The bustling capital of Ecuador serves up three standout day trips that give you the most bang for your buck. Mindo Cloud Forest wows nature lovers with its waterfalls and remarkable birdwatching – perfect for those seeking a jungle experience without venturing deep into the Amazon. The challenging but rewarding Cotopaxi Volcano trek offers snow-capped views and high-altitude thrills, while the turquoise waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake provide an unforgettable hiking experience through indigenous villages.
Each tour runs with small groups, includes lunch, and offers hotel pickup – a real plus in Quito’s maze-like streets. I especially love the Cotopaxi tour for its expert guides who help you safely navigate the volcano’s terrain while sharing fascinating geological insights.
Check out these tested and recommended full-day adventures:
Key Points
- Mindo Cloud Forest Tours offer a highly rated private experience with a 96% recommendation rate, featuring diverse activities like hummingbird gardens and ziplining.
- Cotopaxi Volcano Tours provide a small group experience with breathtaking views, reaching up to 16,000 feet, and offering private tour options with meals.
- Quilotoa Tours showcase the stunning turquoise crater lake and include visits to artisan workshops, with flexible pricing and transportation options.
- Baños Full Day Tour combines diverse activities, such as visiting Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park, and the Devils Cauldron waterfall, with comfortable transportation and high traveler recommendations.
- Quito City Tours offer a private full-day experience with air-conditioned transport, snacks, and a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, rated 5 stars by 17 reviews.
Full Day Mindo Cloud Forest From Quito (Private Tour-Customized)
Beginning with the private Full Day Mindo Cloud Forest tour from Quito, travelers are treated to a tailor-made excursion into the lush, biodiverse Mindo region.
Highly rated at 4.9 out of 104 reviews, this tour has a Badge of Excellence and is recommended by 96% of travelers.
With an experienced, knowledgeable guide, visitors can explore the hummingbird garden, waterfall sanctuary, and have the option to try ziplining or a chocolate-making tour.
Though the 2.5-hour drive from Quito provides scenic landscapes, some guests noted the hike to the waterfalls could be challenging.
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Cotopaxi Volcano Full Day Tour With All the Entrances, Small Groups
For travelers seeking an exhilarating journey into the heart of Ecuador’s stunning natural landscapes, the Cotopaxi Volcano Full Day Tour offers an unparalleled experience.
Recommended by 99% of travelers, this small-group tour boasts a Badge of Excellence with 155 five-star reviews. Priced at just $69 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.
Hikers will challenge themselves with an altitude of up to 16,000 feet, rewarded by breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildlife like llamas and wild horses.
While lunch isn’t included, travelers can stop at a traditional restaurant with panoramic vistas of Cotopaxi. Despite potential time management issues, most find the hike immensely rewarding.
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Baños Full Day Tour From Quito Including Entrances and Activities
Embarking on a full-day adventure from Quito, the Baños Full Day Tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy Ecuador’s diverse landscapes and exhilarating outdoor activities.
The tour visits Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park, La Casa del Arbol, and the Devils Cauldron waterfall, allowing for activities like swinging on the Tungurahua volcano, cable car rides, ziplining, and hiking.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour provides comfortable transportation, a bilingual guide, and includes entrance fees to key attractions.
Overwhelmingly recommended by past guests, the tour is praised for its excellent guides, stunning views, informative experiences, and delicious meals, making it a perfect choice for adventure seekers.
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Quilotoa Full Day Tour From Quito With Entrances
Travelers seeking to enjoy Ecuador’s stunning natural landscapes can embark on the Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito. This highly-rated tour, with a 97% recommendation rate, takes visitors to the captivating Laguna Quilotoa, a blue-green volcanic crater lake in the Andes.
Along the way, the tour includes visits to craft workshops in Tigua and panoramic viewpoints on the crater rim, with Cotopaxi mountain in the distance. Despite the moderate physical fitness required, the small group size and knowledgeable bilingual guides ensure a personalized and memorable experience.
Priced from $79 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and convenient pickup options in Quito.
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Termas De Papallacta Hot Springs Full Day Tour From Quito
Along With exploring Quito’s natural landscapes, visitors can enjoy the region’s geothermal wonders by embarking on the Termas de Papallacta Hot Springs Full Day Tour from Quito.
This full-day excursion, operated by Quito Tour Bus, takes travelers to the Termas de Papallacta Spa, where they can soak in natural thermal pools created by volcanic activity.
With a 97% traveler recommendation and a price starting at $129 per person, the tour includes tourist transport, a bilingual guide, and entrance to the pools, as well as refreshments.
