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Best Day Trips from Quito: Explore Ecuador’s Stunning Landscapes
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits surrounded by breathtaking nature and charming towns. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or culture, you’ll find incredible day trips nearby.
We have gathered a list below with some of the nicest places for tourists, we hope you can visit them and enjoy your time in Ecuador!
Why Take a Day Trip from Quito?
Quito sits in the heart of the Andes, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Within a short drive, you can explore towering volcanoes, lush cloud forests, vibrant markets, and relaxing hot springs. Well-maintained roads make these destinations easy to reach, offering the perfect escape from the city.
Best nature day trips from Quito
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. Hike near the Cotopaxi volcano, spot wild horses, and admire stunning Andean scenery. Approx. a 2-hour drive from Quito. Plan your trip here.
Puellaro and Perucho
Have you ever heard of Ecuador’s “Hidden Route” (La Ruta Escondida)?
Just 1.5 hours from Quito, we discovered two charming villages that many travelers miss: Puéllaro and Perucho.
Mindo Cloud Forest
Mindo’s lush cloud forest is perfect for bird-watching, hiking, and adventure sports like zip-lining. Experience Ecuador’s incredible biodiversity in this tropical paradise. Approx. a 90 min drive from Quito. Find out more.
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Otavalo Market
Otavalo’s famous indigenous market is a cultural gem. Shop for handmade textiles, jewelry, and crafts while learning about Ecuador’s traditions. Approx. a 2-hour drive from Quito. Read our Otavalo guide.
Papallacta Hot Springs
Relax in the soothing thermal waters of Papallacta, nestled in the Andes. This spot is ideal for unwinding after an active day. It is recommended to go early, especially if it is a holiday, to avoid large crowds. Approx. a 1h11 min drive from Quito. Discover more.
Nono
Escape to Nono, a picturesque village surrounded by rolling hills and a downtown area with cute little houses. Enjoy horseback riding, great food, and a peaceful countryside atmosphere. Approx. a 1h11 min drive from Quito. Explore Nono.
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Pululahua is one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world. You can combine this trip with a visit to the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the world Site) Hike through its unique landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views. Approx. a 1- hour drive from Quito. Plan your visit.
Where to stay
We often have friends, family, and also work-related visitors coming to Quito; together with my family, we have our top recommendations here:
Hacienda Jimenita is the place to escape to nature, relax, and connect with history near Quito Airport. We tell you all about our visit to this enchanting hacienda and book your stay.
Hotel Las Cuevas Terra Lodge is the perfect getaway in a cave hotel near Quito. You can read all about our unique experience here and book your stay.
Hotel Finlandia has a great location in the modern part of Quito, near the main shopping centers and Parque La Carolina. It offers good food, fair prices, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms, and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Hotel Vieja Cuba: This is a cozy small hotel with comfortable rooms and friendly and helpful staff. The hotel offers a fresh-made breakfast consisting of eggs, granola, toast, ham, cheese, yogurt, and tea or coffee. The location is also great, not far from Plaza Foch; within walking distance, you have one of the nicest areas for locals and tourists alike. Minutes away from shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, and more.
and if you want to go camping but without abandoning some comfort, you can go Glamping at Urkuwayku Organic Farm in Ilalo, it connects you with Nature and is located near Quito.
Recommended Tours Near Quito
If you’re spending several days in Quito, these highly rated tours pair perfectly with a self-drive visit to Puéllaro and Perucho:
🌋 Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour
One of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes, featuring breathtaking páramo landscapes, Limpiopungo Lagoon, and hiking opportunities. Cotopaxi National Park Tours
🌿 Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip
Visit waterfalls, hummingbird gardens, chocolate factories, and one of the world’s most biodiverse cloud forests. Mindo Day Tours
♨️ Papallacta Hot Springs
Relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by the Andes after a day of sightseeing. Papallacta Hot Springs Tours
🛍️ Otavalo Market & Cotacachi
Discover South America’s most famous indigenous market, local crafts, leather goods, and Andean culture. Otavalo Day Trips
🌎 Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo)
Stand on the equator, visit the Intiñán Museum, and explore the Pululahua volcanic crater. Middle of the World Tours
🏛️ Quito Historic Center & Walking Tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town Quito Food & Historic Center Tours
Pair your visit with nearby Guápulo Park and explore more ideas in our Things to Do in Quito guide to make the most of your time in the city.
Besides the top 7 things to do in Quito, you can also discover the origins of Quito at Rumibamba park.
Discover the Guápulo Lookout Point and the historic Church of Guápulo, a peaceful spot with beautiful valley views just minutes from central Quito.
Or you may want to explore the valley of Cumbaya and enjoy some of the activities available in this town near Quito.
And if you are in Quito in August, don’t miss out on The Quito Mapping Festival (Quito Luz de América) that takes place in the Historic Center annually around August 10th to celebrate Ecuador’s Independence Day.
Discover the heart of Quito like never before! From historic streets to vibrant plazas, these curated tours showcase the city’s rich culture, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. Pick your adventure below and start exploring downtown Quito today.
Conclusion: Plan Your Perfect Day Trip from Quito
Quito’s surroundings offer endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you want to hike Cotopaxi, explore Mindo’s cloud forest, shop at Otavalo’s market, or soak in Papallacta’s hot springs, there’s a perfect getaway for you. Each destination is easily accessible, making it simple to escape the city and immerse yourself in Ecuador’s natural beauty.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Quito, consider Urkuwayku Organic Farm for a glamping experience, Hacienda Jimenita for a historic retreat, or Hacienda Las Cuevas for a unique cave hotel stay.
Ready to explore more? Check out our Top 7 Things to Do in Quito and start planning your next adventure!
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If you want more in-depth information and also a guide that you can bring along during your trip, I recommend the travel guide Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
It is a great source of information and tips, maps, and all you need if you plan on visiting Ecuador. I like the option of having a hard copy version where I can take notes and have them at hand.
Don´t just dream it, make it happen. Plan your South American trip with a local!
Take a look at this list of travel resources to plan your trip and travel in South America.
Daydreaming about your trip to South America? Order here your Free Ebook, I share with you some useful tips & resources for a memorable trip!
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Send me an email for help planning your trip: info(at) visitecuadorandsouthamerica(dot)com
