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

View Map
In-depth Cultural
The Best of Ecuador
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"This 14-day Ecuador/Amazon/Galapagos trip was AMAZING and exceeded our expectations. Jorge's knowledge about beautiful Ecuador brought new knowledge to us."
Hans, traveled in January
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
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
5-Day Ecuador Amazon Escape: Quito, Rainforest & Papallacta
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Quito, Archidona, Tena, Papallacta
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsAvenue of the VolcanoesAmazonian BasinAmazonian Region EcuadorAmazon Rainforest+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Latin Trails
From
US$952per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
6-Day Ecuador Journey: Quito, Mindo Cloud Forest & Cotopaxi
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Quito, Mindo Valley, Cotopaxi National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean Highlands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Latin Trails
From
US$739per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
$5-Day Multisport Adventure in Ecuador\'s Andes and Amazon Jungle Tour$
$5-Day Multisport Adventure in Ecuador\'s Andes and Amazon Jungle - 5 destinations$
View Map
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
From
US$999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"His professionalism is above and beyond. Thank you for a wonderful experience!"
Lorilyn, traveled in August
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
15% Off
From $2,499
US$2,124per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
Tailor-Made 8-Day Private Ecuador Amazon Jungle Tour (Domestic Flights Included)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lake, Coca,Yasuni National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsAmazonian Basin+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
15% Off
From
US$4,039per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
$15 Days Exploring Ecuador\'s Wonders Tour$
$15 Days Exploring Ecuador\'s Wonders - 11 destinations$
View Map
Explorer
15 Days Exploring Ecuador's Wonders
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The vacation was wonderful and our contacts Joseph and Alvero in Ecuador were fantastic."
Bohdan, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos,Chimborazo Volcano,Guamote,Cuenca,Montanita,Puerto Lopez,Manta+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
15% Off
From
US$3,440per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
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
15% Off
From
US$2,285per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
12 Day Ecuador’s Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Quito, Mindo Valley, Otavalo, Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa,Banos,Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
15% Off
From
US$1,830per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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
View tour
View Map
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
15% Off
From
US$900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
$8 Days in Ecuador\'s Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs Tour$
$8 Days in Ecuador\'s Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs - 8 destinations$
View Map
Explorer
8 Days in Ecuador's Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs
4.7 (10 traveler reviews)
"I had an amazing time with my friend in Ecuador! It really was a memorable experience."
Aissatou, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos,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
15% Off
From
US$1,335per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"We saw the tree by volcanoes, Fatima set a good pass for hiking days and the packed lunches were more than enough food."
Katherine, traveled in September
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
15% Off
From
US$1,322per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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
15% Off
From
US$1,780per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
Ecuador Hiking 11 Days Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"We really enjoyed our short breaks and feel that we saw so much more by taking your Ecuador Trip."
Carter, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Papallacta,Cotopaxi Volcano,Quilotoa+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsEcuador Andean HighlandsAvenue of the Volcanoes+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,490per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour