The Ultimate Guide To The Best Day Trips From Quito, Ecuador (I’ve Visited 7!)

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LOOKING FOR SOME FUN DAY TRIPS FROM QUITO, ECUADOR!?

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a fantastic place to travel to because there are lots of things to see and do in the city and plenty of day trips to take outside the city. Dylan and I started our one-year South America backpacking trip in Quito and are so glad we did. It’s one of the more affordable cities to fly to in South America from the States and is a culturally rich city with lots of fun stuff around. Let’s get into it!

Here’s a breakdown of the best day trips: 
Best Weekend Day Trips: Otavalo Market
Day Trip for Mountain Views: Cotopaxi National Park
Nature Lovers Day Trip: Mindo Cloud Forest
Top Day Trip for Hikers: Quilotoa Crater Lake
Day Trip for Museum Lovers: Mitad del Mundo & Intiñan Museum

Sam walking the cobblestone streets in Quito

13 Must-Visit Day Trips From Quito Ecuador: An Overview

Spending two weeks in Quito may seem like a long time, but Dylan and I stayed entertained by taking day trips to different parts of Ecuador. Since Quito is Ecuador’s capital, it’s in a prime location with many beautiful places nearby. It’s within a few hour’s drive of hot springs, traditional markets, breathtaking hikes, and other amazing places.

Must-Visit Day Trips: Personal Experience

If you’re looking for places to explore outside Quito, this blog post is for you! I’ve compiled a list of thirteen fantastic day trip options I would recommend and places I wanted to go but didn’t have the time to. Most of these are only a few hours away, perfect for taking a quick trip and returning by night. However, I’ve included places to stay in farther locations if you’d like to extend your stay!

Otavalo Market is one of the best day trips from Quito Ecuador on Saturdays for their fantastic market!

Day Trip #1 from Quito: Otavalo Market

Otavalo Market was the very first outer city trip Dylan and I took. It’s a short two-hour bus ride from Quito. The city is famous for having one of the largest Indigenous markets in South America in Plaza de los Ponchos, and it truly did not disappoint! We spent a few hours navigating the hundreds of booths, trying new street food, and bargaining with vendors.

Things To Do

The most popular thing in Otavalo is to visit the traditional artisanal market on Saturdays or Wednesdays early in the morning. However, the market is open year-round between 7 AM and 6 PM. There are a ton of vendors selling homemade art, clothing, toys, produce, houseware, and handmade goods, and you can find street food on almost every corner!

Aside from visiting the market, you can also walk around the largest lake in Ecuador, Lago San Pablo, check out the Peguche Waterfall, or visit Parque Condor for bird shows! If you’d like to add these to your trip, I suggest leaving early from Quito so you have time to fit it all in. Since it was our first trip from Quito, we left before it got dark and didn’t have enough time to head to Condor Park. 

Photo of the textiles and fabrics at Otavalo Market!

How To Get There From Quito

To get to Otavalo, head to Quito’s Terminal Carcelén. You can take a taxi, an inner city bus, the metro, or an Uber from your hotel to get there if it’s not within walking distance. Then, you can buy a ticket to Otavalo from one of the many vendors.

Some bus companies that drive to Otavalo include Flota Imbabura and Cooperativa de Transportes Los Lagos. Flota Imbabura leaves hourly, whereas Cooperative de Transportes Los Lagos leaves every twenty minutes. However, you can also take a tour through Quito Tour Bus or Tabby Tour Operator to take you there directly, though this option costs more.

Beautiful side street in Otavalo Ecuador

Hours & Fees

The Otavalo Market is open every day of the year from 7 am to 6 pm, though most vendors will arrive in the early mornings on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Parque Condor is open from 9 am to 5 pm and costs $6 for adults and $3 for children. Peguche Waterfall is open from 8 am to 6 pm and is free to the public, with an optional donation box at the front.

In 2024, bus tickets ranged from $2 to $7. If you take a taxi, it’ll cost you around $50 to $60, and if you go with a tour, you’re looking at a cost between $50 and $65. Once you get to the market, it’s up to you how much you’ll spend on goods and food, though remember that bargaining for items is a common practice here!

Side street in Mindo where we were walking to find the bus back to Quito!

Day Trip #2 from Quito: Mindo Cloud Forest

One of my favorite day trips from Quito was to Mindo Cloud Forest. It’s the perfect spot to hike beautiful trails, swim in waterfalls, go birding, and try outdoor adventures. Our biggest recommendation is to arrive early to enjoy all Mindo offers.

Things To Do

There are so many cool things to do in Mindo! These are the most popular: Take the Tarabita cable car to reach the hiking trails that lead to the town’s many waterfalls. Once on the other side, you can choose between three routes. We did the trail that led to five waterfalls and had the best time swimming in the last one.

Other fun activities include visiting Punto Ornitológico, a bird sanctuary where you can feed hummingbirds out of your hands, and bird watch on a nearby trail. We would’ve liked to visit the Butterfly Garden but ran out of time. Other popular attractions include a cacao tour

Dylan on a hanging bridge in Mindo Cloudforest!

How To Get There From Quito

To arrive via bus, head to the Terminal Ofelia in Quito. From there, you can take the Flor del Valle Cooperative, which leaves four times daily at 8 am, 9 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm (times may vary).

It takes about two hours to get there, and we recommend taking the 8 am or 9 am latest to make the most out of your time there because the last bus back leaves around 4:30 pm. You’ll want to book that return ticket once you arrive because spots can fill up fast!

Another way to get there is to take a taxi, which cuts the drive time to a little over an hour. You can also take a direct Tour Bus with Fantasy Travel Ecuador if you prefer to go that route. Additionally, you can book a full-day tour, and if you do, you’ll have more time to visit all the attractions listed above, including lunch, ziplining, and more. 

Book the Mindo Cloud Forest Full-Day Tour Here

Hours and Fees:

The Tarabita Cable Car is open daily between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and costs $5. The Punto Ornitológico Bird Sanctuary is open every day between 7 am to 6 pm and costs $5 per person to enter. The Mariposas de Mindo (Butterfly Garden) is open from 9 am to 4 pm Thursday through Monday and from 9 am to 2 pm Tuesday and Wednesday. It costs $8.50 per person and $5 for children.

It costs $4 to take the Flor del Valley Cooperativo bus (2024 prices). A taxi costs around $45 to $55, and a direct Tour Bus costs about $80. If you book the full-day tour, you’ll pay around $220 per person. Mindo is a cash-centered town. If you run out of cash like Dylan and I did, it’s almost impossible to pay for anything while you’re there!

Mindo Cloudforest was one of my favorite trips from Quito Ecuador for their waterfalls and bird watching opportunities!

Where To Stay

While you most certainly can do Mindo as a day trip (we did), staying overnight allows you more time to take in the breathtaking cloud forest and avoid feeling rushed. If you take the 8 AM bus, you’ll have under seven hours to explore this destination, though we felt slightly rushed after hiking the five waterfalls. Here are a few places you can stay to enjoy Mindo longer:

Biohostal Mindo – an affordable hostel next to the birdwatching center!
$$ Casa de Vista Alta – a classy three-star guest host with breakfast included
$$$ Sacha Urco Lodge – a luxurious five-star chalet w/ breakfast & a hot tub!

Quilotoa is a MUST do day trip from Quito Ecuador for all the hikers out there!

Day Trip #3 from Quito: Quilotoa Crater Lake

Dylan and I were going to skip Quilotoa because it seemed like a far distance away from Quito, but we ended up taking a trip from Latacunga and thought it was worth the trip. Quilotoa is a town a little over four hours away where you can find a beautiful crater lake. If you want to hike it instead of taking a trip for the views, we’d recommend staying at Quilotoa overnight so you don’t feel rushed.

