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."

Andes Mountains Tours from Quito

Around Quito, the old town is filled with churches and steep streets. The equatorial line at the Intiñan Museum sits just outside the city, while Otavalo’s market and nearby Peguche waterfalls draw visitors north. From there, the land drops toward the Amazon, with rivers, forest trails, and places like Yasuní National Park waiting deeper in the jungle. It’s a true adventure!

10 best Andes Mountains tours from Quito

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Explorer
Quito, Galapagos & Peru - 11 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Great service, value and communication!"
Sammy, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Maras,Moray,Machu Picchu,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$2,315per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
The Best of Ecuador
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Equador is a beautiful country and we loved visiting the towns, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, llamas, butterflies and hummingbirds!"
Jennifer, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Mindo Valley, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Papallacta,Cotopaxi National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean Highlands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Journeys
From
US$1,277per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Ecuador Quest
5.0 (42 traveler reviews)
"It was so well organized, the group was amazing (16 is the perfect amount), and there was so much to do every day!"
Jessica, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Quito, Banos, Otavalo
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $1,199
US$899per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$5-Day Multisport Adventure in Ecuador\'s Andes and Amazon Jungle Tour$
$5-Day Multisport Adventure in Ecuador\'s Andes and Amazon Jungle - 5 destinations$
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Explorer
5-Day Multisport Adventure in Ecuador's Andes and Amazon Jungle
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Archidona, Papallacta
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Andes MountainsAvenue of the VolcanoesAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Authentic Ecuador
10% Off
From $999
US$899per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary provided an opportunity to fully explore Ecuador, and its culture."
Malva, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Misahualli, Tena, Arajuno, Banos,Cotopaxi National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsAvenue of the VolcanoesAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$2,249per person
Price based on Private Double 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,Misahualli,Papallacta+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsAvenue of the VolcanoesAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
10% Off
From
US$2,285per 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
10% Off
From
US$1,085per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
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
10% Off
From
US$1,180per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Highlights of Northern Ecuador 6 Days Tour
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Ibarra,El Angel Ecological Reserve,Cayambe+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean Highlands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
10% Off
From
US$950per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
In-depth Cultural
Ecuador Highlights
4.7 (34 traveler reviews) award winner
"The booking process via TourRadar was very simple and seamless. I can highly recommend booking this trip!"
Carina, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Puyo, Rio Verde, Banos,Chimborazo Volcano,Alausi,Ingapirca,Cuenca+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Journeys
10% Off
From
US$1,856per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
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
Andes MountainsAmazonian BasinAmazonian Region EcuadorAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
6% Off
From $900
US$850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"The accommodations were charming with very comfortable and welcoming amenities especially when it came to the service and food."
Torsten, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Isinliví, Chugchilan,Quilotoa,Chimborazo Volcano,Llanganates National Park,Banos+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Journeys
6% Off
From
US$1,322per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
12 Days Ecuador’s Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Quito, Cayambe, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lake, Machachi,Cotopaxi National Park,Cotopaxi Volcano,Latacunga,Saquisili,Quilotoa,Mindo Valley,Banos,Papallacta,Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
6% Off
From
US$1,640per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Hiking & Trekking in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Andes - 7 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"They handled everything and booked us in beautiful and charming places. I would highly recommend this company."
Leslie, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Pasochoa Volcano, Cotopaxi National Park, Isinliví,Quilotoa,Ilinizas National Park,Chimborazo Volcano+3 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Authentic Ecuador
6% Off
From $1,780
US$1,680per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Ecuador Andean Jewels 10 Days Tour
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Ecuador is a beautiful country and its people are genuinely nice. It was an unforgettable experience!"
Eugenia, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cayambe, Papallacta,Cotopaxi National Park,Quilotoa,Riobamba,Chimborazo Volcano,Ingapirca,Cuenca,Loja,Vilcabamba+8 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean Highlands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
6% Off
From
US$2,390per person
+$130 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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