Travelers can also enjoy optional activities like a short hike and spa services, though these may incur additional costs.
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Mindo Cloud Forest Full Day Tour From Quito
The Mindo Cloud Forest Full Day Tour from Quito provides visitors with a chance to enjoy the lush, misty landscapes of Ecuador’s renowned cloud forest region.
With a 4.8-star rating based on 66 reviews, this tour is highly recommended by 97% of travelers. Highlights include a private transportation, a visit to the Mindo butterfly place and Tarabita, a bilingual guide, lunch, and adventure activities.
Pickup locations are available in La Carolina, Plaza Foch, and Plaza Grande, with an 8:00 a.m. start time. While not suitable for those with certain health conditions, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and has a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
Priced from €124.91 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Quilotoa Full Day Tour – All Included With Quito Pick up & Drop off
For those seeking an immersive exploration of Ecuador’s stunning Andes region, the Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito offers an all-inclusive experience. Rated 4.8/5 based on 70 reviews, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as entrance to the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon.
Travelers will also visit a Tigua crafts workshop and enjoy scenic stops along the way. With a maximum of 42 travelers per tour, the experience is highly recommended, though some have reported issues with cancellations and refund policies.
The majority of feedback reflects a positive customer service experience and a must-do adventure when in Quito.
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Offering an immersive exploration of Quito’s must-see attractions, the Full Day Middle of the World, Cable Car and Quito City Shared Tour boasts a 93% recommendation rate from 43 reviews.
Highlighting key sites like the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Quito’s historic old town, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the city.
Travelers can expect private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all entrance fees covered.
With a maximum of 18 participants, the experience allows for personalized attention.
Reviewers praise the tour’s safety, comfort, and the guide’s expertise in enhancing the cultural insights.
Available for $69 per person with a lowest price guarantee, this tour offers an excellent value for discovering Quito’s highlights in a single day.
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Cotopaxi and Banos Tour – Full Day From Quito
Venturing beyond Quito’s historic core, the Cotopaxi and Baños Tour – Full Day from Quito offers travelers a chance to enjoy Ecuador’s natural wonders.
This highly-rated, 13-14 hour excursion takes guests to the nearly 20,000-foot Cotopaxi Volcano and the charming town of Baños.
Along the way, travelers can enjoy a cable car ride, savor local cuisine, and capture stunning photos at various photo stops.
With a 100% recommendation rate and rave reviews, this tour provides an engaging experience led by knowledgeable guides who ensure a smooth and memorable adventure.
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Private Full Day Experience at Papallacta Hot Springs
Nestled high in the Andes, the Private Full Day Experience at Papallacta Hot Springs invites travelers to indulge in the soothing waters and stunning natural beauty of this Ecuadorian destination.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this private tour offers an exceptional experience. Guests are transported in a Chevrolet Grand Vitara, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, and treated to a spa entrance fee, lunch, and access to the relaxing hot springs.
Reviewers praise the professionalism and friendliness of the guide, as well as the enjoyable dining experience. This private tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers, making it an ideal choice for a rejuvenating day in Quito.
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Cotopaxi Volcano: Biking Small Group Full Day Tour
This small group tour takes travelers on a thrilling excursion to the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano.
Over 9 hours, the tour departs from Quito and ventures through the Andes, stopping for breakfast before hiking to a refuge near the volcano’s peak.
Participants will then enjoy downhill mountain biking on two trails suitable for varying skill levels.
The tour includes transportation, meals, necessary gear, and 24/7 assistance.
However, travelers should be moderately fit and wait 4-5 days in Quito to acclimatize.
Plus, the ever-changing weather requires warm, waterproof clothing.
Though non-refundable, this small group Cotopaxi experience offers an adventurous way to explore Ecuador’s stunning volcanic landscape.
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Cotopaxi Full Day Tour – All Included – Guided Hike and National Park Entrance
The Cotopaxi Full Day Tour offers travelers an all-inclusive excursion to explore the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano and National Park. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 22 reviews, this tour provides hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as a guided hike through the park, a trek to Limpiopungo Lake, and a visit to the Interpretation Center.
Adventurers can also hike to the José Rivas Refuge, with meals included throughout the day. The tour operates from Quito, Ecuador, with a maximum of 100 travelers per group.
While not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and close to public transportation. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
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Quilotoa Tour Full Day With Lunch
Travelers eager to explore the stunning volcanic landscape of Ecuador can embark on the Quilotoa Tour, a full-day excursion from Quito.
