Quito, the capital of Ecuador, serves as a gateway to a myriad of diverse landscapes, Andean wildlife, and cultural experiences. For those eager to venture beyond the city limits, a plethora of captivating day trips await. In this guide, I’m going to share with you 12 unforgettable day trips from Quito, each offering a unique blend of nature, history, culture, and local charm.

This Quito guide is based on my 6 months traveling around Ecuador and working remotely from Quito and the Ruta del Sol. For more travel ideas for the country, visit this Ecuador Travel Guide.

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How to Get to These Quito Day Trip Destinations

Let’s talk about the different 3 different ways you can get to these popular Quito day trips:

Rent a Car:

The quickest and most flexible way to get to these 12 Ecuador destinations is by renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent a car through Discover Car and pick it up at the Mariscal Sucre Airport. Just be aware that driving in Ecuador can be stressful. You’ve got a lot of windy, narrow mountain roads.

Take the Public Bus:

The cheapest way to do most of these 12 Quito day trips is by public bus. This is how I got to Papallacta, Mindo, and Baños. However, not all of these day trips can be done by public bus—Cotopaxi and Antisana are best done with a guided tour.

There are 4 bus stations in Quito where you can catch a bus to take you to these popular Ecuador destinations.

• Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe (Quito Sur) – This very clean, well-organized, and safe bus station has buses going to Papallacta, Latacunga (Quilotoa), Banos and most other popular places in Ecuador like Cuenca, Manta, Tena, and the Amazon. The Metro and Trolebus C connect to Quitumbe, making it easy for people staying in Quito’s historic center, San Blas, La Marisal, and La Carolina to get to Quitumbe. (Map)
• Terminal La Ofelia – This small station in the northern part of Quito has buses that go to Mitad del Mundo, Mindo, and Cayambe. Take an Uber or taxi to get to this terminal and give yourself at least 30 minutes to get there. (Map)
• Terminal Caracelen (Quito Norte) – This terminal in the far northern part of Quito has buses going to Otavalo. Take an Uber or taxi to get to this terminal. It’s quite far so give yourself plenty of time to get there. (Map)
• Rio Coca Terminal – This small terminal in the northern part of Quito has buses that go to Cumbaya, where you can switch to another bus going to Papallacta and the Cayambe-Coca National Park entrance. You can take the Ecovia trolley bus to get to the terminal. The Ecovia stops in the historic center, San Blas, and La Mariscal. (Map)

Take a Guided Tour:

The least stressful way but also the least flexible way to take these Quito day trips is with organized tours.

Tours cost from US$15 – $250 depending on where you’re going and how many people are on your tour. Sometimes tours will charge more for solo travelers.

There are also tons of tours available, so it can be hard to know the best one. Luckily, in this guide to the best Quito tours, you don’t have to spend too much time picking one.

The most trustworthy and helpful websites for booking tours in Quito:

• Get Your Guide
• Viator

Tours in Quito have a habit of canceling when they don’t get enough people signed up or when the guide just doesn’t feel like giving you a tour. This happened to me on two tours in Quito: a Quito street food tour (canceled twice!) AND a Quito walking tour (canceled once and changed the tour time on me at the last minute!). I had booked them directly through the tour company’s website. Big mistake because I’m not sure if I would have been able to get my money back if the tours hadn’t gone through. I was lucky in that I was spending many days in Quito and could change tour dates. That’s why you should always book through a trusted site like Get Your Guide or Viator. Get Your Guide helped me twice in contacting the tour company that was doing my Otavalo tour and Mitad del Mundo tour wouldn’t respond to my text messages about my pickup time.

12 BEST Day Trips from Quito

One of the best things to do in Quito is to take a day trip to the surrounding parks and towns. Some of them can easily be done by bus, while for others it’s better to go on a tour to make the trip worth your time and to see the best attractions. Here are the 12 best day trips from Quito.

• Cotopaxi National Park
• Quilotoa Lagoon
• Papallacta
• Otavalo
• Mindo
• Baños
• Cayambe
• Antisana Reserve
• Cayambe-Coca Reserve
• Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve
• Mitad del Mundo
• Pululahua Reserve

1.      Cotopaxi Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Quito (historic center). By car, it should take 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Quito’s most popular day trip is Cotopaxi National Park. The park is home to Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride while enjoying breathtaking views of the Andean landscape.

What can you do at Cotopaxi National Park?

• Hike Cotopaxi Volcano
• Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Spot wildlife like the Andean Condor or the Andean fox
• Admire the surreal páramo landscape
• Go horseback riding How to get to Cotopaxi?

How can you get to Cotopaxi from Quito?

The best way to do a Cotopaxi day trip from Quito is by car or an organized tour from Quito. The worst way to see Cotopaxi is by public bus. Sometimes the park rangers at Cotopaxi say you must have a guide to enter the park, but sometimes they don’t.

Let’s take a closer look at the different ways of getting to Cotopaxi:

By Car to Cotopaxi:

You need a 4-wheel drive (4WD) car to get to Cotopaxi as the roads are very rough the closer you get to the park and inside the park. You can rent a car from Discover Cars.

By Bus to Cotopaxi:

Getting to Cotopaxi by public bus is a big headache and, in the end, rather expensive. You take a bus to the closest town to Cotopaxi, Machachi. Then you need to get a taxi to the park, which is going to cost you a lot. Finally, once you reach the park entrance, you have to hike for a long time to get to the volcano or pay the taxi driver more money.

Sometimes park officials will force you to hire a guide, saying that it’s not possible to visit the park without one. This is technically not true. But…

I met someone who visited the park this way. She regretted it as it was a big hassle and in the end, it cost her more than a tour would have (about US$100). Because it took her so much time to get to the park, she had little time to see the park’s attractions.

If I still haven’t convinced you not to take a bus to Cotopaxi, go to Quitumbe station for buses to Machachi.

