These Quito day trips highlight the incredible destinations and unique experiences in Ecuador. Collectively, they show just how much this small South American country has to offer!
With its range of eco-diversity, it’s possible to go from the beach to the Amazon in just a few hours.
Travelers arriving in the capital city of Quito often have the Galapagos Islands in their sights. But, with just a few extra itinerary days, it’s more than possible to explore all the things to do in Quito and to take a variety of day trips from Quito itself to discover even more of Ecuador’s natural beauty and culture.
7 Quito Day Trips You Need to Plan
On both my trips to Ecuador, day trips from Quito were the best way to leverage my time so that I could explore more of what this beautiful country has to offer.
If you can, I highly recommend extending your time in Ecuador’s capital city not only to enjoy all the things to do in Quito, but also to get outside the city on a Quito day trip whether you want to hike into the cloud forest, see volcanoes, or soak in thermal hot springs.
1. Experience Cotopaxi National Park.
Cotopaxi National Park is the 2nd most visited National Park in Ecuador after the Galapagos and for good reason.
Cotopaxi Volcano is the 2nd largest active volcano in the world. On a clear day in Quito, the volcano can be seen in the distance, with its snow-capped top and reddish mid-section.
The park terrain is rugged and beautifully barren, except for small, low-to-the-ground shrubs and wildflowers that can survive the elevation and (sometimes) harsh winds. Cotopaxi National Park is also one of the few places where it is possible to see herds of wild horses roaming the expanse.
To ensure your day is pleasant, make a checklist of what outdoor gear you need. I visited during the summer and temperatures were still quite cold, largely because of the winds at the National Park. Wear layers and have a warm coat.
How to Get to Cotopaxi from Quito:
Even though Cotopaxi is a bit of a distance from Quito, you can take the train or bus to get there.
If you’re planning on taking public transportation, you can hop on the train from Chimbacalle railways station and get off at the El Boliche/Cotopaxi stop. This will drop you off in Areá Nacional de Recreación El Boliche located within the park.
Keep in mind, though, the trains in Ecuador can have erratic schedules and sometimes don’t run. Always check beforehand to make sure the train is an option for the day you want to visit. Typically, you can take a train to Cotopaxi on Thursdays (in July and August) and Fridays-Sundays all year long. The train to Cotopaxi runs only in the mornings from Chimbacalle station, so plan accordingly.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Quito to Latacunga, which will drop you off at Control Caspi, the southern entrance to the park. From there, you can start your hike into the park, which takes about 1-2 hours. This is a good option if you’re in good condition for a bit of walking and adventure!
Though the hike is roughly 4 miles, taking the bus to Cotopaxi is more popular than the train simply because buses run more often. (Generally speaking in Ecuador, buses tend to be the public transportation of choice for both locals and visitors compared to trains even when they happen to be an option.)
Cotopaxi Day Trips from Quito:
The most popular day tours from Quito involve seeing Cotopaxi Volcano. On a blue-sky day, it’s a stunning sight and going with a guide is the most popular way to get to the National Park.
- You can spend the day hiking and take in the volcano views from over 16k feet. There’s a popular hike up Cotopaxi to Jose Ribas shelter as you experience the high-altitude environment.
- If you want to explore more of the natural beauty outside of Quito, you can book the Quito-Cotopaxi-Quilotoa Full-Day Adventure where you’ll trek through rugged landscapes and see the volcano at Cotopaxi National Park. Afterward, you’ll head to Quilotoa Lake to see the turquoise water-filled crater and enjoy activities like hiking and learning more about indigenous people and their culture.
- Or, you can also opt for a horseback riding excursion around the volcano and through the National Park like I did and be blown away by the beauty of this National Park!
Either way, a Cotopaxi tour from Quito is listed first in this guide for a reason. It’s one of the best day trips from Quito. If you choose to go hiking, make sure you’ve prepared yourself with the gear essentials you need to make your hike a great experience and that you can tolerate the high altitude.
2. Shop at Otavalo Market.
Otavalo is one of the largest indigenous markets in Ecuador, consisting of 2 locations, the animal market and the crafts and goods market.