With a 96% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence award, this tour takes visitors to the turquoise waters of the volcanic crater lake. Guests can hike down to the lake and optionally ride a mule back up the steep slopes.
The tour also includes visits to an artisan workshop and the Toachi River Canyon, as well as a lunch featuring regional specialties.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour offers scenic drives and photo opportunities.
Though weather can affect the hiking experience, the tour’s 24 positive reviews suggest an enjoyable day exploring Ecuador’s natural wonders.
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Private Full Day Tour in Quito With Transportation Included
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Quito’s highlights, the Private Full Day Tour in Quito with Transportation Included provides a well-rounded experience.
With a 100% recommendation from travelers, this tour offers a private, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, snacks, and meals.
The knowledgeable guides, such as Ishmael and Kathy, lead the way through the city’s sights at a personalized pace.
Travelers can enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, featuring dishes like potato soup, lamb stew, and banana cake.
Priced from $125 per person, this tour is a great value, especially with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
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Premium Cotopaxi Full Day Tour
The Premium Cotopaxi Full Day Tour offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of Cotopaxi National Park.
This private, full-day adventure includes a guided hike, wildlife observation, and a visit to a traditional hacienda. Highlights include views of volcanoes, trails, lagoons, and waterfalls, as well as potential sightings of the majestic Andean condor.
The tour includes private transportation, a certified English-speaking guide, and park admission fees. Optional activities like a visit to the Saquisili Indian Market and lunch at the hacienda are available.
With high customer ratings and positive reviews, this tour is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable experience amidst Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes.
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Quilotoa, Tigua and Zumbahua Full Day
This full-day tour offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning landscapes and indigenous communities around Quilotoa, Tigua, and Zumbahua.
Operated by AUROX TRAVEL, the tour includes private transportation, entrance to the Quilotoa lagoon, bottled water, and lunch.
With a 4.8-star rating based on 5 reviews, this tour is highly rated for its knowledgeable guide who provides insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infants can be accommodated.
Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.
Reviewers recommend dressing warmly for the Quilotoa portion of the tour.
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Full Day Quito (City Tour + Middle of the World + Teleferico)
Exploring the vibrant city of Quito in a single day is made possible with the Full Day Quito tour. Rated 5 stars by 17 reviews and recommended by 100% of travelers, this comprehensive experience takes visitors through the city’s historic and cultural highlights.
Tour the colonial architecture, visit iconic landmarks like the Compañia de Jesus Church and Cathedral, and ride the cable car to Cruz Loma Mountain for panoramic views.
At the equator line, discover the Intiñan Museum. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all inclusions covered, this tour offers an interactive and insightful way to experience the best of Quito in just one day.
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PRIVATE Tour, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, Full Day
Immersing oneself in the natural wonders surrounding Quito becomes effortless with the private tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa. For $145 per person, this full-day excursion provides private transportation, bottled water, entry to Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon, plus lunch and breakfast.
With a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, the tour offers a personalized experience starting at 7 am from Quito. Guests can expect comfortable and safe transportation, a bilingual guide, and a guaranteed return to their starting point.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with serious medical conditions. Cancellations up to 24 hours before are free, and confirmation is provided upon booking.
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Full Day Cultural Tour in Quito
Set out on a comprehensive cultural odyssey through the heart of Quito with this full-day tour. At $130 per person, you’ll enjoy private transportation, a certified guide, and all necessary tickets and gratuities.
The tour accommodates up to 15 travelers and runs from 9 am to 5 pm. While not wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most visitors, excluding those with back problems, pregnant women, or serious medical conditions.
Bottled water and lunch are included, and you can opt for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews, promising an immersive exploration of Quito’s rich cultural heritage.
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Mountain Bike: Quito to Mindo Cloud Forest – Full Day
Traversing the scenic route from Quito to the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, this full-day mountain bike tour offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure.
Rated 5.0 based on 6 reviews, the tour includes private transportation, use of a bicycle and helmet, and meals.
Pickup is available from your Quito address, with an additional cost for locations outside the metropolitan area.
The moderate physical fitness level required makes this tour suitable for most travelers.
Priced from $250 per person, the private tour can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option is available.
Read our full review: Mountain Bike: Quito to Mindo Cloud Forest – Full Day Review
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The Sum Up
Quito offers a variety of full-day tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s cultural and natural attractions. From the cloud forests of Mindo to the volcanic landscapes of Cotopaxi, these tours provide a chance to experience the diverse wonders of Ecuador. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or simply taking in the sights, there’s a full-day tour in Quito that’s perfect for you.