By Tour to Cotopaxi:

These 4 Cotopaxi tours involve a combination of different activities and stops. For a more complete description of each of these tours check out this guide to the BEST Quito tours.

(1) Cotopaxi Hiking & Horseback Riding Tour

RATING: 5/5 (36/38 5-Star Reviews) | DURATION: 10 hours  | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator

First, you’ll go horseback riding for an hour and a half across the beautiful páramo landscape of Cotopaxi National Park. Then you’ll hike up the Volcano to the Jose Ribas Refuge.

(2) Cotopaxi Hiking Tour

RATING: 4.5/5 | DURATION: 9 hours | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator

First, you’ll do an easy hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon where you’ll be able to admire the views of the Volcano and the flora and fauna of Cotopaxi. Second, you’ll hike up Cotopaxi Volcano to the Padre Rivas Refuge. For the more ambitious, you can then hike to the glacier.

(3) Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour

RATING: 5/5 (89/93 5-star reviews) | DURATION: 10 hours | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator or Get Your Guide

First, you’ll stop at Cotopaxi and hike around the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you’ll take in the views of the volcano and experience the wildlife and plants of Cotopaxi. Second, you’ll stop at Quilotoa Lagoon. Here you’ll hike down to the shore of the lake and perhaps kayak or canoe on the water.

(4) Cotopaxi & Papallacta Tour

RATING: 5/5 | DURATION: 7 hours | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide or Viator

In the morning, you’ll visit Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon. Here you’ll have views of the Volcano (if it’s not cloudy) and you’ll get to experience the páramo landscape of Cotopaxi and all its flora and fauna. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the beautiful and relaxing hot springs of Papallata. Try to squeeze in a massage while you’re there.

Where can you stay overnight in Cotopaxi?

For those of you who want to extend your day trip, there are a few great places to stay overnight in Cotopaxi. I recommend booking a lodge with views of the Cotopaxi Volcano.

Here are my favorite places to stay in Cotopaxi for a variety of budgets:

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• Tambopaxi Lodge ($$$) – This amazing place is the only hotel that is inside Cotopaxi National Park; Huge windows with views of the park and volcano. My friend stayed here and loved it! RATING: 9.2/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Hacienda El Porvenir ($$$) – A charming hotel owned by a wonderful family. Great location! RATING: 9.1/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com

• Balcon al Cotopaxi Hosteria ($$) – An affordable hotel with great views of Cotopaxi from your room. RATING: 9.5/10 READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Secret Gardens Cotopaxi Hostel ($ – $$) – Hostel dorms and private rooms! Great location and has great views! I stayed here and loved it! Transport to lodge from Quito. All-inclusive: lodging, 3 meals a day, snacks, guided hikes and lots of social activities | CHECK RATES: Secret Garden Website

2. Quilotoa Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 164 kilometers (102 miles) from Quito (historic center). It should take 2 hours 45 minutes to get to Quilotoa from Quito’s historic center.

This next Quito day trip takes you to one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador: an emerald-colored crater lake called Quilotoa. There are two ways to experience Quilotoa. The first is to head to a viewpoint overlooking the lake and then hike down to the shore where you can take a kayak or canoe trip on the lake.

The second is to do the ambitious and beautiful Quilotoa Loop, which is a hike around the lake, stopping off at different indigenous villages located along the rim of the crater. The drive from Quito takes around 3-4 hours, and you can hike around the crater or take a boat on the lake.

What can you do at Quilotoa?

• Do the Quilotoa Loop – This is a 2 to 4-day hike between indigenous villages around the rim of the lake.
• Hike or take a mule down to the shore of the lake.
• Kayak or canoe on the lake
• Visit the very authentic indigenous village markets. People from all over the region converge on these villages during market day. Zumbahua village has a market on Saturday. Saquisilí has its market on Thursdays, and Pujilí on Sundays.
• Stop at Tigua village and visit their art galleries which are famous for their vibrant indigenous paintings.

How do you get to Quilotoa from Quito?

The best way to do a Quilotoa day trip from Quito is by car or an organized tour. The worst way is by bus as you will spend 8 hours in buses getting to and from the lake.

By Car to Quilotoa:

A car is the best way to get to Quilotoa. It will give you lots of flexibility. You don’t need a 4-wheel drive. It should take between 3 and 4 hours from Quito to Quilotoa.

By Bus to Quilotoa:

It will take 4 hours to get there from Quito and then 4 hours to get back to Quito, making a day trip to be very challenging and tiring. Plus! You need to get to Quitumbe Station in the south of Quito, which can sometimes take 1 hour.

If you’re brave and stubborn or just on a tight budget, leave Quito around 7:00 am.  

You’ll need to first take a bus from Quitumbe Station in Quito to the city of Latacunga. Buses leave every 10 minutes and cost US$2.50. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Latacunga.

At the Latacunga bus station, take another bus to Quilotoa. It should take another 2 hours and cost between US$4 and $5. Buses run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and depart Latacunga every hour. You can also take a bus from Latacunga to Zumbahua and then take a taxi to Quilotoa.

By Shuttle to Quilotoa:

There is a daily shuttle that goes to Quilotoa called the Fantasy Bus. It costs US$25 and leaves at 7:00 am from the NH Collection Quito Royal Hotel. Book your shuttle ticket through Viator.

By Tour to Quilotoa:

These 2 Quilotoa tours involve a combination of stops. For a more complete description of each of these tours check out this USEFUL blog post on the BEST tours in Quito.

(1) Quilotoa + Indigenous Market Tour

RATING: 5/5 | DURATION: 11 hours | READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICE: Viator

This fabulous all-day tour first stops at an indigenous market and an indigenous family’s home to learn about the local culture. Then you head to the Quilotoa crater lake where you can climb down to the shore of the lake and take a kayak out on the lake. They don’t charge solo travelers extra.  READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICE: Viator

(2) Quilotoa + Cotopaxi Tour

DURATION: 10 hours | RATING: 5/5 (89/93 5-star reviews) | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator or Get Your Guide

You can see BOTH Quilotoa and Cotopaxi on the same day! In the morning, you visit Cotopaxi National Park where you’ll get to walk around the Limpiopungo Lagoon. If it’s not cloudy, you’ll get views of Cotopaxi Volcano. In the afternoon, you visit Quilotoa where you’ll have time to hike down to the shore of the lake and maybe kayak on the lake.