Things To Do

If you’d like, you can take a day trip to Quilotoa, explore the shops, eat some good food, and take in the Quilotoa Crater Lake for a few hours. There are also a variety of trails if you enjoy hiking and trekking. Dylan and I did the loop around the crater lake, which took most of the day. You can also hike to the bottom and kayak or take a boat ride. Additionally, you can hike to one of the nearby mountains, too.

If you want to take a trip there without worrying about transportation, you can always book a tour through Viator. The Quilotoa Lagoon Full-Day Tour includes transportation, lunch, an indigenous market and hut, and more. However, you’ll still have to pay for your entrance into Quilotoa with any additional optional activities like a kayak rental or horse ride down.

Book The Quilotoa Lagoon Full-Day Tour Here

Cute sign on the trail in Quilotoa

How To Get There From Quito

To take a bus from Quito, head to the south Quitumbe bus terminal. You’ll need to take the first bus to Pujilí, which takes about an hour and a half. You can hop on the Cooperativa Pujilí or Cooperativo de Transporte 14 de Octubre.

From there, you’ll transfer to a bus heading directly to Quilotoa, either on the Cooperative de Transporte 14 de Octubre or Cooperativa de Transportes Interprovincional Iliniza. The bus rides costs between $2 and $4.

You can also book a taxi, which will cost around $60 to $75. Or, you can book a tour with the Tabby Tour Operator on Thursdays and Sundays. It costs around $50 per person. The alternative, and best option in my opinion, if you only want to go for a day, is to book the Quilotoa Lagoon Full-Day Tour for less than $60. 

Next Up: 10 Best Cities For a Warm Winter in Latin America

Hours and Fees

The office to enter Quilotoa is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and costs $2 per person. If you want to take a horse or donkey down to the lagoon, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20. Kayaking the lake costs $3 for 30 minutes. If you decide to hike the crater, there are little snack and tea huts along the route where you can refuel.

Straw hut in Quilotoa Ecuador

Where To Stay

Quilotoa is another one of those day trips where you can either return at night or stay to eliminate the feeling of being rushed. Dylan and I arrived at Quilotoa around 10 AM and took our time on the hike, but we felt a bit stressed arriving back into town around 3 PM since the last bus out left around 4 PM. You can do it if you don’t mind being on a schedule.

There are few and far between hostels in Quilotoa. If you’re a budget traveler looking for a highly rated affordable hostel with free tours and breakfast, check out Hosteria Chukirawa. If you’re traveling in a larger group of three or more people, Samay Kirutoa Lodge is another great option with breakfast included.

Sam standing near the sign that says Mitad del Mundo

Day Trip #4 from Quito: Mitad del Mundo

Mitad del Mundo (or middle of the world) is one of the more popular day trips from Quito because it’s under an hour away. It’s near the equator and has a monument you can climb, as well as different museums, artisanal shops, and restaurants inside the parameters. It’s a fascinating trip for a half-day excursion since it’s so close!

Things To Do

Buy an entrance ticket to the museum grounds! Explore the cute shops along the way and meander towards the monument. From there, head inside the monument building and check out the different information on each floor before taking in the panoramic views from the top. Afterward, grab a bite to eat, explore the outside art and history museums, and head next door to Intiñan Museum (more on that later!).

Mitad del Mundo monument

How To Get There from Quito

To take a bus from Quito, head to the northern Ofelia terminal. Take the Sistema Integrado de Transporte de Quito bus to Mitad del Mundo. It leaves every ten minutes, costs around $1, and takes about an hour. You can also take a taxi for around $10, cutting the time to get there by forty-five minutes.

Alternatively, you can buy an extremely cheap Uber. It was less than $5, and we split the cost between four people. We preferred this route because it sped up the time to get there.

If you're interested in museums, you could head to Mitad del Mundo for a day trip from Quito Ecuador

Hours and Fees

Mitad del Mundo is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, but on Saturdays and Sundays, it is open until 6 PM. The fee is $5 for adults and $3.50 for kids. The fee includes all the parks’ museums, including the planetarium, beer museum, train museum, and more.