On weekends, the animal market sells animals from livestock to puppies. As an animal lover, it’s difficult to see animals being thought of as commodities rather than actual creatures with minds and hearts.
If you’re part of an organized Otavalo day trip from Quito, you’re likely to stop at the animal market. However, most organized tours visit near the market’s end for just 10-15 minutes.
From there, it’s on to the craft market. On weekends, the market expands from the main square in Otavalo to the nearby side streets.
Locals sell everything from blankets to jewelry to indigenous musical instruments and spices for cooking. There’s an expectation of haggling which adds to the fun. Not to mention how easy it is to pick up any gifts for friends and family back home in one place.
How to Get to Otavalo from Quito:
From Quito to Otavalo, connecting buses make this trip possible for independent travelers. Use the Carcelén Bus Terminal located in northern Quito for direct buses to Otavalo.
Plenty of buses go to Otavalo regularly throughout the day. The ride is very affordable, only a few U.S. dollars plus a USD 0.20 terminal fee. The trip to Otavalo takes a couple of hours. From there the Plaza de los Ponchos in the center of town is about a 15-minute walk.
Otavalo Day Trip from Quito:
Taking a guided tour to Otavalo is the best way to go if you want a stress-free commute, and I highly recommend it. Not only will you get to see some amazing places, but you’ll also dive deep into Ecuador’s vibrant culture and have the chance to interact with the local people along the way.
- This Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Full-Day Tour features exploration through the bustling market of Otavalo where Otavaleños barter for their handcrafted goods. You have the option to stay in Otavalo or continue the tour to Cotacachi to visit the village, leather goods shop, and Cuicocha lagoon. Whether you choose to spend the whole day in Otavalo or continue the tour, there is guaranteed hassle-free transportation from and back to Quito.
3. Visit La Mitad del Mundo.
Ecuador, and in particular the Quito area, sits along the equator. Just outside of the capital city is a newer monument and a museum to mark the location.
The rather funny detail in this whole visit is the actual equator line was ever so slightly miscalculated! The real equator is about 250 meters south of the “official” Middle of the World monument. The former monument was moved to the official location in a small village nearby called Calacali.
Visitors to the newer Monument can stand on the “Equator” line for photo-ops. You can even have your passport stamped from the Equator.
How to Get There from Quito:
The most affordable way to reach Ciudad Mitad del Mundo from Quito is by heading to Ofelia Station, where you can catch buses bound for Mitad del Mundo. But be prepared for a trip! When all is said and done, it could take up to 2 hours depending on Quito’s traffic to reach the monument.
Undoubtedly, the most comfortable way to travel from Quito to Mitad del Mundo is by hiring a cab. A taxi will take you directly to the monument as quickly as traffic will allow.
You can also ask your hotel to arrange a ride. Many hotels have drivers they work with who can take you to Quito’s main sights like the Middle of the World Monument. Some drivers will even take you to the actual, lesser-known Equator location in Calacali for an additional cost.
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo Day Tours from Quito:
- If you’d like to streamline your visit but don’t want to pay for a private ride, opt for a Middle of the World tour, typically lasting 3 hours including round-trip travel time from Quito.
- For a more in-depth experience in Mitad del Mundo, this private tour brings the opportunity to visit the Intinan Museum and the Middle of the World Monument, try experiments at the equatorial line, and visit the Pululahua inhabited crater.
4. Get Adventurous in the Mindo Cloud Forest.
The Mindo cloud forest is just a couple hours from Quito and offers a range of outdoor adventures from hiking to tubing to zip-lining and biking.
The cloud forest stretches outward for about 100 square miles thriving in the valleys and along the slopes of the Andes. In particular, Mindo’s protected valleys get gentle winds and just the right amount of moisture.
The result is a perfect nursery for birds and butterflies. Birdwatchers flock to Mindo (couldn’t help myself!) to see the area’s 350+ species of birds. Mindo’s butterfly exhibition and chocolate tours are also popular Mindo things to do.
How to Get to Mindo from Quito:
To get to Mindo without a private transfer, your best bet is taking a bus from Quito’s Termina La Ofelia, which is about 20-30 minutes from Quito’s old town. To avoid having to take city buses with transfers, my recommendation is to take an Uber or arrange a taxi through your hotel to get to the bus station.