Where can you stay in Quilotoa?

For those of you who want to extend your day trip to Quilotoa, you can stay overnight in one of the indigenous villages that line the crater. Public buses travel between the different villages.

I recommend staying in one of these 2 places:

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• Hostal Cloud Forest ($) – Excellent hostel in Chugchilan; dorms and private rooms. Includes FREE breakfast AND dinner! There’s a spa and a balcony with hammocks. RATING: 9.1/10 READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Hostal Taita Cristobal ($) – Excellent hostel in Isinlivi; dorms and private rooms. Includes FREE breakfast AND dinner! Amazing views; has a balcony with hammocks! RATING: 9.4/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

3. Papallacta Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 75 kilometers (46 miles) from Quito (historic center). It should take 1 hour 20 minutes to get to Papallacta from Quito (historic center) by car.

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the small town of Papallacta is known for its thermal hot springs. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the hot springs provide a relaxing escape and are particularly popular for day trips from Quito or overnight stays.

What can you do at Papallacta?

• Soak in the hot springs – there are public ones and more expensive pools in the spa that you have to pay extra for.
• Get a massage at the spa
• Have lunch or dinner in one of the three restaurants at the resort
• Go hiking in Cayambe-Coca National Park, which is behind the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort

How can you get to Papallacta from Quito?

The best ways to get to Papallacta are by car or by public bus. As long as you’ve got some travel skills and you follow my directions on getting to the Papallacta hot springs by bus, you should have no problem.

By Car to Papallacta:

It’s a 2-hour drive to the hot springs from Quito. The last bit is on windy roads through the mountain. The resort has a big parking lot.

By Uber to Papallacta:

You can take an Uber to Papallacta and back to Quito for around US$100 round trip.

By Bus to Papallacta:

You can take a bus heading to Tena or Coca from Quitumbe Station in Quito. It should take about 2 hours. Get off at the edge of the village of Papallacta and take a taxi to the resort for US$2. You can read more about how to get to the resort in my Papallacta travel guide.

By an Organized Tour to Papallacta:

These 2 Papallacta tours involve a combination of stops. For a more complete description of each of these tours read this top tours in Quito post.

(1) Papallacta Tour

RATING: 5/5 (37/37 5-star review) | DURATION: 3 – 5 hours | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator

This tour includes a private driver and guide who will take you past beautiful landscapes in a private car from your hotel in Quito to Papallacta Hot Springs Resort. Along the way, the guide will entertain you with stories about Ecuador.

(2) Cotopaxi + Papallact Tour

RATING: 5/5 | DURATION: 7 hours | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide or Viator

In the morning you visit Cotopaxi where you’ll hike around the lake and take in the views of the volcano and the beautiful and surreal paramo landscape. In the afternoon you’ll head to Papallacta to enjoy the hot springs.

Where should you stay in Papallacta?

If you want to extend your day trip into an overnight stay, this is the best place to stay:

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• Termas de Papallacta ($$$) – Fabulous hotel with private and public hot springs. Free buffet breakfast included. RATING: 9.3/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

4. Otavalo Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Quito (historic center). By car, it should take 1 hour 45 minutes.

Otavalo is one of the most popular day trips from Quito. The northern highland town is famous for its vibrant indigenous market. The stalls in the market are brimming with colorful textiles, handmade crafts, and traditional Andean souvenirs.

What can you do in Otavalo?

• Shop at the handicraft market at Plaza de Poncho
• Go hiking at Peguche Waterfalls
• Visit Parque Condor to spot one of the largest birds in the world, the Andean Condor, as well as other birds.
• Mountain biking into a cloud forest
• Go hiking at Lagunas de Mojanda
• Stay in a heritage hacienda outside of town
• Learn how to weave traditional textiles at a weaving workshop in the villages (Peguche, Agato and Ilumán) around Otavalo.

How can you get to Otavalo?

The best ways to get to do this Quito day trip is by public bus or by an organized tour. The bus drops you off close to the market. Tours to Otavalo often included other stops along the way like Cayambe or Cuicocha that make the tours so worth it! However, the car is probably the worst way to get to Otavalo because you’ve got to deal with finding parking on market day.

By Car to Otavalo:

It’s an easy drive along the Northern Pan-American Highway. BUT you’ve got to then find a safe place to park your car. If you’re not going to other places like Peguche or Cuicocha, then leave the car at your hotel.

By Bus to Otavalo:

You can easily catch a bus to Otavalo from Terminal Terrestre Caracelén (also called Quito Norte) in Quito. Buses leave hourly and cost around US$3.50. It takes 2 hours to get to Otavalo. You can check the bus schedule here.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to this bus station.

The bus drops you off at the bus terminal in downtown Otavalo. The station is just a few blocks from the Plaza de Ponchos, the handicraft market that tourists flock to on Saturdays.

By Tour to Otavalo:

Several Quito tours go to the Otavalo market. The tour below is the one I took and I was 100% happy with it. However, on our way back to Quito, there was a serious traffic jam on the highway and we had to take 2 long crazy detours to get back to Quito. It was quite an adventure and we didn’t get back until after 10:00 pm! Luckily, the tour guide and driver were kind enough to drop everyone off at the door of their hotel instead of at the designated drop-off points around the city.

