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!

10 best Ecuador tour packages from Quito

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Explorer
Galapagos Outdoor 9 Days Tour
4.5 (8 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
From
US$3,300per person
+$690 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
5.0 (3 traveler 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
Ages 25-50
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Cami Adventures
From
US$2,839per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Galapagos Essentials
4.5 (9 traveler reviews)
"Wonderful time seeing giant turtles in Isla de Santa Cruz. Spectacular hike and views at Playa de Tortuga!"
David, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island,Lobos Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Journeys
From
US$1,570per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Galapagos Discovery
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"Very active tour with lots of cool activities and sites! Well organized and fun!"
Janice, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island,Santa Cruz Island,Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $2,180
US$1,853per person
+$230 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Wildlife
7 Days on a Budget Galapagos Islands Tour in San Cristobal
5.0 (1 traveler 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
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
15% Off
From
US$1,560per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
7 Day Galapagos Express Adventure: Santa Cruz Island Escape
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Accommodations were good & in close proximity to restaurants & shops. Excursions were all great."
Lori, 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
15% Off
From
US$1,405per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
9 Days Galapagos Active Escape
5.0 (1 traveler review)
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
15% Off
From
US$5,620per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
14 Days in Ecuador Highlights Amazon and Galapagos Islands
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Our 14 day tour was jam packed and we saw so much. Joslyn from the Tour Company was in regular contact and made us feel most comfortable."
Lorna, traveled in January
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
15% Off
From
US$3,270per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
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
15% Off
From
US$1,085per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Galápagos Island Hopping (9 destinations)
4.9 (41 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic experience. The trip run smoothly and ensure that everyone got what they wanted."
Rozlyn, 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
20% Off
From $3,699
US$2,959per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela
4.7 (22 traveler reviews)
"From the very beginning, Jacquie was so kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. She made the whole trip effortless."
Richard, traveled in September
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
20% Off
From
US$2,600per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The canoe rides and sightseeing were unforgettable. The food and restaurant service was great."
Andrew, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island,Puerto Ayora,Pinzón Island,Santa Fé Island,Isabela Island,Baltra Island+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% Off
From
US$2,788per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
4.6 (13 traveler reviews)
"It is great for people who have little time before the trip to plan because it certainly covers all the highlights in the Galapagos."
Angela, traveled in May
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
20% Off
From
US$1,390per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Galápagos Multisport
4.9 (46 traveler 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+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $3,699
US$2,959per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of Galapagos
4.5 (45 traveler reviews)
"Amazing experience, and our guide was so knowledgeable and resourceful."
Susana, traveled in April
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
10% Off
From $3,890
US$3,501per person
+$230 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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