Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
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10 best Andes Mountains tours from Quito
Compiled by
MelissaQuito travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of Northern Ecuador 6 Days Tour
- ECUADOR: Cotopaxi Volcano
- 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
- 12 Days Ecuador’s Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure
- 8 Days Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Middle of the World Discovery
- 12 Days From the Andes to the Coast: Ecuador's Diverse Delights
- 7 Days Gay Small Group Trip Wellness Retreat
- 8 Days Conquer the Andes, Explore the Amazon: Multisport Adventure
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lake, Ibarra, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Cayambe Age Range 5 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$1,579
Quito's 9,186 ft elevation marks the start through Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge to Cotopaxi National Park. Historic haciendas connect via daily transfers, leading to a challenging 3,200 ft ascent to Refugio Jorge Rivas at 15,958 ft.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range 16 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator OneSeed Expeditions From $6,065
20% Off- NZ$4,852You save $1,213
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$1,504
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$3,971
11 Days around Ecuador: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries that I have visited. Its landscape is gorgeous. The food is delicious.”
David, traveled in March
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$2,617
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$2,252
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
20% Off- NZ$1,454
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$4,254
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
20% Off- NZ$3,822
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Machachi, Banos, Tena, Papallacta, Otavalo Age Range 7 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$3,323
What people love about Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
- Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
It's been awhile but went on small group tour to Ecuador. Had never been. Two thumbs up. Went where couldn't have gone on own~~stayed with indigenous community in the jungle. Hiked the jungle with the indigenous host. Rafted. Soaked in Banos and drove BEHIND the volcano for a kick ash good time. Days in Cuenca, dancing. Hacienda with a fireplace in each room. Went to one of the equator spots. Who knows which is really it? Lastly we were in Otavalo for animal market. What a truly fabulous trip.
- 11 Days around Ecuador: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries that I have visited. Its landscape is gorgeous. Its people are friendly and honest. The country is affordable. The food is delicious. The tour was fun! The local tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the country. The experiences were varied. We visited cities, parks, churches, mountains, restaurants, ruins, markets, and even a school. It was very fun. The tour was organized well by Jeferson. He made sure all my questions were answered before and during the trip. He was always available day and night. Airport pickups and drop offs were very helpful as well. Give Ecuador a chance. You will not regret it. Responsible Travel will take care of you.
- 8 Days in Ecuador's Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs
Warm welcome by the team when we arrived in Ecuador! Well planned and thought out itinerary which gave us as first time visitors to the country a good feel for the culture, traditions and history. We loved the trip!
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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