(1) Otavalo + Cayambe + Cuicocha Lagoon

TIME: Tu and Sa (All day tour) | RATING: 4.6/5  | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide

This jampacked tour takes you first to Cayambe to try their famous Bizcoche. Then it’s onto Otavalo for shopping in their famous handicraft market at Plaza de Poncho. After that, you’ll get a chance to visit Cuicocha Lagoon where you’ll hike along the rim of the crater lake and learn about the religion of the indigenous people of Ecuador. The tour ends with lunch where you can enjoy the regional dish of carne Colorado or Ecuador’s famous dish of cuy (guinea pig).

Where can you stay in Otavalo?

If you want to do longer than a day trip from Quito, here are some of the best places to stay in Otavalo:

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• Hotel Otavalo ($$$) – A beautiful historic hotel in the center of Otavalo. A 10-minute walk from Plaza de Ponchos where the Saturday market is located. Breakfast is included! RATING: 9.5/10 READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Intiyaya ($$ – $$$) – Gorgeous hotel with loads of bright colors! Located outside of Otavalo. Amazing views! RATING: 9/10 READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Las Palmeras Inn ($$) – A beautiful 150-year-old farmhouse turned hotel on the outskirts of Otavalo! Beautiful views of the mountains. Fireplace in your room! RATING: 9.1/10 READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Hotel La Rosa Otavalo ($) – A great inexpensive hotel that’s located near terminal; clean and spacious rooms! RATING: 9/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

5. Mindo Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Quito (historic center). By car, it should take 2 hours.

One of the places you must visit in Ecuador is Mindo, a biodiversity hotspot known for its lush cloud forest and its plethora of birds. Visitors can enjoy activities such as birdwatching, hiking, chocolate tasting, and zip-lining. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

What can you do in Mindo?

• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• Visiting waterfalls
• Feeding hummingbirds
• Visiting a butterfly sanctuary
• Tubing
• Zip-lining

How can you get to Mindo from Quito?

The best ways to do a day trip to Mindo from Quito are by car or an organized tour. The worst way is by bus because it takes 3 hours to get to Mindo and 2.5 hours to get back to Quito and there is so much to see and do in Mindo and everything is so spread out. However, the bus allows you to explore at your own pace.

By Car to Mindo:

It’s an easy 2-hour drive to Mindo.

By Bus to Mindo:

First go to Terminal La Ofelia in Quito. A ticket costs US$3.60. It takes 2.5 hours to get to Mindo.

To get back to Quito, go to the bus station in Mindo. There are 4 to 5 buses a day going to Quito.

Buses for Mindo leave at these times from Monday to Friday:

• 8:00 am
• 9:00 am
• 11:00 am
• 4:00 pm

Buses leave for Mindo at these times on Saturday and Sunday:

• 8:00 am
• 9:00 am
• 11:00 am
• 1:00 pm
• 4:00 pm

Buses leave from Mindo back to Quito at these times from Monday to Friday:

• 6:30 am
• 11:00 am
• 3:15 pm
• 5:00 pm

Buses leave from Mindo back to Quito at these times on Saturday and Sunday:

• 6:30 am
• 11:00 am
• 3:15 pm
• 4:00 pm
• 5:00 pm

By Tour to Mindo:

There are loads of Mindo tours leaving from Quito. All of them go to the same places. The tour below is the only one that doesn’t charge extra for solo travelers. If you want to see the birds of Mindo, you should stay overnight and wake up early the next morning to go on a birdwatching tour.

(1) Mindo Cloud Forest Tour

RATING: 5/5 | DURATION: 10 hours | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator

The tour first stops in San Tadeo in the Mindo Valley. Where you can feed hummingbirds. Stop #2 is a butterfly sanctuary. This is followed by Cascadas de Nambillo where you take a cable car over a valley and hike to several waterfalls. The tour ends with a chocolate tasting at Yumbos.

Where can you stay in Mindo?

If you want to extend your day trip from Quito and stay overnight in Mindo, here are the best places to stay:

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• Casa Divina Ecolodge ($$$) – Beautiful eco-lodge on the outskirts of Mindo. RATING: 9.2/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Saguamby Mindo Lodge ($$) – Magical place near a river. Amazing view! RATING: 9.3/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Cinnamon House ($) – Stylish hostel in a good location in town. This is where I stayed.  RATING: 8.8/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• La Casa Cecilia de Mindo ($) – Great Budget accommodations with dorms and affordable private rooms. RATING: 9.2/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

6. Baños Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 179 kilometers (111 miles) from Quito (historic center). By car, it should take 3 hours.

Baños is considered the adventure capital of Ecuador. Travelers visit for the myriad of opportunities to go ziplining, canyoning, white water rafting, and biking. It’s also known for its beautiful waterfalls, amazing views, and hot springs.

What can you do in Baños?

• Bike along the Ruta de las Cascadas and visit Pailon del Diablo waterfall at the end.
• Soak in the hot springs
• Visit several different viewing points overlooking Baños and the valley
• Go ziplining
• Try white water rafting
• Go canyoning down waterfalls
• Hiking

How do you get to Baños from Quito?

The best ways to see Baños as a day trip from Quito are by car or by organized tour. The worst way is by bus because it takes 3.5 hours to get to Banos and 3.5 hours to get back.

By Car to Baños:

The fastest way to get to Baños is by car. There’s an easy and direct route from Quito.

By Bus to Baños:

Getting to Baños and then back to Quito by bus in one day is going to be tough. It won’t allow you to see too much. But if you leave at 7:00 and get to Baños at 10:30 am. You have the whole day until the last bus at 6:40 pm. You could probably do the Ruta de las Cascadas and stop at one overlook for views of the city.

If you want to do it this way, take a bus from the Quitumbe Bus Terminal in Quito. It takes 3.5 hours to get to Baños and it should cost US$4.25. Buses leave every 30 minutes from Quito. 

From Baños back to Quito, there are 20 buses a day. The last buses are at 5:20 pm, 5:40 pm, 6:00 pm, and 6:40 pm.

By Tour to Baños:

This tour is great because it lets you see the best attractions in Baños in one day. For a more complete description of this tour check out this guide to the BEST Quito tours.

