Quito · Ecuador
Quito Tours, Tickets & Things to Do
Discover the best Quito tours, Ecuador’s high-Andean capital: the beautifully preserved UNESCO colonial Old Town, standing astride the equator at the Middle of the World, the TelefériQo cable car to soaring Andean views, dramatic day trips to the Cotopaxi volcano and Quilotoa crater lake, the lush Mindo cloud forest, and gateways to the Amazon and Galápagos. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect Ecuador trip.
1,005 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Good for families in Quito
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Quito by interest
Whatever brings you to Quito — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Old Town
Colonial UNESCO centre.
ExploreMiddle of the World
Stand on the equator.
ExploreCotopaxi
Snow-capped volcano.
ExploreQuilotoa
Emerald crater lake.
ExploreMindo cloud forest
Birds and chocolate.
ExploreCable car
Andean views.
ExploreOtavalo market
Colourful crafts.
ExploreAmazon & Galápagos
Rainforest and islands.
ExploreWhat to see
Top attractions in Quito
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Quito Old Town
Colonial UNESCO centre.
250+ toursView tours
Middle of the World
Stand on the equator.
200 toursView tours
Cotopaxi
Snow-capped volcano.
250 toursView tours
Quilotoa
Emerald crater lake.
150 toursView tours
Mindo Cloud Forest
Birds and waterfalls.
150 toursView tours
TelefériQo
Cable-car views.
100 toursView tours
Otavalo Market
Colourful crafts.
120 toursView tours
Baños
Waterfalls and swing.
100 toursView tours
2 days
Quito in 2 days
- 1Day 1: Old Town & equator
- 2Day 2: Cotopaxi
- 3Páramo hike
- 4Limpiopungo lagoon
3 days
Quito in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Old Town & equator
- 2Day 2: Cotopaxi
- 3Day 3: Quilotoa or Mindo
- 4City, volcano & nature
2 hrs awayCotopaxi
Snow-capped volcano.
from $50View trips
3 hrs awayQuilotoa
Emerald crater lake.
from $60View trips
45 min awayMiddle of the World
Stand on the equator.
from $30View trips
2 hrs awayMindo
Cloud forest and birds.
from $55View trips
2 hrs awayOtavalo Market
Colourful crafts.
from $45View trips
3 hrs awayBaños
Waterfalls and swing.
from $60View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Quito visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
June to September and December to January are the driest, sunniest months — the prime times for Quito, Cotopaxi and the highlands, though the city is pleasant year-round.
Dry season (Jun–Sep)
The driest, clearest weather, best for volcano views and hiking; the main peak season, so book ahead.
Eternal spring
At 2,850m on the equator, Quito enjoys mild spring-like temperatures all year, though days can be warm and nights cool.
Wetter months (Feb–May, Oct–Nov)
More afternoon showers and cloud, but lush, green and quieter; mornings are often still clear.
Altitude awareness
Quito’s high altitude means strong sun and thinner air — take it easy on arrival and protect against the sun.
For Galápagos
The Galápagos are good year-round; the warmer, calmer season (December–May) and the cooler, wildlife-rich season (June–November) each have highlights.
One day
The Old Town, cable car and the Middle of the World.
Two days
Add a Cotopaxi volcano day trip.
Three days
The sweet spot: city, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa or Mindo.
Four to five days
Add Otavalo, Baños and the Papallacta hot springs.
Gateway to Ecuador
Quito is the launch point for the Amazon and Galápagos.
Travelling with kids
Mix the equator, cable car and Mindo.
Tours & transfers
Day trips to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Mindo include transport and pickup, the easiest way to reach the highlands.
Taxis & apps
Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Cabify) are cheap and the safest way to get around the city, especially at night.
On foot
The compact Old Town is best explored on foot, though take the altitude and hills gently.
TelefériQo
The TelefériQo cable car rises up Pichincha for spectacular views — a highlight in itself.
Metro & trolleys
Quito’s new metro and trolleybus lines connect parts of the city cheaply, though tours are easier for sightseeing.
From the airport
Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport is about 45 minutes to over an hour from the city by transfer or taxi.
Acclimatise to altitude
At 2,850m, take it easy your first day, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol; Cotopaxi and Quilotoa are even higher, so go slowly.
US dollars
Ecuador uses the US dollar; carry small bills and some coins for markets, taxis and tips, as change for large notes can be scarce.
Sun and weather
The equatorial sun is intense at altitude — wear sunscreen and a hat — and pack layers for cool mornings and afternoon showers.
Stay street-smart
Quito is generally safe but watch for pickpockets in crowds, use apps for taxis, and avoid quiet areas at night.
Old Town churches
Some Old Town churches charge entry and limit photography; a guide helps you appreciate their dazzling interiors.
Pre-book day trips
Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Galápagos-linked tours fill up — book ahead.
Cotopaxi tours
Popular volcano day trips sell out — book ahead.
Quilotoa trips
Crater-lake day tours fill up — reserve early.
Mindo cloud forest
Nature day trips are in demand — pre-book.
Otavalo market
Saturday market tours are busy — book ahead.
Amazon & Galápagos
Multi-day trips need planning — reserve well ahead.
Dry-season peaks
June–September and December–January are busy — plan ahead.
City & cable car
Around $25–60 for a city tour with the TelefériQo.
Middle of the World
About $30–60 for a Middle of the World half-day tour.
Cotopaxi
Roughly $50–90 for a Cotopaxi volcano day trip.
Quilotoa
Around $55–100 for a Quilotoa crater-lake day trip.
Mindo
About $55–100 for a Mindo cloud forest day trip.
How to save
Join group day trips, combine the Old Town with the equator, and travel in the shoulder months.
When to visit
Quito through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Dry (Jun–Sep)
Jun–Sep
- Best for
- Volcano views, hiking.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal; book ahead.
Dry (Dec–Jan)
Dec–Jan
- Best for
- Clear skies.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Festive; busy.
Spring all year
All year
- Best for
- Mild Andean climate.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great anytime.
Wetter (Feb–May, Oct–Nov)
Feb–Nov
- Best for
- Green, good value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Afternoon showers.
People also ask
Quito travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Quito?
The highest-rated Quito experiences are a colonial Old Town tour with the TelefériQo cable car, the Middle of the World equator visit, and day trips to the Cotopaxi volcano, the Quilotoa crater lake and the Mindo cloud forest.
What should I book in advance in Quito?
Book Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Galápagos-linked tours ahead, as they sell out, especially in the June–September and December–January peak seasons.
How many days do I need in Quito?
Two to three days covers the city, the equator, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa or Mindo; add days for Otavalo, Baños, the Amazon and the Galápagos.
Is Quito worth visiting?
Yes — Quito rewards with one of the Americas’ finest colonial Old Towns, the chance to stand on the equator, soaring cable-car views, and spectacular day trips to the Cotopaxi volcano, Quilotoa crater lake and Mindo cloud forest.
What are the best day trips from Quito?
Top day trips are the Cotopaxi volcano, the Quilotoa crater lake, the Otavalo market, the Mindo cloud forest, and the Papallacta hot springs, with the Galápagos and Amazon as longer trips.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
June to September and December to January are the driest, clearest months, best for volcano views and hiking, though Quito’s high-altitude climate is spring-like and pleasant year-round.
How do you get around Quito?
Tours and transfers cover Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Mindo, with cheap taxis and ride-hailing apps in the city, a walkable Old Town, the scenic TelefériQo cable car, and a new metro; the airport is about 45 minutes to over an hour away.
1,005 Quito experiencesfrom $20 · free cancellation
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