Day Trip #5: Intiñan Equator Museum

Right next door to Mitad del Mundo, you have the less commonly known Itiñan Equator Museum! If I were to give my honest opinion, if you had to choose between one or the other, I’d go to the Itiñan Equator Museum one hundred times over. It is where the actual equator line sits (Mitad del Mundo is a few degrees off) and is way more immersive of an experience!

Itiñan Museum is one of the must do day trips from Quito Ecuador because this museum is so immersive and fascinating! It's less than an hour away.

Things To Do

With your entrance fee, you’ll receive a timed guided tour. On the tour, you’ll visit many exhibits. You’ll learn about the preparation of the traditional guinea pig, Ecuadorian wildlife, local tribes, and more. You’ll also learn a ton about what it means to be on the equator line, including how the laws of gravity influence weight, water direction, and balance!

There are gift shops and a restaurant on the premises you can enjoy after the tour if you’d like, too. There are interactive elements and photo opportunities, all extremely entertaining. Make sure you plan the time of day you visit because, around noon in October, we were dying from the heat!

Sign at Itiñan Museum

How To Get There From Quito

Since the Itiñan Equator Museum is next door to Mitad del Mundo, you can follow the directions above. To get there from Mitad del Mundo, you’ll take a left as you exit the museum and then take another left onto the next dirt road. You’ll see a sign. After walking down the dirt road, you’ll see an overhead sign to the entrance where you’ll purchase a ticket.

Hours & Fees

Intiñan Museum is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. It costs $5 to enter for adults and $2.50 for children. Peruvian students can receive a dollar off. There is a private parking lot for visitors.

For a half day trip within Quito Ecuador, take the TeleferiQo up to Rucu Pichincha for breathtaking views over the city

Day Trip #6 from Quito: Rucu Pichincha Volcano

If you want to see a beautiful panorama of Quito at its tallest peak, head to Rucu Pichincha. You can take the TeleferiQo cable car up to the top, enjoy the views, grab a bite to eat, or visit the gift shop! You can also take photos with llamas, swing overlooking the city, or hike to the top! It’s a must-visit situated on the outskirts of Quito!

Things To Do

To get to the top of Rucu Pichincha, you’ll need to take the cable car ride up. From there, you can decide whether to stick around and enjoy the views or continue up the mountain towards the tallest peak. We recommend going to the top earlier in the day, especially during the rainy season, for the best weather.

The hike to the top is about 10.6 kilometers (around six miles) and about 2,400 feet of elevation change. However, from the TeleferiQo, you’re already beginning your hike at almost 13,000 feet, so this is a challenging hike, as Dylan and I later learned! It takes an average of six hours to complete. My recommendation? Bring some guayusa tea, and take your time.

Breathtaking views from Rucu Pichincha

How To Get There From Quito

To get to the TeleferiQo, you’ll have to take a taxi or Uber. It only costs a few dollars from the historic center, and we opted for Uber since they seemed cheaper. It’s about a fifteen to twenty-minute ride fairly close to the city. You’ll get dropped off at the parking lot near the ticket office, where you can then ride the TeleferiQo up.

Hours & Fees

The TeleferiQo is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Fridays from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 7 PM. It costs $9 for adults and $7 for minors without an Ecuadorian ID. Additionally, locker rentals are $2 at the ticket office if you don’t want to bring your belongings.

latacunga sign from the highway

Day Trip #7 from Quito: Latacunga, Ecuador

Last on the list for day trips Dylan and I have personally experienced is Latacunga, Ecuador! Latacunga is about 80 kilometers and 2 hours away from Quito. There is plenty to see and do in Latacunga, including visiting the colonial-style attractions, attending a market, or learning about the local culture! It’s also ideally located, making it a great place to stop en route to somewhere else, like Cotopaxi National Park or Quilotoa!