(1) Baños All-Day Tour from Quito

RATING: 4.5/5 | DURATION: 12 hours | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide

This jampacked all-day tour with kind and passionate guides takes you to the major attractions of Baños: Rutas de Las Cascadas, Pailon del Diablo, and one of the many popular lookout points surrounding the town.

Where can you stay in Baños?

If you want to extend your day trip to Baños, these are the best places to stay:

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• Luna Volcan, Adventure SPA ($$$) – Staying here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The MOST fun hotel you can stay at in Banos and with the most AMAZING views in all of Baños! Situated high above the city. Includes outdoor pool and hot tub! RATING: 8.8/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Samari Spa Resort ($$$) – Beautiful hotel with loads of character. Includes breakfast. Hotel has spa and pool. Amazing views. RATING: 9.2/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Casa del Balcon ($$) – Excellent hotel in the center of the city, great views, includes breakfast! You can use the hotel’s hot springs outside of city for free. RATING: 9/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Spa Hosteria Miramelindo ($$) – Outstanding hotel with spa located outside of Banos next to a river and walking distance from The Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall. RATING: 9.2/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Hosteria Llanovientos ($) – I stayed here during my time in Banos. Very inexpensive especially for solo travelers, clean, and comfortable! Friendly staff. RATING: 9.2/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

7. Cayambe Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Quito (historic center). By car, it should take 2 hours.

About 1.5 hours north of Quito, Cayambe is famous for its picturesque landscapes and the Cayambe volcano. The area is also famous for its traditional bizcochos (a type of biscuit) and cheese, making it a great place to experience Ecuadorian cuisine.

What can you do in Cayambe?

• Try bizcochos at one of the many bakeries in town
• Try the local cheese
• Visit the equator at Quitsato – massive sundial marks the equator
• Visit Cayambe-Coca National Park and climb the Cayambe Volcano

How can you get to Cayambe?

Cayambe is on the way to Otavalo, so it makes for a great stopping off point along the way to the market.

By Car to Cayambe:

Take the Pan-American Highway/E35 to Cayambe. It should take around 2 hours.

By Bus to Cayambe:

To get to Cayambe, take a Flor de Valle bus leaving from Terminal La Ofelia in Quito. You can also take an Otavalo-bound bus leaving from Quito’s Carcelén Bus Terminal.

Cayambe is a great stopping-off point on your way to visiting Otavalo. To get back on the bus to go to Otavalo from Cayambe, just wait on the side of the road and catch a bus passing by on its way to Otavalo. Alternatively, to get to Otavalo, you can catch an Ibarra-bound bus from this bus terminal in Cayambe.

To get back to Quito, take a Flor de Valle bus from the Bus Terminal in Cayambe. The last bus is at 8:00 pm. Buses leave every 9 to 11 minutes, and it should take one hour.

By Tour to Cayambe:

Many tours for Otavalo stop in Cayambe to try some Bizcocho. Check out this list of best Quito tours for more details on tours to Otavalo.

(1) Otavalo + Cayambe + Cuicocha Lagoon

TIME: Tu and Sa (All day tour) | RATING: 4.6/5  | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide

This jampacked tour takes you first to Cayambe to try their famous Bizcoche. Then it’s onto Otavalo for shopping in their famous handicraft market at Plaza de Poncho. After that you’ll get a chance to visit Cuicocha Lagoon where you’ll hike along the rim of the crater lake and learn about the religion of the indigenous people of Ecuador. The tour ends with lunch where you can enjoy the regional dish of carne Colorado or Ecuador’s famous dish of cuy (guinea pig).

Where to stay in Cayambe?

If you want to extend your day trip, here are some great places to stay in Cayambe.

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• El Torreal ($$$) – This gorgeous hotel on the outskirts of Cayambe and next to a pond is ideal for anyone who wants a place full of character and to be immersed in nature. RATING: 9.2/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Palumbo Glamping & Villas ($$$) – Located outside of Cayambe next to a pond, this beautiful and relaxing place to stay with both cabins and glamping tents. You’re immersed in nature with plenty of outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking. RATING: 9.0/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Casa de Campo ($$) – Located outside of Cayambe, this small inviting hotel has stunning views of Cayambe Volcano. Lots of outdoor activities from horseback riding to hiking. RATING: 9.4/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Apart Cayambe ($) – A one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen located in the center of Cayambe at an amazing price. RATING: 9.4/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

8. Antisana Ecological Reserve

Distance from Quito: 33 kilometers (20 miles) from Quito (historic center) to Pintag (the town where the Reserve starts). By car, it should take 45 to 60 minutes to get to Pintag.

This reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems and the stunning Antisana volcano. You can explore the páramo landscape, spot Andean wildlife like the Andean Condor, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

What can you do at Antisana Ecological Reserve?

• Spotting one of the largest birds in the world, the Andean Condor
• Birdwatching (caracaras, hummingbirds,
• Spotting wildlife (puma, Andean bear, Andean fox, white-tailed deer,
• Take in the páramo Andean landscape
• See the Antisana Volcano
• Hike to Lake Mica
• Visit the nesting grounds of the Andean Condor
• Visit the former home of the famous explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt

How to get to Antisana Ecological Reserve?

The only really good way to get to the Antisana Ecological Reserve is by an organized tour.

By Car to Antisana:

Drive to the town of Pintag and then follow the signs to Antisana Ecological Reserve.

By Bus to Antisana:

You can’t get to Antisana Ecological Reserve by bus.

By Tour to Antisana:

The best way to visit Antisana is with a guided tour from Quito.

(1) Condor Spotting at Antisana Ecological Reserve

RATING: 5/5 (23/25 5-star reviews)| DURATION: 7 – 8 hours | READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICE: Viator or Get Your Guide

The first stop is Tambo Condor, where you can spot interesting wildlife like eagles, caracaras, white-tailed deer, and the Andean Condor. Next, you’ll hike to Mica Lake for views of Antisana Volcano and more birds and wildlife. The last stop is a drive to Isco Canyon, where the Condors have their nests.

9. Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve Day Trip

Distance from Quito: If you’re using the Papallacta entrance, then it’s 75 kilometers (46 miles) from Quito (historic center). By car, it should take 1 hour 20 minutes to get there.

One of the best day trips from Quito for hiking is to the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. The Reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems including an Alpine forest and a rainforest. It’s so big that it stretches across four provinces. The area is great for birdwatching and offers opportunities for hiking and nature appreciation. Quito’s third-highest mountain, Cayambe Volcano, is located in the reserve.

What can you do at Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve?

• Climb Cayambe Volcano
• Do easy hikes to challenging guided hikes in the reserve starting from Termas Papallacta
  • Sendero Isla (Island Trail) – 1 hour – $3 (free for hotel guests)
  • Sendero Rio (River Trail) – 3 hours – $10
  • Sendero Chorrera (Chorrera Trail) – 2-3 hours – $10
  • Sendero Mintala (Mintala Trail) – 5-6 hours – $15
  • Sendero Pailon (Pailon Trail) – 8 hours – $20
• Soak in the hot springs at Oyacachi or Papallacta
• Visit Guango Lodge where they have lots of nature activities
• Birdwatching

How do you get to Cayambe-Coco Ecological Reserve?

There are two entrances to Cayambe-Coca National Park.

• For those wishing to climb the volcano, you need to get to Ruales-Oleas-Bergé Refuge, which is 27 kilometers from the town of Cayambe on a rough road that requires a 4WD. A cooperative might take you there from Cayambe but I hear they charge US$60. The Refuge is a basic mountain lodge that you can stay overnight in and have meals.
• The best entrance point for those who just want to hike is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the back of the Papallacta Hot Spring Resort. This is how I accessed the Park. Here the trails range from easy to challenging and from a few hours to multiple days. You’ll find forests, lakes, waterfalls, and the páramo landscape. Read my guide on getting to Papallacta by bus.

If you leave Quito in the morning by either bus or car, you easily complete many of the hiking trails that start at the Papallacta Hot Springs. Some trails take 1 to 3 hours while other trails take 6 to 8 hours to finish.

• Sendero Isla (Island Trail) – 1 hour – $3 (free for hotel guests)
• Sendero Rio (River Trail) – 3 hours – $10
• Sendero Chorrera (Chorrera Trail) – 2-3 hours – $10
• Sendero Mintala (Mintala Trail) – 5-6 hours – $15
• Sendero Pailon (Pailon Trail) – 8 hours – $20

There are no tours that specifically do just the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. But if you do a Papallacta Hot Springs Tour, you can probably forego the hot springs and do a short hike at Cayambe-Coca Park, instead.

Where to stay in Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve?

For those of you wanting to extend your day trip from Quito, here are a few places to stay in and near the Cayambe-Coca National Park. 

• Termas de Papallacta ($$$) – Fabulous hotel with private and public hot springs pools. The hiking trail for Cayambe-Coca leaves from the hotel. Free buffet breakfast included. RATING: 9.3/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Guango Lodge ($$$) – This wonderful lodge on a private reserve offers an all-inclusive stay (lodging, three meals a day, entrance fee to the reserve and use of trails and facilities). Lots of hummingbirds! They have multi-day hiking and nature tours as well as birdwatching tours. READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Guango Lodge

• San Isidro Lodge ($$$) – This is another wonderful all-inclusive lodge in the middle of nature. They have multiple-day hiking and nature tours as well as birdwatching tours. It’s about 1.5 hours from Papallacta, but it just looks so cozy and charming that it’s worth checking out. READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: San Isidro Lodge

10. Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi-Cayapas Day Trip

Distance from Quito: To get to Cuicocha Lagoon, it’s 112 kilometers (70 miles) from Quito (historic center). By car, it should take 2 hours 45 minutes to get there.

The Cotachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve is known for its cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. It’s a great destination for nature lovers and hikers. The highlight is the breathtaking Laguna de Cuicocha (Guinea Pig Lake)—a volcanic crater lake with 2 islands poking out of the water.

What can you do at Cotachi-Cayapas?

• Hike up to the rim of Laguna de Cuicocha
• Hike around the rim of Laguna de Cuicocha – The Cuicocha Loop is a 12.5-kilometer (7.7 miles) hiking trail around the whole lake. It can take 3.5 to 5 hours to complete.
• Spot hummingbirds and Condors
• Take a boat ride on the lake
• Explore the beauty of the Intag Valley

How to get to Cotachi-Cayapas?

The best ways to get to Cotachi-Cayapas are by car or by an organized tour. It’s doable by bus but it’s harder than the other ways.

If you want to do the 12.5-kilometer (7.7 mile) Quilotoa Loop Trail around the whole lagoon, then a car or bus is the only way to get to Cotacachi. For the bus, leave VERY early in the morning.

By Car to Cotachi-Cayapas:

Take the Norte Panamerican Highway/E28B to Otavalo. Then it’s another 15 kilometers to Laguna de Cuicocha.

By Bus to Cotachi-Cayapas:

From Caracelen Bus Terminal in Quito, take a bus to Otavalo Bus Terminal. Then take another bus to the town of Cotacachi or Quiroga. Buses from Otavalo are frequent. From Cotacachi or Quiroga take a camionate (Pickup truck shared taxi) or a private taxi to Laguna Cuicocha. Taxis to the lagoon from Quiroga are cheaper than from Cotachi.

To get to places in the Intag Valley, you can take a bus from Otavalo at 7:45 am, 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

By Tour to Cotachi-Cayapas:

Otavalo + Cayambe + Cuicocha Lagoon

TIME: Tu and Sa (All day tour) | RATING: 4.6/5  | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide

This jampacked tour takes you to Cuiocha Lagoon, where you walk a part of the rim looking at the Kechwa stone calendars. But first you go to Cayambe to try their famous Bizcoche. Then it’s onto Otavalo for shopping in their famous handicraft market at Plaza de Poncho. After that you’ll get a chance to visit Cuicocha Lagoon where you’ll hike along the rim of the crater lake and learn about the religion of the indigenous people of Ecuador. The tour ends with lunch where you can enjoy the regional dish of carne Colorado or Ecuador’s famous dish of cuy (guinea pig).

Where to stay near Cotachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve?

For those of you wanting to extend your day trip from Quito, you can’t stay in the Reserve but there are a few charming farm stays in the Intag Valley and historic haciendas just outside the town of Cotachi with beautiful views of the mountains.

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• Hacienda San Isidro De Iltaqui ($$) – Staying in this beautiful colonial hacienda is like stepping back in time 200 years. It’s located on an organic farm just 5 kilometers from Cuicocha Lagoon. The restaurant on site serves dishes using organic ingredients from their farm. RATING: 9.0/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Loma Wasi Alojamiento Rural Indígena en Cotacachi ($) – This budget-friendly place gets excellent reviews from travelers. It’s a farm stay owned by an indigenous family. There are beautiful views of the mountains. RATING: 9.4/10 | READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

• Pacheco Farmhouse ($) – Does a cabin by a river in the Intag Valley sound like heaven? This beautiful farmhouse stay has private rooms and tiny cabins with a terrace. They offer coffee tours, waterfall hikes, and coffee tours. CHECK RATES & GET DIRECTIONS: Pacheco Farmhouse website

11. Mitad del Mundo Day Trip

Distance from Quito: 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) from Quito’s historic center. By car, it should take 45 minutes.

Is standing at the Equator on your travel bucket list?

You can easily visit the Equator as part of your Quito itinerary. Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) is a park that marks the equator and commemorates the Franco-Spanish scientific expedition that identified its location.

What to do at Mitad del Mundo?

• Take a photo of the monument marking the equator
• Visit the Intiñan Site Museum
• Climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views
• Try to balance an egg on the head of a nail – it’s supposed to be easier at the equator
• Go souvenir shopping

How to get to Mitad del Mundo?

The quickest way to get to Mitad del  Mundo is by car or tour. If you take the bus, it will take you twice as long to get to the park.

By Car to Mitad del Mundo:

You can easily drive to Mitad del Mundo. It takes at least 45 to 60 minutes.

By Bus to Mitad del Mundo:

You can take a bus to Mitad del Mundo from Terminal La Ofelia.

Alternatively, from the historic center, a blue bus goes to Mitad del Mundo from Avenida Mariscal Sucre. Buses in Quito do not have numbers on them. Look for the destination on the front of the bus.

Better yet, you can take a blue bus from the Panecillo to Mitad del Mundo. It will take 1.5 hours, though.

By Tour to Mitad del Mundo:

A lot of Quito tours go to Mitad del Mundo, so you have plenty of choices. The first tour on this list is the cheapest (US$19) and only goes to Mitad del Mundo. This is the tour I took. The second one combines Mitad del Mundo with other Quito attractions. It’s great for those who have only one or two days in Quito.

(1) Middle of the World Tour

DURATION: 3 to 4 hours | RATING: 4.5/5 (150+ Reviews) | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide

This inexpensive Quito tour only stops at Mitad del Mundo. The entrance fee of US$5 is included in the tour price. You can then walk around the park on your own for around 2 hours. It’s an easy and convenient way to get to Mitad del Mundo. The tour picks you up at designated spots around the city. This is how I got to the Middle of the World.

(2) Tailor-Made Quito City Tour (Includes Mitad del Mundo)

DURATION: 8 hours | RATING: 5/5 (250/258 5-star reviews) | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator

This highly-rated tour kicks off at the Teleferico. Then it heads to the Basilica and Old Town before ending at Mitad del Mundo. This is one of the top tours in Quito.

12. Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve Day Trip

Distance from Quito’s historic center: 38 kilometers (24 miles) from Quito’s historic center. By car, it should take 50 – 60 minutes.

An easy and quick day trip from Quito, Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve offers a unique and breathtaking experience as it is home to one of the world’s only inhabited volcanic calderas, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The reserve boasts rich biodiversity, featuring diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Warning: the crater is often covered in clouds so it’s sometimes difficult to see it.

What can you do at Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve?

• Hike 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) down a steep trail into the crater (90 minutes)
• Stunning views of the landscape and caldera
• Birdwatching
• Visit the Temple of Sun, a re-creation of an Inca temple

How to get to Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve?

The best way to get to Pululahua is by car or bus. Not many tours have Pululahua on their Quito itinerary.

By Car to Pululahua:

Drive to the town of San Antonio. You’ll pass by Mitad del Mundo. There’s a parking lot at the Reserve.

By Bus to Pululahua:

First, take a bus from Terminal La Ofelia or a public bus from the historic center to San Antonio. The bus will pass by Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). Get off here and then walk over 1 kilometer or take a taxi to Reserva Geobotanical Pululahua. It will take 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the lookout point of the crater from the historic center.

By Tour to Pululahua:

A few tours combine a trip to Pululahua with other Quito attractions:

(1) Mitad del Muno + Pululahua Crater

DURATION: 6 hours | RATING: 4.5/5 | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide

On this small group tour, you’ll first stop at Mitad del Mundo. After that, you’ll head to the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve.

(2) Mindo Tour with Pululahua Crater

DURATION: 10 hours | RATING: 5/5 | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Viator

This Mindo tour does a stop at the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve on its way to Mindo.

Where to stay near Pululua Geobotanical Reserve?

($) Under US$40 | ($$) US$40 – $100 | ($$$) $100 – $200 | ($$$$) Over $200

• El Crater Lodge ($$ – $$$) – This gem of a hotel within walking distance of the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve has breathtaking mountain views, great food, and comfortable rooms. READ REVIEWS & CHECK RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

Quito Travel Guide & FAQs

When should I visit Quito?

