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!

250+ tours

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Nature & Wildlife
8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The places we visited were beautiful, and every day was perfectly organized."
Jose, 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
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US$2,839per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The tour was awesome. Very well organized."
Cecilia, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora,Santa Fé Island,Isla Plaza Sur,Española Island,Punta Suarez,San Cristóbal Island,Leon Dormido,Lobos Island+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
24% Off
From $5,060
US$3,850per person
+$220 local payments
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Nature & Wildlife
Jewels of Ecuador: Galapagos and Amazon
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Wonderful Holidays UK tour of Ecuador including the Galapagos. Looked perfect. Everything was high quality: the guides, the equipment, the transportation, the rooms."
Stephen, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Quito, Tena, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island, Guayaquil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos IslandsAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
24% Off
From
US$3,743per person
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Nature & Wildlife
9 Days Galapagos Active Escape
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"We felt well taken care of during this trip and it was well organized."
Peter, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island,Santa Cruz Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
24% Off
From
US$3,380per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
14 Days in Ecuador Highlights Amazon and Galapagos Islands
4.7 (3 traveler 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
2% Off
From $3,270
US$3,205per person
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7 Days Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Group Tour for Gay Travelers
5.0 (1 traveler 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
Amazonian BasinAndes MountainsAmazonian Region EcuadorAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From
US$900per person
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Nature & Wildlife
7 Day Galapagos Express Adventure: Santa Cruz Island Escape
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Scenery and wildlife more than met all expectations. The water is incredible … picture postcard perfect vacation!"
Mellodie, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From $1,405
US$1,377per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
2% Off
From
US$1,180per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Outdoors: 3 Unforgettable Islands in 9 Days
4.4 (9 traveler reviews)
"Excellent trip and coordination, I never had to worry about getting picked up or dropped off."
Jeffrey, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Puerto Villamil,Santa Cruz Island,Bartolomé Island,Baltra Island+5 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
2% Off
From
US$3,300per person
+$690 local payments
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7 Days Adventure In The Ecuadorian Andes (Shared Trip)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Great trip showcasing the highlights of Ecuador. We were kept updated before the trip with detailed information."
Kate, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa,Banos,Mindo Valley+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
2% Off
From
US$1,085per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
8-Day Ecuador Mountains & Hot Springs Tour
4.5 (11 traveler reviews)
"the itinerary was great. the hotels supposedly are 3 to 4 starts but felt more like 5 starts"
airam, traveled in April
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
4% Off
From $1,236
US$1,186per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela
4.7 (25 traveler reviews)
"This was excellent from start to finish."
carolyn, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora,South Plaza Island,Bartolomé Island,Seymour Norte,Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Puerto Villamil,Baltra Island+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From $2,600
US$2,548per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Ultimate Adventure & Wildlife 6 Days
4.6 (14 traveler reviews)
"The Galapagos is wonderful and I want everyone to experience it! Use Tour Radar and GuidEcuador, you will not be disappointed!"
Michelle, traveled in June
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
2% Off
From
US$1,450per person
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Nature & Wildlife
A 7-Day Adventure Into The Andes and the Amazon Jungle
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"It was one of the best of our 4 week trip."
Robin, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Coca, Yasuni National Park
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Amazonian BasinAndes MountainsAmazonian Region EcuadorAmazon RainforestYasuni National Park+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Authentic Ecuador
10% Off
From $2,610
US$2,349per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Galápagos Multisport
4.9 (47 traveler reviews)
"I can't wait to go on my next G adventure vacation."
Jesse, traveled in June
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
20% Off
From $3,899
US$3,119per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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