Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
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10 best Andes Mountains tours from Quito
Compiled by
MelissaQuito travel expert at TourRadar
- Bergsteigen am Äquator
- Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos (10 destinations)
- 14 Days in Ecuador Highlights Amazon and Galapagos Islands
- 13 Days Discovering Ecuador: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
- 15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
- 21 Days Adventure and Nature Trip in Ecuador & Peru
- 7 Days Adventure In The Ecuadorian Andes (Shared Trip)
- 12 Days Ecuador’s Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure
- Andes & Rainforest
- Highlights of Northern Ecuador 6 Days Tour
Quito's historic center at 2,850m marks the starting point for multiple Andean ascents. The path leads through Otavalo to Cuicocha crater lake, followed by summits of Fuya Fuya (4,293m), Imbabura (4,682m), and Chimborazo (6,268m), ending in Quito.
Duration 17 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Pasochoa Forest Reserve, Cotopaxi National Park, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator ThomasWilkenSuedamerikatours From
- US$3,292
Duration 18 days Destinations Quito, Tena, Banos, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotacachi, Otavalo, Papallacta, Quilotoa, Floreana Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,860
10% Off- US$5,274+$230 local paymentsYou save $586
14 Days in Ecuador Highlights Amazon and Galapagos Islands
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We embraced and immersed ourselves into the culture and environment and participated and enjoyed all the activities offered.”
Kim, traveled in October
Volcanic landscapes stretch from Quito (9,350ft) to Cotopaxi National Park (15,800ft). The trail leads through Cuicocha crater lake and Baños thermal springs before descending to Amazon rainforest in Archidona and reaching Galapagos.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Mindo Valley, Banos, Archidona, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$3,270
13 Days Discovering Ecuador: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Ecuador is a undiscovered gem in terms of really wonderful mountain, old town charming city views, Waterfalls and interesting wildlife.”
Vivian, traveled in October
The Andean journey rises from Quito at 9,350 feet, through Cotopaxi National Park and Chimborazo Volcano. Mountain communities dot the route to Cuenca via historic paths, ending in coastal Guayaquil.
Duration 13 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Guamote, Alausi, IngapircaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$2,375
15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The vacation was wonderful and our contacts Joseph and Alvero in Ecuador were fantastic.”
Bohdan, traveled in October
The path rises from Quito's 9,350ft elevation to Chimborazo, Earth's closest point to the sun. Your route includes Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa's crater rim, and mountain communities in Guamote, with careful acclimatization planning.
Duration 15 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Guamote, Cuenca, El Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Puerto LopezSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$2,390
21 Days Adventure and Nature Trip in Ecuador & Peru
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Ecuador is incredibly diverse but my itinerary covered many different ecosystems, pretty towns, amazing national parks and visits to indigenous communities which was amazing.”
From Quito's UNESCO-listed center at 9,350 feet, the route takes you through Quilotoa's crater lake and Baños' thermal springs. The path leads to Cuyabeno's Amazon before crossing to Peru, concluding at Machu Picchu's ancient citadel. Eight cities connected with expert transportation.
Duration 21 days Destinations Quito, Quilotoa, Banos, Otavalo, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$3,765
7 Days Adventure In The Ecuadorian Andes (Shared Trip)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great trip showcasing the highlights of Ecuador. We were kept updated before the trip with detailed information.”
Kate, traveled in January
Historic Quito opens this mountain adventure, ascending to Cotopaxi's refuge at 4,800m. The path winds through Quilotoa's volcanic crater and Baños' valley, finishing via Mindo's cloud forest, with professional drivers throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Mindo Valley Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$905
The Andean adventure loops from Quito at 9,350ft. Cotopaxi Volcano rises to 19,347ft, while Quilotoa crater sits at 12,467ft, before descending to Mindo's cloud forests. Private transfers and boats cover 925km across Ecuador's mountain ranges.
Duration 12 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Mindo Valley, Banos, Papallacta, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$1,355
The Andes stretch from Quito through Cotopaxi National Park, Cuicocha Lagoon, and colonial Cuenca. Highlights include Jose Rivas Refuge trek, Cajas National Park's alpine terrain, and a domestic flight back to Quito, with private transportation throughout.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Banos, Tena, Papallacta, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Cuenca Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$2,055
A mountain expedition from Quito at 15,600 feet weaves through the Northern Andes to El Angel Reserve. The route encompasses seven destinations including Otavalo, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha Lake, before returning via Cayambe. Private transport and English-speaking guides ensure a comfortable adventure.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Ibarra, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Cayambe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
10% Off- US$950
What people love about Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
I was pleasantly surprised at how organized the tour is....with Ronni as the tour manager, I always felt looked after. He picked great hotels with knowledgeable staff that kept you in the loop about the next day activities. He was great during the booking process and letting me know if there were any issues before and after the tour. The various tour guides were local operators which spoke English and was able to provide local insight into the culture. What I loved about the tour is that the freedom to have a partially organized tour and free time to explore as you wish. Ecuador is a undiscovered gem in terms of really wonderful mountain, old town charming city views, Waterfalls and interesting wildlife.
