, and many more colonial-era sites. Then take a trip aboard the Teleférico to a peak more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above the city for sublime views, finishing your day at ‘Mitad del Mundo,’ a monument marking where the earth’s equator splits the world into north and south.

Experience the best of Quito on this replica traditional tram tour. Trundle through the Ecuadorian capital’s colonial and modern neighborhoods; and hear tales of the city’s history and culture you might miss if alone. See the Plaza Grande and Basilica of the National Vow; admire panoramic views, and savor local ice cream (own cost). Monday tours bring the chance to watch the Changing of the Guard at the Presidential Palace.

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.

Within the Cotopaxi National Park is the active Cotopaxi volcano, an elevation of 5,897 meters above sea level located in the Cordillera de Los Andes and an exceptional variety of flora and fauna species.

See where the equator divides the northern and southern hemispheres on this tour of the Middle of the World Monument from Quito. Climb aboard a 20th-century replica tram to head to the museum built to honor a French expedition and where numerous Ecuadorian crafts and items are displayed. This tour highlights one of Ecuador's most popular attractions and allows travelers plenty of time for exploring, shopping, and learning, too.

Journey through Ecuador’s incredible landscapes and stop on route for photos and to visit Otavalo Market on this tour from Quito. Head north along the Pan-American highway, taste biscuits in Cayambe, and hop out at Otavalo Market to experience the local shopping culture by bartering for handicrafts. Then, stop at Cuicocha Lagoon—a crater lake below Cotacachi Volcano—to snap photos and perhaps take an optional boat ride (additional cost).

Skip the public transportation and enjoy an easy Arrival, Airport and Ground Transfer in Quito. After landing in Mariscal Sucre International Airport join other travelers to depart for your Quito hotel in a shared minivan.

Take a break from sightseeing in order to relax mind, body, and soul on a day trip to Termas de Papallacta Spa from Quito. A serene experience ideal for tired travelers, this tour covers the thermal springs of Termas de Papallacta Spa. Spend ample time soaking in the steaming waters of the pools, created by volcanic activity and natural heat. Refreshments and entrance fees are included.

This popular private tour hits all of Quito's top attractions. Follow your expert local guide through the capital city's historic district, stand on the equator and ride on the highest gondola in South America. This full-day experience is perfect for travelers who want to gain insight and understanding into the history and culture of Quito.

Journey to the beautiful Quilotoa volcano, driving through stunning mountain scenery and stopping to visit local Andean communities, during this day trip from Quito. Travel along the spectacular ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ passing beneath its towering peaks, eventually stopping at a village of an indigenous community, to explore a local home and learn about their daily life. Finish your day with a trip to the lagoon inside Quilotoa volcano. This day trip includes a guide, entrance fees, round-trip hotel transport, and lunch.

Cover some of Quito's highlights, including the Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) and the Pululahua Crater, on this double-decker bus tour. During the half-day tour, you'll learn about the landmarks and popular attractions in Quito from your guide and enjoy VIP access to all of the attractions in the Middle of the World Complex.

Explore Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic center and visit the famous Equator Line on this full-day tour from Quito. Admire landmarks such as the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Independence Plaza on a walking tour of Quito; take in the views from the Mirador del Panecillo viewpoint; then walk along the Equator Line at the Mitad del Mundo. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Discover the sights and lights of Quito at night with this evening tour of its historical, UNESCO-listed heart. Ride by illuminated churches and landmark sites such as the Basilica of the National Vow and Plaza Grande; and hear urban legends and insights into the city's cultural heritage you could easily miss otherwise. Finish by admiring views of the sparkling city from the hilltop viewpoint of Mirador del Panecillo—the perfect finale.

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 Basilica del Voto Nacional, tour the old town, and more in the company of a local guide, learning more than you could if exploring independently.

Don’t let limited time in Ecuador stop you visiting the majestic Quilotoa Lagoon, an emerald crater lake surrounded by mountain landscapes. Reach the natural wonder the easy way on this full-day tour from Quito, ideal for nature lovers. Stop at a traditional craft market before arriving in Quilotoa National Park and opting to hike or ride a mule (own expense) to the rim of the dormant volcano. Lunch and transfers are included.

Immerse yourself in Quito’s colonial past during this 4-hour tour of the city’s Old District and major historic sights. Explore the top attractions of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, including the churches of San Francisco and La Compañía, its main Basilica, Independence Plaza and government palace. You’ll also enjoy postcard-worthy views of the city from Panecillo Hill and learn about Quito’s history, food and culture from your guide. This half-day tour of Quito also covers entrance fees at La Compañía and San Francisco church and round-trip hotel transport.

Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs at an indigenous market and enjoy gorgeous scenery during this 8-hour trip to Otavalo Market from Quito. This fascinating market features a wealth of hand-made creations produced by local Andean communities, including textiles, leather goods and more. Enjoy sublime views of the Andes Mountains and San Pablo Lake during your drive to the site before hunting for souvenirs. On your way home, you can choose to visit Cotacachi, an artisan town famous for its leather goods, or Cuicocha Lake. Your shopping and scenery trip includes a guide, entrance fees, a snack, round-trip hotel transport and an upgrade with lunch.

Boasting a huge diversity of birdlife, the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve draws ornithologists worldwide. It’s also a popular destination for anyone wishing to escape the busy streets of Quito. With a private guide to help you set the itinerary, you can visit a butterfly farm, trek to waterfalls, go river tubing, and taste locally made chocolate and coffee. Transport is made easy with private hotel pickup in a 4WD vehicle.

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.

Though beer has a long, rich history in Ecuador, modern breweries are churning out craft beer that holds its own on the world stage. Aboard a replica traditional trolley head to two of Quito's best breweries for a chance to sample four of the city's best brews. A drinking game is included to challenge your tastebuds, plus all drink samples.

Embark on this full day tour to the magical town of Mindo, a place full of color, nature, and biodiversity! You will have the opportunity to hike in the middle of a humid forest, swim in a natural waterfall, and learn how to make the famous chocolate from Mindo.

Maximize your time in Quito with a private full-day tour that checks off three of the capital’s most popular attractions. Take in the highlights of the UNESCO-listed historic center, walk along the Equator Line at the Intiñan museum, then marvel at the views from the Pululahua crater. Tour includes lunch, hotel pickup, and all activities.

Mindo, just two hours from Quito, is in a biodiverse cloud forest that's home to hundreds of species of birds and butterflies. This full-day tour with a private driver and guide includes a visit to a butterfly farm and a tour of a chocolate factory plus one other eco-adventure of your choosing, including ziplining, hiking, or an orchid farm visit, for a customized experience.