Quito Tours &
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.
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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.
ExploreTop 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.
Middle of the World
Stand on the equator.
Cotopaxi
Snow-capped volcano.
Quilotoa
Emerald crater lake.
Mindo Cloud Forest
Birds and waterfalls.
TelefériQo
Cable-car views.
Otavalo Market
Colourful crafts.
Baños
Waterfalls and swing.
Quito in 2 days
- 1Day 1: Old Town & equator
- 2Day 2: Cotopaxi
- 3Páramo hike
- 4Limpiopungo lagoon
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.
3 hrs awayQuilotoa
Emerald crater lake.
45 min awayMiddle of the World
Stand on the equator.
2 hrs awayMindo
Cloud forest and birds.
2 hrs awayOtavalo Market
Colourful crafts.
3 hrs awayBaños
Waterfalls and swing.
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.
Quito through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Volcano views, hiking.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal; book ahead.
- Best for
- Clear skies.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Festive; busy.
- Best for
- Mild Andean climate.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great anytime.
- Best for
- Green, good value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Afternoon showers.