Things To Do

Dylan and I only spent half a day in Latacunga, but it was eventful. We explored the local plaza and learned about the traditional Mascha at Harika! You can also check out one of their bustling markets on Tuesdays and Sundays in the square, walk around the city, or attend the Mama Negra festival in September! Many know the city as a starting point for other popular attractions like Quilotoa or Cotopaxi, but it’s a great place to spend a few days if you get the chance. 

Dylan and I holding Mascha at Harika!

How To Get There From Quito

Head to Terminal Quitumbe to take a bus from Quito. Many bus companies go to Latacunga from Quitumbe, and tickets cost between $3 and $8.

The list is too long to provide all the bus companies, but once inside the terminal, you will hear workers yelling destinations on their routes. If you do not hear anyone calling out for Latacunga (which would be hard to believe), look at each booth for the destinations they offer. It should go without mention, but you can always take a taxi for $45 to $55.

Where To Stay

Latacunga can easily be a day trip destination, but if you’re traveling to other destinations, it might be worthwhile to stay there overnight before another trip. Here are a few places that rate highly:

$ Golden Rest Latacunga – an affordable spot with billiards & ping pong
$$ Hotel San Augustin Plaza – a four-star clean hotel with breakfast included
$$$ Hacienda la Cienega – en route to Cotopaxi, this lush, tranquil environment is inviting!

Other Great Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador: Research-Based

Next, we have six other must-visit day trips from Quito, Ecuador! I haven’t personally experienced these, but I wanted to go to some locations but didn’t have the time. Additionally, we met other travelers who had visited these places and spoke highly of them. Let’s dive in!

Cotopaxi National Park is a great place to explore outside of Quito Ecuador. There are tours that offer day trips, too!

Day Trip #8 from Quito: Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi is a popular day trip from Quito, and for good reason! Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s second-highest peak and is a mountaineer’s dream trip. You can experience this active volcano in many ways, whether taking a guided tour for a day trip to reach the first base or making a weekend trip out of it to climb the whole thing.

Things To Do

If scaling Cotopaxi wasn’t something you planned for before your trip, your best bet is probably taking a tour so that you can reach the first checkpoint and have lunch and transportation ready for you. The hostel we stayed at offered a Cotopaxi Volcano Bike and Hike Tour. Many of our bunkmates did the trip and had a blast. You’ll get picked up at a meeting point, hike to the first refuge, then bike down.

If you want to do the entire thing, extensive preparation and planning are involved, which would most likely be better for a weekend trip. You’ll need to have trained beforehand and hire a guide as it can get dangerous towards the top. However, there’s always the option to book a hotel to explore the national park over a few days if you’d like.

Book The Cotopaxi Volcano Bike and Hike Tour

Llama near Cotopaxi Volcano

How To Get There From Quito

The most convenient option to get to Cotopaxi from Quito is a tour that provides transportation. However, if a tour is too expensive for your budget, you can take the bus from the Quitumbe bus station and get off at the Cotopaxi junction.

Tell the bus driver you are going to Cotopaxi so he stops there. From there, you’ll have to hire a local guide to take you where you’d like to go. It’ll take a little over an hour and costs around $2 to $3.

You can always take a taxi or look online for shuttle buses. Another good option is renting a car, though you’ll want to book one capable of handling rough terrain. I’d recommend booking a day tour for a quick and easy day trip.

Road leading to Cotopaxi

Hours & Fees

Cotopaxi National Park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. Luckily, there is no fee to enter. If you do the Hike and Bike tour, it’ll cost you around $70 online, but if you book through your hostel, you might be able to book it for cheaper. You can book a local guide for around $30 if you take public transportation. Bring your ID because you’ll need to show it at the entrance!

