Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
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10 best Andes Mountains tours from Quito
Compiled by
MelissaQuito travel expert at TourRadar
- Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
- Ecuador Highlights
- 7 Days Adventure In The Ecuadorian Andes (Shared Trip)
- 15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
- 11 Days around Ecuador: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
- Andes & Rainforest
- 12 Days From the Andes to the Coast: Ecuador's Diverse Delights
- 8 Days Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Middle of the World Discovery
- 12 Days Ecuador’s Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure
- 7 Days Gay Small Group Trip Wellness Retreat
Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is a relaxed yet full itinery, a great introduction to Equador, with insights culture, surperb trip.”
William, traveled in February
The Andes unfold from Quito through Cotopaxi National Park's volcanic landscapes and Otavalo's highland markets. A private van winds along the Avenue of Volcanoes, reaching elevations from 2,800m to 4,800m while visiting thermal springs and indigenous communities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Tena, Banos, Coca, Yasuni National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From
- NZ$3,199
Ecuador Highlights
34 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Each region and stop was unique, fun, and so 'non-tourisy'.”
Martin, traveled in January
Mountains dominate the route from Quito (9,350ft) to Cuenca, passing Chimborazo Volcano (20,702ft). The Avenue of Volcanoes reveals waterfalls in Sangay National Park and Ingapirca ruins before reaching historic Cuenca.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Puyo, Rio Verde, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Alausi, Ingapirca, Cuenca Age Range 8 to 89 year olds Operator Adventure Journeys From
- NZ$3,702
7 Days Adventure In The Ecuadorian Andes (Shared Trip)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great trip showcasing the highlights of Ecuador. We were kept updated before the trip with detailed information.”
Kate, traveled in January
Historic Quito opens this mountain adventure, ascending to Cotopaxi's refuge at 4,800m. The path winds through Quilotoa's volcanic crater and Baños' valley, finishing via Mindo's cloud forest, with professional drivers throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Mindo Valley Age Range 18 to 50 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$1,526
15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The vacation was wonderful and our contacts Joseph and Alvero in Ecuador were fantastic.”
Bohdan, traveled in October
The path rises from Quito's 9,350ft elevation to Chimborazo, Earth's closest point to the sun. Your route includes Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa's crater rim, and mountain communities in Guamote, with careful acclimatization planning.
Duration 15 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Guamote, Cuenca, El Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Puerto LopezSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$4,029
11 Days around Ecuador: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“There's so much beauty in Ecuador. I was able to see Banos, Quamote, Cuenca and Quito.”
Natasha, traveled in July
Andean vistas unfold from Quito at 9,350 feet to Cotopaxi's volcanic heights. Private transport takes you to Banos and along Devil's Nose route, with a return flight to Quito via Cuenca, showcasing dramatic elevation changes throughout.
Duration 11 days Destinations Quito, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Guamote, Ingapirca, El Cajas National Park, Cuenca, Otavalo Age Range 18 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$2,655
The Andes stretch from Quito through Cotopaxi National Park, Cuicocha Lagoon, and colonial Cuenca. Highlights include Jose Rivas Refuge trek, Cajas National Park's alpine terrain, and a domestic flight back to Quito, with private transportation throughout.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Banos, Tena, Papallacta, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Cuenca Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,464
Andean landscapes stretch from Quito to Guayaquil. Cotopaxi National Park presents volcanic terrain, while Quilotoa crater lake sits at 3,800m, near Cuicocha Lagoon. The route features Devil's Nose railway and El Cajas National Park's highland trails.
Duration 12 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotacachi, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos, Guamote, Ingapirca, CuencaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$4,316
The altitude varies dramatically from Quito's 9,350ft to Cotopaxi's Jose Rivas refuge at 15,748ft. Mountain peaks give way to Amazon lowlands, with expert guides ensuring safe acclimatization throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range 10 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$1,475
The Andean adventure loops from Quito at 9,350ft. Cotopaxi Volcano rises to 19,347ft, while Quilotoa crater sits at 12,467ft, before descending to Mindo's cloud forests. Private transfers and boats cover 925km across Ecuador's mountain ranges.
