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

Find your perfect adventure! We have 321 tours of Ecuador that start in Quito, Ecuador. The most popular month is August, and tour lengths range between 1 and 21 days.

10 best Ecuador tour packages from Quito

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Explorer
Galapagos Outdoor 9 Days Tour
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"Great communication throughout; new impressions every day; much wildlife; never a dull moment."
Marion, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island,Isabela Island,Bartolomé Island,Baltra Island+3 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
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, Santa Cruz Island,Isabela Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $2,190
US$1,862per person
+$230 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
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, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Amazonian Basin
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
15% Off
From $3,635
US$3,090per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Galapagos Islands a Dream for Naturalists & Local Encounters
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Amazing trip! I love the Galapagos."
SARO, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island,Floreana Island,Baltra Island+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
15% Off
From
US$4,990per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Volcanoes and Galapagos
4.6 (34 traveler reviews)
"The Galapagos Islands exceeded expectations."
Tess, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano, Banos, Otavalo, Cotacachi,Santa Cruz Island,Isabela Island,Baltra Island+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
From $4,640
US$3,710per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"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,Isabela Island+1 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
13 Days Exploring Ecuador: Highlands and Rainforest
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Responsible Travel South America provided a wonderful tour to Ecuador and the Galapagos. The private family tour was well executed, enjoyable and fun."
Molly, traveled in June
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos,Chimborazo Volcano,Puyo,Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve,Papallacta+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Amazonian BasinAndes MountainsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% Off
From
US$2,100per 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)
"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, Mindo Valley, Banos, Archidona,Santa Cruz Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Amazonian BasinAndes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% 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, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa,Mindo Valley+1 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
20% Off
From
US$1,085per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
13 Days Discovering Ecuador: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Ecuador is a undiscovered gem in terms of really wonderful mountain, old town charming city views, Waterfalls and interesting wildlife."
Vivian, traveled in October
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotopaxi National Park,Quilotoa,Banos,Chimborazo Volcano,Guamote,Alausi,Ingapirca,Cuenca,El Cajas National Park,Puerto Lopez,Guayaquil+10 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean Highlands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% Off
From
US$2,375per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela
4.7 (19 traveler reviews)
"The Ilatoa Lodge is a hidden gem. Marcello and family were so welcoming and kind, and happy to help coordinate anything we needed."
M, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Baltra Island,Santa Cruz Island,Isabela Island+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% Off
From
US$2,310per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
4.5 (11 traveler reviews)
"The highlights for me were the Galapagos Islands and Amazon jungle. What a contrast and what a treat."
David, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido,Santa Cruz Island,Baltra Island+2 more
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
7 Days Galapagos Express Adventure
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% Off
From
US$1,295per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of Galapagos
4.5 (43 traveler reviews)
"The food, the snorkeling, the companions on my trip and all accommodations were excellent."
Debbe, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Floreana Island,Isabela Island,Santa Cruz Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $4,190
US$3,143per person
+$230 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Galápagos Multisport
4.9 (45 traveler reviews)
"The Galapagos is a beautiful place with so many things to do and see."
Susun, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Floreana Island,Isabela Island,Santa Cruz Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From
US$3,699per person
Price based on Shared Room
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