Adventures in Quito: Sightseeing, Hiking, and Waterfalls
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 - 18, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
22 - 30
Travel interest
Hiking, adventure, nature, exporing the wild, off-the-beaten-path places, culture & history
Your Local Guide
With over 40 years of experience as a tour operator in the Galapagos and Ecuador, Andando Tours is equipped with the expertise and extended travel knowledge about the fantastic destinations offered in their itineraries, delivering first-hand experiences and recommendations for an unforgettable journey. Each trip is designed to allow travelers to experience authentic locations in Ecuador in a safe, immersive, and experiential way. Let the passionate guides of Andando Tours take care of all the nitty gritty details for you — all you need to do is enjoy your inspirational journey through Ecuador.
This trip to Quito has it all. You’ll hang in the city and explore the major landmarks, you’ll venture into nature and hike a beautiful crater lake, and you’ll end the trip chasing waterfalls while swinging at the end of the world. Enjoy the best of every travel setting on this Ecuadorian adventure!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 - 18, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Van
This trip to Quito has it all. You’ll hang in the city and explore the major landmarks, you’ll venture into nature and hike a beautiful crater lake, and you’ll end the trip chasing waterfalls while swinging at the end of the world. Enjoy the best of every travel setting on this Ecuadorian adventure!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Quito
- Arrive in Quito
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Selina Quito (or similar according to availability)
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2 · Quito
- Breakfast
- Quito City Tour and Equator Trip
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Machachi
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Quilotoa Lagoon Hiking Tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Hosteria PapaGayo (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Baños
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Baños Waterfalls Adventure Tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Selina Baños (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Departure
- Breakfast
- Check out of accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Quito – Ecuador’s capital and cultural epicenter
Welcome to Quito, founded on an ancient Incan city and sprawling with diverse architecture and incredible landscapes. Once you arrive, check into the hostel and start exploring! Get lost in this vibrant city, observing the Spanish influence and colonial charm, and meet us back at the hostel for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Ecuadorian food. It’s time to make new friends and toast to new adventures!
Day 2
Explore Quito with a private city tour and trip to the Equator line
After a restful sleep and tranquil breakfast, we’ll head out into the streets of Quito and take a private tour of the city with a local guide. We’ll see some of the famous churches, such as the Basilica of the National Vote, The Cathedral, and The Sagrario Church, and we’ll learn the history of Quito and the underlying Spanish influences that remain today. Next, we’ll head up to Panecillo Hill to see its famous aluminum statue and score incredible views of the entire city. With so much more to see, make sure that phone battery is charged! We’ll also take a quick drive to the Equator line and enjoy some live demonstrations reflecting latitude 0. After this full day of fun, freshen up at the hostel and explore Quito with the group!
Day 3
Journey to Quilotoa Lagoon and enjoy a hike into the crater
Rise and shine, adventure seekers! Today, we’re headed to the famous Quilotoa Lagoon for hiking and picture-perfect views. We’ll leave Quito and stop at various lookouts to enjoy the pristine vistas along the way. Once we arrive, we’ll hike down into the crater where you’ll have time to explore on your own. If the hike feels too strenuous, you can always pay for a mule ride back up the hillside! From here, we’ll take a lunch break and finish up this excursion with a trip to a Tigua craft workshop and a visit to Toachi's Canon. At the end of an incredible day, we’ll head to our next accommodation, a beautiful ranch-style lodge in the middle of the valley.
Day 4
Venture to Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall and swing at the end of the world from high above the city
What a day we have in store! After a hearty breakfast, we'll jump in the van and head to Baños where we’ll hike down into the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall and explore the Cascasa el Pailon, featuring hanging bridges and lighted areas that make nature come alive. Next, we’ll hike up to the treehouse to swing at the end of the world in a giant swing, where you'll also have the option to zipline for an added cost. However, nothing will beat the photos you’ll take with the jungle backdrop, the Andes Mountains, and the art installations all around. Lastly, our guide will take us into town for lunch at a hidden gem with stellar food and Ecuadorian hospitality.
Day 5
Last meal and goodbyes before takeoff
What a trip it’s been. We hope you had a blast! On your last day in Ecuador, enjoy your final meal and head to the airport in your private transfer. No matter where you journey next, keep Quito in your heart.
Accommodation
Selina Quito (or similar according to availability)
At Selina Quito, there’s always something to do. This boutique hostel is in the heart of downtown Quito and features everything from a bar/restaurant to morning yoga on the rooftop. Get cozy in the dorms and find everything you need on-site to explore this magnificent city. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Hosteria PapaGayo (or similar according to availability)
Hosteria PapaGayo is an idyllic lodge located in Cotopaxi. Drop your stuff in the bunkroom and eat a stellar meal on their outdoor patio decorated with rustic charm and fairy lights. Make sure to wander around the property to observe the horses and natural vegetation just waiting to be explored. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Selina Baños (or similar according to availability)
This Selina hostel is located in the quaint town of Baños, facing the Tungurahua Volcano. Surrounded by thermal hot springs, icy waterfalls, and natural spas, you’ll fall in love with this secret oasis. Drop your stuff in the dorms and check out the rooftop terrace and bar or head into town for some stellar food. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 2 nights in Selina Quito (or similar)
- 1 night in Hosteria PapaGayo (or similar)
- 1 night in Selina Baños (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts
- All excursion entrance fees with private tours and local, English-speaking guides
- Transfers to/from the airport
- Transfers to/from all excursions
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- With incredible landmarks and Spanish architecture at every turn, your camera roll will be full by the time you leave! - Unsplash: Andrés Medina
- Take some time to roam the streets and sink into the energy of Quito. - Unsplash: Andrés Medina
- Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! - Unsplash: Ariel Tutillo
- Get your cameras ready for the Basilica of the National Vote. - Pixabay: jerzykwpodrozy
- Your guide will take you to Panecillo Hill to admire the views of the entire city and see the Virgin of El Panecillo. - Pixabay: hbieser
- Get comfy in the dorms at Selina Quito! - Selina Quito website
- Welcome to Selina Quito, your home for the next two nights. - Selina Quito website
- Enjoy the comfortable lodging and charming wood architecture of Hosteria PapaGayo. - Hosteria PapaGayo website
- Enjoy the rustic charm of the Hosteria PapaGayo lodge. - Hosteria PapaGayo website
- This tranquil setting will help you rest up for the day's activities. - Hosteria PapaGayo website
- Welcome to Selina Baños, a hip hostel in the center of town. - Selina Baños website
- Make yourself at home in the bunks and explore the many activities of Selina and Baños. - Selina Baños website
- Hike down into the Quilotoa crater and enjoy the idyllic backdrop of this natural sanctuary. - Pixabay: jacorream
- The lagoon is the perfect place to take the perfect selfies. - Pixabay: Kimberly_Rachel
- Explore the Pailon Del diablo, aka the Devil's Cauldron waterfall. - Pixabay: hbieser
- Get the chance to swing at the end of the world in Banos. - Unsplash: Nick Monica
- Head up to the treehouse and take a magical picture on the swings at the end of the world. - Pixabay: Flowersour
- Quito - Unsplash: Mauricio Muñoz
- On your tour, you'll see this ornate sanctuary: The Church of the Society of Jesus. - Pixabay: breaktime
- Quito is the colorful capital of Ecuador with a rich history and diverse culture. - Unsplash: Dayan Quinteros