Duration 12 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Mindo Valley, Banos, Papallacta, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$2,284
High-altitude Quito (9,350 ft) serves as the gateway to Andean páramos and Polylepis Lodge, followed by Ibarra's wellness facilities. Cotopaxi National Park's volcanic terrain and Baños' waterfalls lead back to Quito's colonial center.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Ibarra, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,877
What people love about Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
- Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
Fantastic way to explore Ecuador’s nature. The trekking was excellent and every day felt different. Christian was our guide and he did a great job at introducing us to this beautiful country and its culture and people. I traveled alone and immediately felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone in the group. Lovely people and a unique experience that I would recommend to any newcomer to this country!
- Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs
Quito to Lima adventure was amazing. The jungle homestay part was amazing- away from technology and back with nature. The use of public transportation let you experience the local life. The beach life was experienced. The culture of ruins was also explored. The CEO was great. You change place about every 2-3 days which is ideal. It's a good way to see Ecuador and Peru. Highly recommend it.
What our customers ask about Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
What are the main highlights visited in the first few days starting from Quito?
Most tours begin in Quito's historic district with visits to the architectural gems of San Francisco Church La Compañía Church and the Basilica. The itinerary typically continues to the Equatorial Monument at Mitad del Mundo and Inti Ñan Museum followed by excursions to the vibrant Otavalo Market and scenic Cuicocha Lake. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting in Quito's historic center was perfect - the guide showed us the city's incredible colonial architecture before we ventured into the Andes. The Basilica's views were breathtaking."
What accommodation options are available for tours starting in Quito?
Quito and its surroundings offer accommodations for every preference and budget. In the city center visitors can stay at international chains like the Sheraton while the outskirts feature historic properties such as Hacienda Pinsaqui. Nature enthusiasts often choose mountain lodges near Cotopaxi National Park while heritage seekers prefer boutique options like Hotel San Andres Guesthouse in the Old Town. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The accommodations were almost all higher class. The Hacienda Andalusia was one standout - it was the nicest room I have ever had with beautiful gardens llamas and rabbits you can feed."
What is the best time of year to start an Andes Mountains tour from Quito?
The dry season from June to September provides ideal conditions for Andes Mountains tours with minimal rainfall and clear views of peaks like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. December through February also offers favorable weather despite occasional afternoon showers. Starting in Quito at 2850 meters helps travelers adjust before ascending to higher altitudes. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We had perfect weather in July for hiking in Cotopaxi National Park and amazing visibility of the snow-capped peaks from La Casa Mojanda and Hotel Cuello de Luna."
How do tours handle transportation from Quito to other Andean destinations?
Tour operators provide private modern vehicles for transfers between destinations. Trips from Quito to Otavalo take about 2 hours while Cotopaxi National Park is roughly 2.5 hours away. Some itineraries include scenic train journeys such as the famous Devil's Nose route. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The transportation was excellent - comfortable vans with regular stops at scenic points between Quito and each Andean destination."
What are the common routes from Quito into the Andes Mountains?
The classic route follows the Avenue of Volcanoes southward from Quito beginning with Cotopaxi National Park then proceeding to Quilotoa Lagoon and Baños. Travelers often stay at properties like Hotel La Hacienda near Cotopaxi or Selina in Baños. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The journey from Quito along the Avenue of Volcanoes was spectacular with each stop offering unique experiences - from hiking Cotopaxi to relaxing in Baños' hot springs at Luna Runtun Adventure Spa."
What is the best transportation from Quito airport to tour starting points?
Most tour packages include airport transfers to Quito hotels taking 45-60 minutes to reach the historic center properties like the Sheraton or Hotel Boutique Plaza Sucre. Hotels in Tumbaco are about 20 minutes away. Private transfers cost approximately USD 35-40. As a TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The tour operator arranged seamless pickup from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to our hotel in the historic center making arrival day stress-free."
What cultural experiences are included in tours starting from Quito?
Tours blend colonial history with indigenous culture starting in Quito and extending to surrounding communities. Key experiences include shopping at Otavalo Market visiting craft workshops in Cotacachi and meeting local Quichua communities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "From our base at the Dann Carlton in Quito we experienced incredible cultural immersion - the local markets indigenous communities and historic sites were all fascinating."
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