Flor de Valle is the sole bus company operating between Quito and Mindo, with multiple daily departures from Monday to Friday, as well as additional options on weekends. The return trips from Mindo to Quito follow a similar schedule making it a convenient transportation option. Just be sure to get your return tickets in advance to avoid any issues with potentially sold-out buses.
Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tours from Quito:
Visiting the Mindo Cloud Forest is one of the more popular Quito day trips on this list.
- This Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip offers a day filled with exciting experiences like zip lining, river tubing, rappelling, hiking to the waterfalls, and going on a chocolate tour or coffee tour. The tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you won’t have to worry about managing the logistics.
- If you don’t want to join a group tour, you can book a private Mindo tour instead which has more free time for you to explore, in addition to visiting 5 waterfalls and riding the cable car over the cloud forest.
If you can spare more than a Mindo day trip from Quito, it’s worth an overnight. Arriving early on a bus from Quito and departing the following afternoon/evening will allow you plenty of time to get into the cloud forest for a fuller experience.
I’ve put together this 2-day Mindo cloud forest guide to make your planning easier!
5. Hike into the Quilotoa Crater.
Around 800 years ago, the volcano at Quilotoa erupted and collapsed in on itself. While not necessarily great news for anyone living in the area back then, the crater lake that formed as a result, has become one of Ecuador and South America’s most beautiful natural wonders.
The sulfur and minerals in the crater give the water in the Quilotoa crater its gorgeous turquoise color. The crater’s elevation at over 11k feet provides stunning panoramas of the area and a birds-eye view over the crater itself.
You can explore around the rim. If you hike down into the crater, you can hire a mule for the ride back up. Organized tours simplify getting to Quilotoa, as there are no direct buses from Quito. Tours also allow time for visits to nearby villages for a glimpse of local life.
How to Get to Quilotoa from Quito:
Getting to Quilotoa using public transportation can be a bit complicated, but it’s doable if you have the time in your Ecuador itinerary. You can catch a direct bus from Quito’s Quitumbe Bus Station. Buses are run by Las Illinizas (if they’re available). These buses usually leave around 5 PM every day.
However, there’s a catch: if you go this route, you’ll need to stay overnight in either Quilotoa or a nearby town until the next day when buses return to Quito. The last bus from Quilotoa to Quito leaves well before dark, but the schedule can vary depending on the season. So, it’s best to ask around town early on the day you plan to leave.
Obviously, this isn’t ideal when you’re trying to plan a day trip from Quito.
If you’re hoping to do the trip in 1 day, your best bet is to catch the earliest bus from Quito to Latacunga and then transfer from there. A few different bus companies run this route, including Cooperative Latacunga, Expreso Bolivariano, and Ciro Cotopaxi.
Alternatively, some travelers on a backpacker route through Ecuador opt for the multi-day trek known as the Quilotoa Loop.
Quilotoa Day Tour from Quito:
Quilotoa is a 3-hour drive from Quito, so it’s a long and tiring journey. If you’d rather have a comfortable trip without worrying about anything, joining a tour is the best option.
I highly suggest this Quilotoa day trip from Quito to see the famous Quilotoa crater lake and enjoy the stunning Andean scenery. It also makes a stop at the Shalala viewpoint and community viewpoint before descending to the lagoon.
The best part is the opportunity to hike partway into the crater and explore the surroundings. If the hike feels too challenging, don’t worry—you can easily hop on a mule for a ride back to the viewpoint. Plus, the ticket includes all transportation and access to Quilotoa’s community, making it a convenient and memorable adventure.
6. Go on an Extreme Adventure in Baños, Ecuador
If you’re a thrill-seeker in search of an unforgettable adventure in Ecuador, consider a side trip to Baños de Agua Santa. This picturesque town is just a 3-hour drive from Quito, but the journey is well worth it for a day of heart-racing experiences.
In Baños, canyoning down the area’s breathtaking waterfalls offers a unique and adrenaline-fueled experience. If you’re craving even more excitement, whitewater rafting down thrilling rapids should provide the jolt you’re looking for.