Where To Stay

If you want to extend your time in the national park since there are so many cool things to see and do, here are a few options nearby:

$ MATEOSPAXI – an affordable place to stay near the turn-off point
$$ Secret Garden Cotopaxi – our friend’s favorite, it’s surrounded by nature 
$$$ Hotel Tambopaxi Lodge – a beautiful lodge with a view of Cotopaxi

Day Trip #9 from Quito: Papallacta Thermal Springs

Papallacta is a small village in the Napo region of Ecuador. The thermal springs are one of the reasons Papallacta is one of the more popular places to visit from Quito! If you’re looking for a relaxing environment away from the bustling city, Papallacta is a lush paradise.

If you want a relaxing break from the city, head to Papallacta hot springs for a day trip from Quito Ecuador!

Things To Do

A trip to Papallacta calls for a trip to the thermal springs. Dylan and I were interested in visiting but skipped it after realizing it wasn’t within our budget. However, if within budget, Papallacta is a great relaxing day trip. The hot springs include public thermal pools, private pools, a spa, and a restaurant.

How To Get There

To take public transportation from Quito, you can take a bus from the terminal Quitumbe and catch a bus heading to Papallacta. Alternatively, you could head to La Scala Shopping Mall and take a bus from there. It will only take about an hour to arrive. Once dropped off at Papallacta, you can walk an hour to the springs or take a taxi. It costs around $3 to take a bus and $1 to take a cab.

If not, you can also book a day tour. We recommend checking out GetYourGuide and Viator because they have day trips and tours ranging from $50 to $150. The cheapest and most straightforward we recommend as budget travelers is this Papallacta Hot Springs day trip that includes transportation, a guide, and entrance tickets to the public pools. 

Thermal spring views at Papallacta

Hours & Fees

The hot springs are open from 6 AM to 8 PM Monday through Wednesday and 6 AM to 9 PM Thursday through Sunday. Entrance to the pools costs $10.50, and the spa area costs an additional $24. 

Day Trip #10 from Quito: Fuya Fuya

For nature and hiker enthusiasts, Fuya Fuya is a must-visit from Quito. Fuya Fuya has a hiking trail around an inactive volcano overlooking three breathtaking lagoons in its caldera. It appears similar to Quilotoa, though the hike is much easier. It’s a fantastic day trip for escaping the city, exercising, and experiencing marvelous views.

Fuya Fuya group hike

Things To Do

The most popular thing to do is hike the Fuya Fuya trail from Laguna Mojando to the summit. It’s a great hiking trail for beginners, sitting at around 3 miles round trip. However, you’ll begin at 12,000 feet and hike up to 14,000 feet, so elevation is a challenge! If you’re looking to get into trekking during your time in Ecuador, this is a great place to start. It’ll take anywhere from one and a half to two hours on average to reach the top.

Insider Tip: Double up on your day trip adventures by heading to Otavalo on a Saturday. Enjoy the market, stay overnight, then head to Fuya Fuya early the next morning to avoid cloudy coverage!

How To Get There From Quito

Fuya Fuya is just south of Otavalo, and if you’re taking public transportation, you can take the bus to Otovalo and then take a taxi to Laguna Mojando. It should cost around $10. Otherwise, you can book a day tour if you prefer. However, these can get quite pricey, and transportation isn’t typically a problem. There is no entrance fee to Fuya Fuya. 

Pululahua was one of the day trips we wish we would have taken from Quito Ecuador!

Day Trip #11 from Quito: Pululahua Reserve

Pululahua Reserve is a protected area close to the Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum. It’s known for its unique biological and geological diversity in the volcanic crater. It’s the largest inhabited volcano on earth, and there are many things to enjoy there, including visiting the local village, hiking, horseback riding, biking, camping, and more.

Things To Do

Depending on your interests, you can experience Pululahua in many ways. The most popular would most likely be hiking El Chivo and Pondoña Peaks. Head to the Ventanilla’s lookout to appreciate the beauty of this crater agricultural community. If you want to double down on your day trip adventures, you can also book a Middle of the World & Pululahua Tour for a two-in-one. 