13 Days Discovering Ecuador: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
Great trip showcasing the highlights of Ecuador. We weren’t aware of how long the journeys would take from each place. We were kept updated before the trip with detailed information.
7 Days Adventure In The Ecuadorian Andes (Shared Trip)
- 8 Days in Ecuador's Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs
We visited Ecuador in April 2025 on a family vacation with another family, and were so thrilled that we planned our trip with and through Responsible Travel Ecuador! With a group of four adults and five kids ages 7-15, it was important for us to have a fun adventure with a good mix of learning history, cultural immersion, and memorable fun. The team from Responsible Travel Ecuador delivered and exceeded our expectations! Our tour guide David was knowledgeable and flexible, and the office team (Ana, Diego, and Alejandra) worked behind the scenes to make sure our time was well-scheduled and seamlessly adjusted when weather did not cooperate or a new idea sprung up. The 8-day agenda was thoughtfully created to give us a taste of Ecuador's diverse geography, magical nature, delicious cuisine, and beautiful people! Accommodations were conveniently located and offered breathtaking views, and the entire team was very communicative before the trip and during our time in Ecuador. Responsible Travel Ecuador played a huge role in us falling in love with Ecuador and we can't wait to return! Until we do, we are telling our social circles to book quickly. :)
What our customers ask about Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
What are the main highlights visited in the first few days starting from Quito?
Most tours begin in Quito's historic district with visits to the architectural gems of San Francisco Church La Compañía Church and the Basilica. The itinerary typically continues to the Equatorial Monument at Mitad del Mundo and Inti Ñan Museum followed by excursions to the vibrant Otavalo Market and scenic Cuicocha Lake. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting in Quito's historic center was perfect - the guide showed us the city's incredible colonial architecture before we ventured into the Andes. The Basilica's views were breathtaking."
What accommodation options are available for tours starting in Quito?
Quito and its surroundings offer accommodations for every preference and budget. In the city center visitors can stay at international chains like the Sheraton while the outskirts feature historic properties such as Hacienda Pinsaqui. Nature enthusiasts often choose mountain lodges near Cotopaxi National Park while heritage seekers prefer boutique options like Hotel San Andres Guesthouse in the Old Town. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The accommodations were almost all higher class. The Hacienda Andalusia was one standout - it was the nicest room I have ever had with beautiful gardens llamas and rabbits you can feed."
What is the best time of year to start an Andes Mountains tour from Quito?
The dry season from June to September provides ideal conditions for Andes Mountains tours with minimal rainfall and clear views of peaks like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. December through February also offers favorable weather despite occasional afternoon showers. Starting in Quito at 2850 meters helps travelers adjust before ascending to higher altitudes. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We had perfect weather in July for hiking in Cotopaxi National Park and amazing visibility of the snow-capped peaks from La Casa Mojanda and Hotel Cuello de Luna."
How do tours handle transportation from Quito to other Andean destinations?
Tour operators provide private modern vehicles for transfers between destinations. Trips from Quito to Otavalo take about 2 hours while Cotopaxi National Park is roughly 2.5 hours away. Some itineraries include scenic train journeys such as the famous Devil's Nose route. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The transportation was excellent - comfortable vans with regular stops at scenic points between Quito and each Andean destination."
What are the common routes from Quito into the Andes Mountains?
The classic route follows the Avenue of Volcanoes southward from Quito beginning with Cotopaxi National Park then proceeding to Quilotoa Lagoon and Baños. Travelers often stay at properties like Hotel La Hacienda near Cotopaxi or Selina in Baños. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The journey from Quito along the Avenue of Volcanoes was spectacular with each stop offering unique experiences - from hiking Cotopaxi to relaxing in Baños' hot springs at Luna Runtun Adventure Spa."
What is the best transportation from Quito airport to tour starting points?
Most tour packages include airport transfers to Quito hotels taking 45-60 minutes to reach the historic center properties like the Sheraton or Hotel Boutique Plaza Sucre. Hotels in Tumbaco are about 20 minutes away. Private transfers cost approximately USD 35-40. As a TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The tour operator arranged seamless pickup from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to our hotel in the historic center making arrival day stress-free."
What cultural experiences are included in tours starting from Quito?
Tours blend colonial history with indigenous culture starting in Quito and extending to surrounding communities. Key experiences include shopping at Otavalo Market visiting craft workshops in Cotacachi and meeting local Quichua communities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "From our base at the Dann Carlton in Quito we experienced incredible cultural immersion - the local markets indigenous communities and historic sites were all fascinating."
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