For a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding valleys and lush green landscape, paragliding is a good idea, thanks to Baños’ favorable winds.
However, the highlight of a Quito day trip to Baños is undoubtedly the Tungurahua Volcano, which not only provides a stunning backdrop but also offers the chance for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, providing the perfect end to an action-packed day.
How to Get to Baños from Quito:
Taking public transportation from Quito is pretty straightforward. You grab a taxi to take you to the Quitumbe bus terminal. Once you’re at Quitumbe, head inside and look for the yellow Baños office.
The great thing is, you don’t need to worry about timing your trip perfectly because they have buses running all day long. However, if you’re only in Quito for a day and want to maximize your time in Baños, it’s a good idea to catch an early bus. The journey typically takes around 3 to 3 and a half hours, so plan accordingly.
Baños Day Tours from Quito:
- This Baños and Upper Amazon Day Trip from Quito departs at 7 AM with direct pick up from where you’re staying. This tour will take you to see the avenue of volcanoes, beautiful waterfalls, the cloud forest, and the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
This Baños, Pailón del Diablo, Manos de Dios Day Trip offers a day of thrilling adventure sports, beautiful waterfall sightings, and a chance to relax in thermal baths. Your hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as well as admission and access to all destinations and activities, making this a convenient and all-inclusive experience.
7. Spend a Relaxing Day in Papallacta Hot Springs
Looking for a peaceful getaway from the city without straying too far from the capital city of Ecuador? Papallacta is your answer. Just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive east of Quito in Napo Province, this quaint little town offers the perfect escape.
Unfortunately, this is the one day trip on this list that I haven’t done so I don’t have photos to share. (Traveling with my 10-year-old niece and nephew, hot springs weren’t the right activity for them!) But hopefully next time because it’s been on my Ecuador list!
Despite its small size, Papallacta is surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains and is famous for its natural hot springs. Take a dip in these soothing thermal waters for a truly relaxing experience as you decompress with the help of the beautiful scenery.
There are resorts where you can book accommodations to fully immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and make the most of your relaxing getaway if you have more time.
Aside from the abundance of thermal water in Papallacta, this scenic town is also the perfect place for nature lovers. It’s home to the Cayambe-Coca National Park where you can also take relaxing nature walks.
How to Get to Papallacta from Quito:
If you’re traveling with a small group, I definitely recommend taking a taxi to Papallacta. It’s more convenient and cheaper since you can split the bill with your group.
If you’re going solo, you can take the public bus from Quitumbe Station heading to Coca, Lago Agrio, or Tena and the bus will drop you off at a bus stop in Papallacta. From there, you can take a taxi to the thermal hot springs.
Keep in mind that the journey from Quito to Papallacta may take more than 2 hours, not including any waiting time or stops along the way. Be sure to research bus schedules heading to Papallacta in advance, so you can plan your day accordingly and make the most of your trip.
Papallacta Day Tour from Quito:
- This 1-Day Papallacta Hot Springs Day Tour will depart from Quito early in the morning. It stops at Papallacta Lagoon and continues to Termas de Papallacta where you can take a short hike and enjoy relaxing spa treatments. This tour already includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, fees to Papallacta reserve, and an entrance ticket to the hot springs.
Where do I meet my Quito Tour Bus?
If you’ve opted for an organized tour for any of the above excursions, you’ll want to stay in a convenient location.
La Mariscal near Plaza Foch and the old town have meeting spots where many tours begin.
For travelers looking to maximize their time in Quito and the surrounding area, consider staying in a hotel or renting an apartment in these neighborhoods.
For my trips to Quito, I chose to stay in hotels in the La Mariscal neighborhood and never needed to walk more than 5 minutes to meet up with my tour group.
Unforgettable Quito Day Trips Await!
There are so many things to do in Quito and the surrounding area. Get active at a natural wonder or explore Ecuador’s culture. Whether you choose to set off independently or join one of the Quito tours mentioned above, you’re sure to experience some of the best day trips from Quito.
Which Quito day trips are musts for your Ecuador itinerary?
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