The temperature in Quito is the same all year round (a high of 66-68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 47-49 degrees Fahrenheit.) Even though it’s at the equator, the city is at such a high elevation that it never gets hot.

Quito has two rainy seasons:

• March – May with April being the rainiest
• October to November

The best time to visit Quito is from June to August as these are the driest months.

How long should I spend in Quito?

I would spend at least 3 days in Quito. In that way, you can see the major attractions, get a feel for the city without feeling rushed, try some of its delicious Ecuadorian food, and explore a less touristy neighborhood.

An overview of my recommended Quito itinerary:

Day 1: Wander around the historic center and do this walking tour (any order).

Day 2: Explore a less touristy neighborhood of Quito with this street food tour. You can read about my review of the Quito street food tour here. End the day at Panecillo.

Day 2: Take the cable car to Pichincha Volcano and stand on the equator at Middle of the World with this tour.

For more information on this itinerary, check out my full Quito itinerary guide.

You can add day trips from Quito on days 4, 5, and 6.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Otavalo with this tour that will also take you to Cayambe, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha.

Day 5: Do another day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi and Qilotoa doing this tour.

Day 6: Rest your weary travel legs at the Papallacta Hot Springs using these instructions on getting to Papallacta

Where should I stay in Quito?

I recommend staying in the historic center (also called Old Town) for its beauty, culture, food, and convenience.

The best website for booking hotels in Quito is Booking.com. They usually have the best selection and the best rates.

I wrote an article on the best places to stay in Quito. But for those who want a quick recommendation of my favorite hotels in Quito, here it is:

BEST HOSTEL: Viajero Quito Hostel

BEST HOTELS UNDER US$40: Traveler’s House,  TERRA PREMIUM & Posada del Maple

BEST HOTELS US$40 – $100: Friends Hotel & Rooftop & Chakana Hotel Boutique

BEST HOTEL US$100 – $200: Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel

BEST HOTEL US$200 – $300: Casa El Edén

BEST HOTEL OVER US$300:  Hotel Casa Gangotena & Illa Experience Hotel

Wherever you stay, try to get a place with a rooftop terrace for views of the city and mountains. You can check out my Quito accommodation guide for a list of the best hotels with rooftop terraces.

How can I get from the airport to my hotel in Quito?

There are several ways to get from the airport to your hotel in Old Town, La Carolina, or La Mariscal:

• Airport taxi – There’s a taxi desk in the arrivals hall at the Quito airport. Pay the desk for the taxi ride. The price is fixed based on what zone you’re staying in. They accept credit cards. They will then arrange a taxi driver for you. I’ve used this service twice.  (US$30)
• Arrange an airport pickup with your hotel in Quito. This is what I did when I first arrived in Quito. (US$30)
• Public Bus – You can take a bus from the airport to 3 bus stations in Quito (Quitumbe Terminal, Rio Coca Terminal, and Carcelén Terminal) (US$2).
• Private Transfer Service – You can arrange one through Get Your Guide (US$40 for 1 person or US$45 for 2 people) or Viator (US$36 for 1 person or US$40 for 2 people)
• Rent a car – You can book your rental with Discover Cars. (US$77 – $100/day)

Is Quito safe?

For most visitors, Quito is a safe place to visit as long as you follow a few precautions.

At night, take a taxi or Uber to get around in most parts of the city including the historic center. It’s best to avoid walking around at night in the historic center or San Blas.

The historic center has problems with pickpockets and scam artists that target tourists.

Crime has increased in Quito recently. It’s safer than Guayaquil and some coastal areas. According to statistics, it’s got about the same level of crime as Houston, Texas.

Where can I find an ATM in Quito?

There are 3 major banks in Quito:

• Banco Pichincha – Transaction fee is US$4.50
• Banco Guayaquil – It has the cheapest transaction fee of US$1.50
• Banecuador

I had the best luck getting money from this ATM at the Santa Maria Supermarket in the historic center and from Banco Pichincha in La Mariscal. The weird thing was that the ATM at Banco Pichincha in the historic center never worked for me.

Where can I get a SIM card in Quito?

Three mobile phone companies sell SIM cards and data:

• Claro
• Movistar
• CNT

I used Claro in Ecuador and got my SIM card from a phone shop in the historic center. According to the Claro website, this is the rate for prepaid SIMs:

• US$5 for 15 days and 5 GB
• US$10 for 30 days and 12 GB
• US$15 for 30 days and 20 GB

The phone shop I bought my card from was across the street from the Santa Maria Supermarket.

However, for convenience, you can get an eSIM instead. You don’t have to worry about changing SIM cards. Use Airalo to buy your eSIM. They have eSIMS for many different countries around the world. Their prices are pretty good and the quality of the connection is usually excellent.

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips from Quito

You probably can’t do all of these day trips from Quito. So, which ones are the best of the best? A lot of it depends on what you want to do and see.

Here are my recommendations for the best day trips from Quiot:

BEST DAY TRIP FOR HIKING: Cayambe-Coca Reserve

BEST DAY TRIP FOR RELAXING: Papallacta

BEST DAY TRIP FOR WILDLIFE: Mindo and Antisana

BEST DAY TRIP FOR CULTURE: Otavalo

BEST DAY TRIP FOR FOOD: Cayambe and Otavalo

BEST DAY TRIP FOR FUN: Baños and Mindo

BEST DAY TRIP FOR BEAUTIFUL SCENERY: Cotopaxi, Cayambe-Coca, and Quilotoa

BEST DAY TRIP AFTER THE GALAPAGOS: Papallacta

MOST OVERRATED DAY TRIP: Mitad del Mundo

Let me know what you think of these Quito day trips! Which ones are you planning to do?

If you have any questions, please leave them in the Comment Section below. And share on social media if you found the post to be helpful in planning your trip to Ecuador.