What's the best time of year for tours starting in Quito?

Quito tours run throughout the year with distinctive seasonal advantages. The dry season (June-September) provides reliable conditions for hiking in Cotopaxi National Park. July-August and December-January see the highest visitor numbers while April-May and October-November offer quieter experiences with fewer tourists. Recent travelers report December-January as particularly good for combining highland and Amazon activities with stays at properties like Termas Papallacta and Waita Lodge.

What accommodation options are available in Quito at the start of tours?

Most Quito tours begin at 4-5 star properties in central locations. The Dann Carlton Hotel and Hilton Colon are common starting points offering full breakfast and modern amenities. A recent guest noted: "The Dann Carlton Hotel in Quito was perfect for starting our tour - great location and the buffet breakfast gave us energy for our adventures."

Which nearby destinations are commonly visited in the first few days after starting in Quito?

The initial days often focus on Otavalo Market and Cotopaxi National Park. Stops typically include the Quitsato Equator Monument Cuicocha Lake and San Pablo Lake. Many groups stay at countryside properties such as Hacienda Palmeras Inn near Otavalo or mountain lodges close to Cotopaxi. As one traveler noted: "The transition from Quito to Otavalo and then Cotopaxi was seamless with breathtaking views along the way."

How long does it take to get from Quito to the Galapagos Islands?

Flights between Quito and Galapagos take about 3 hours with a short Guayaquil stopover. Most departures leave Quito between 6:40 AM and 9:40 AM arriving in Galapagos between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. According to a recent visitor: "The transition from Quito to Galapagos was smooth with our guide helping us navigate the airport process and flight connections."

What is the typical length of multi-day tours starting in Quito?

Most Quito-based tours span 8-14 days with 10-11 day itineraries being most common. A standard 11-day cultural route covers key sites like Cotopaxi National Park Quilotoa Lagoon and includes stays at historic venues like Hotel Carvallo in Cuenca. One traveler shared: "This was my first solo tour in Ecuador and it was wonderful! I was able to see Banos Quamote Cuenca and Quito. There's so much beauty in Ecuador."

What is the recommended budget per day for tours starting from Quito?

Daily costs for Quito tours range from $142-547. Budget-conscious travelers can find options around $160 per day staying at places like Hotel Boutique Plaza Sucre. Premium experiences with luxury lodges and private transport typically cost $500+ daily. A recent review states: "The value was excellent with 4-star accommodations like Hotel San Andres Guesthouse and all transfers included."

Ecuador Tours from Quito

Ever wondered what Ecuador is like beyond the maps? In Quito, the Old Town still shows its colonial past, while the Galapagos brings a very different setting. Darwin Bay, Kicker Rock, and the volcanic slopes of Sierra Negra are known for wildlife and open landscapes, and ranches on Santa Cruz remain home to giant tortoises. Paradise is calling!

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10 best Ecuador tour packages from Quito

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Nature & Wildlife
Best of Galapagos
4.5 (45 reviews)
"Program was great and time was just right! All meals were also really good."
Irina, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido,Puerto Baquerizo Moreno,Floreana Island,Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Puerto Villamil,Santa Cruz Island+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
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US$4,355per person
+$220 local payments
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Island Hopping
7-Day Unforgettable Galapagos Island Hopping
5.0 (2 reviews)
"We had wonderful time in Galapagos, enjoyed seeing the sea lions, giant turtles, blue feet boobies, iguanas and all the different birds!"
Vicki, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Seymour Norte,South Plaza Island,Bartolomé Island,Santa Fé Island,Puerto Villamil,Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Puerto Ayora+7 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Authentic Ecuador
10% off
From $2,839
US$2,555per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Discovery (10 destinations)
4.4 (19 reviews)
"This tour was amazing. I would definitely recommend this tour, to anyone thinking of going to the Galápagos Islands."
Lucy, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,San Cristóbal Island,Leon Dormido+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% off
From
US$2,410per person
+$230 local payments
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$Ecuador & Galápagos: 8 Days of Nature\'s Magic Tour$
$Ecuador & Galápagos: 8 Days of Nature\'s Magic - 10 destinations$
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City & Culture
Ecuador & Galápagos: 8 Days of Nature's Magic
4.9 (11 reviews)
"The island excursions were very well organised and never felt overcrowded."
Jack, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cotopaxi National Park,Baltra Island,Puerto Ayora,Seymour Norte+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
13% off
From $4,499
US$3,914per person
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Nature & Wildlife
7 Day Budget Galapagos Islands Tour: San Cristóbal Adventure
5.0 (1 review)
"I had a great time in San Cristobal! I saw sea turtles, pelicans, reef sharks, rays, and hammerheads."
Kyleigh, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
13% off
From
US$1,695per person
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Nature & Wildlife
6 Days Escape Sale - Enchanting Amazon Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Quito, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Andes MountainsAmazonian BasinAmazonian Region EcuadorRainforestAmazon Rainforest+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
13% off
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US$940per person
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
7 Days Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Group Tour for Gay Travelers
5.0 (1 review)
"If you want a travel experience that supports local communities while making you feel like family, Responsible Travel Latin America is the choice for you."
Igal, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsAmazonian BasinAmazonian Region EcuadorRainforestAmazon Rainforest+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
13% off
From
US$900per person
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Nature & Wildlife
14 Days in Ecuador Highlights Amazon and Galapagos Islands
4.7 (3 reviews)
"We embraced and immersed ourselves into the culture and environment and participated and enjoyed all the activities offered."
Kim, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lake, Mindo Valley,Banos,Rio Verde,Archidona,Cotopaxi National Park,Santa Cruz Island,Baltra Island,Puerto Ayora,Galapagos Islands+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Amazonian Basin
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
13% off
From
US$3,270per person
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City & Culture
7 Days at The Andean Valleys
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Quilotoa, Banos
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
13% off
From
US$1,180per person
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Island Hopping
Galápagos Island Hopping
4.9 (42 reviews)
"If we didn't live so far away and we had the funding, I would do it all over again! The best I can do is recommend Jonathan and G-Adventures so others can experience this wonderous vacation!"
Christina, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Santa Cruz Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% off
From $3,799
US$2,849per person
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Nature & Wildlife
8-Day Ecuador Mountains & Hot Springs Tour
4.6 (12 reviews)
"The stops they picked were great. We liked the hotels; they were clean and comfortable."
Ruth, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Quilotoa,Chimborazo Volcano,Papallacta+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
25% off
From
US$1,236per person
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Nature & Wildlife
8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
5.0 (4 reviews)
"Galapagos was incredible, so much to see and do. Loved all the wild life. Puerta Ayora and Puerta Villamil were wonderful to explore."
Lucia, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora,Isabela Island,Puerto Villamil,Las Tintoreras Islet,Santa Fé Island+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Cami Adventures
25% off
From
US$3,188per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Ultimate Adventure & Wildlife 6 Days
4.6 (14 reviews)
"We were very pleased with the 9 day trip that this tour company planned for us, which included the Galapagos & Ecuador mainland."
RobSnyder, traveled in November
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
25% off
From
US$1,450per person
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Island Hopping
10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz & Isabela
4.7 (25 reviews)
"From start to finish, we were personally looked after with genuine care and attention."
Fook, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora,Galapagos Islands,Isabela Island,Puerto Villamil,Las Tintoreras Islet+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
25% off
From
US$2,640per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Galápagos Multisport
4.9 (48 reviews)
"I find the accommodation suitable enough for my needs: comfortable bed, air condition, water, electricity, wifi."
Max, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island,Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Baltra Island+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% off
From $3,899
US$2,924per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $146
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