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 (13 destinations)
4.5 (45 reviews)
"Lots of animals, snorkeling, outdoor time. Hotels and meals were all great options and worth the money."
Cat, traveled in June
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
14% Off
From $4,355
US$3,735per person
+$220 local payments
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
5.0 (1 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
15% Off
From $4,935
US$4,195per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Quito & Galapagos Adventure Tour (7 Days)
5.0 (1 review)
"The personal services to make sure we are safe while on tour, the flexibility and the attentiveness to little details."
Lissie, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island,Santa Fé Island+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Cami Adventures
15% Off
From
US$1,897per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Wings of Cuyabeno: A 5-Day Birdwatching Journey with Flights Included
5.0 (1 review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Quito, Coca, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsAmazonian BasinAmazonian Region EcuadorAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
15% Off
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US$1,330per person
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Nature & Wildlife
14 Days in Ecuador Highlights Amazon and Galapagos Islands
4.7 (3 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
2% Off
From $3,270
US$3,205per 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
2% Off
From $1,180
US$1,156per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Discovery (10 destinations)
4.4 (19 reviews)
"Great experience, I would recommend this tour."
Markus, traveled in November
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
14% Off
From $2,410
US$2,083per person
+$230 local payments
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Price based on Shared Room
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Nature & Wildlife
7 Day Galapagos Express Adventure: Santa Cruz Island Escape
5.0 (4 reviews)
"The boat ride to the uninhabitable island was A++. Great crew, food, above & beyond treatment for the vacationers."
Joyce, traveled in February
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
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Price based on Private Double Room
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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 EcuadorAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From
US$940per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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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
15% Off
From $3,599
US$3,059per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Nature & Wildlife
8-Day Ecuador Mountains & Hot Springs Tour
4.6 (12 reviews)
"Good itinerary & sightseeing inclusions, great value accommodation, comfortable transport."
Nicholas, traveled in December
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
2% Off
From $1,236
US$1,211per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz & Isabela
4.7 (25 reviews)
"3 days on each island gives one enough time to experience all that the islands have to offer. Any questions or concerns were rapidly answered by Valentina."
Marta, traveled in December
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
2% Off
From $2,640
US$2,587per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
5.0 (3 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
2% Off
From
US$2,839per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Outdoors: 3 Unforgettable Islands in 9 Days
4.4 (9 reviews)
"It was a wonderful tour of the Galapagos Islands, Quito and Otavalo while in Ecuador mainland."
KatherineAbailey, traveled in November
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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Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Galapagos Ultimate Adventure & Wildlife 6 Days
4.6 (14 reviews)
"The best experience I've ever had! Everyone made it so perfect."
Daniella, traveled in March
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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Price based on Private Double Room
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