Book the Middle of the World & Pululahua Tour Here

Garden in Pululahua agricultural community

How To Get There From Quito

To get there from Quito by bus, follow the directions to Mitad del Mundo. From there, hire a camioneta to take you to either the lookout or the community within the crater. You can also take a taxi or Uber as they aren’t too expensive either.

Transportation is included in the price if you book a tour, though not too difficult to reach on your own. There is no entrance fee, though you must register at the visitors center, which is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Day Trip #12 from Quito: Pasochoa Forest Reserve

Pasochoa is another inactive volcano just south of Quito, with a collapsed crater forming a semi-circle. The forest reserve is a tranquil place to visit and is great for wildlife viewing and hiking. If you’re interested in spotting Ecuador’s national bird, the Condor, you have pretty good chances here!

Pasochoa Views

Things To Do

The most popular activity in the Pasochoa Forest Reserve is hiking the many trails. The most popular hike is the Pasochoa Summit Trek because it is rated as one of the best hikes in the country! The Summit Trek is a difficult hike that usually takes around six hours to complete. You’ll want to make sure to be adjusted to the altitude and in good shape. However, there are a variety of shorter hikes within the crater you can do, as well.

How To Get There From Quito

To get there from Quito, head to Plaza La Marín and hop on a bus towards Amaguaña for less than a dollar. It takes about an hour and a half to arrive, and once you do, you’ll have to hire a camioneta to take you the rest of the way, which will cost you around $10. You can also take a taxi for 45 minutes, costing about $30.

Cuicocha Lagoon on a sunny day

Day Trip #13 from Quito: Cuicocha Lagoon

Last but not least, we have Cuicocha Lagoon! Cuichocha is another crater at the foot of a volcano north of Quito and Otavalo. It’s a popular hiking destination because the views are immaculate around the crater, and there are a ton of overlooks around the way. It’s a great birding destination, too! There is no entrance fee to Laguna de Cuicocha. The visitor center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Things To Do

The most popular activity is hiking around the lagoon along the crater rim. It’s a challenging eight-mile trek with an elevation gain of almost 2,000 feet. It takes over four hours to complete, and many say the views are worth it! Make sure to look out for birds along the way!

How To Get There From Quito

To get to Cuicocha Lagoon from Quito via bus, take the same route you would to get to Otavalo. From there, head to the central bus terminal in Otavalo to Cotocachi. There are frequent buses (less than $1) that take about half an hour to arrive.

From there, you’ll have to take a taxi another thirty minutes to the Laguna Cuicocha Visitor Center (under $10). If you go this route, we recommend you ask the taxi driver to pick you up at a specific time (five hours later, minimum) so you’re sure you’ll have a ride back.

Overview of Quito from the Basilica

FAQs: Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador

There you have it – thirteen of the must-visit day trip spots from Quito, Ecuador! Now that we’ve covered a comprehensive guide, let’s discuss some frequently asked questions!

Is Quito, Ecuador worth visiting?

Quito is worth visiting at least once in your life! The historic architecture is mind-blowing, and there is plenty to do around the city. There are museums, markets, churches, and attractions, with phenomenal places outside the city worth checking out.

How many days is enough for Quito?

I suggest dedicating at least ten days to visit Quito to fully experience the city and surrounding area. That way, you can explore the city and all it offers while leaving room for a few day trip options you won’t want to miss out on.

What is the best month to go to Quito Ecuador?

In my opinion, September is the best time to visit Ecuador for sunny days with chillier nights. It’s also the time of year when rainfall is still low, so you don’t need to worry about the rain too often. We went in October and liked it too because we missed the high tourist season.

Dylan and I overlooking Quito at the Basilica

Wrapping Up: 13 Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador

There you go! Thirteen of the best day trips from Quito. This list contains seven places I visited and highly recommend and another six locations I’ve heard others rave about! After finishing this list, I’m sad I didn’t get to go to ALL of them!

Quito is a fantastic place to spend inside the city and wander nearby. I hope this list has inspired some day trips for your upcoming trip. Happy South American travels! Enjoy Quito!