Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
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10 best Andes Mountains tours from Quito
Compiled by
MelissaQuito travel expert at TourRadar
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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, Cuicocha Lake, Ibarra, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Cayambe Age Range 5 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$1,585
Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very nice tour, well organized.”
Asha, traveled in October
The Andes unfold from Quito through Cotopaxi National Park's volcanic landscapes and Otavalo's highland markets. A private van winds along the Avenue of Volcanoes, reaching elevations from 2,800m to 4,800m while visiting thermal springs and indigenous communities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Tena, Banos, Coca, Yasuni National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From
- NZ$2,999
Highlights of Ecuador: Andes to Amazon
28 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Ecuador is an amazing country, wonderful scenery, wonderful people, a new adventure round every corner not yet swamped by tourism.”
Sue, traveled in April
The route ascends from Quito through Andean peaks, reaching Papallacta Pass at 13,350ft before descending to Amazon Basin. Hiking takes you through Chimborazo National Park to 16,400ft and Cuicocha Crater Lake. Colonial Cuenca leads to coastal Guayaquil.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Cotacachi, Otavalo, Papallacta, Tena, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Riobamba, Ingapirca, CuencaSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,597
3% Off- NZ$6,380You save $217
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 12 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
3% Off- NZ$3,429
The mountain route winds from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park, reaching Quilotoa's crater lake at 3,800m. Papallacta's thermal springs at 3,250m offer views of Antisana Volcano, connecting highland and lowland destinations before returning to Quito.
Duration 13 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Puyo, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve, Papallacta Age Range 18 to 60 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
3% Off- NZ$2,670
The altitude varies dramatically from Quito's 9,350ft to Cotopaxi's Jose Rivas refuge at 15,748ft. Mountain peaks give way to Amazon lowlands, with expert guides ensuring safe acclimatization throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range 10 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
3% Off- NZ$1,460
Andean landscapes stretch from Quito to Guayaquil. Cotopaxi National Park presents volcanic terrain, while Quilotoa crater lake sits at 3,800m, near Cuicocha Lagoon. The route features Devil's Nose railway and El Cajas National Park's highland trails.
Duration 12 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotacachi, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos, Guamote, Ingapirca, CuencaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
3% Off- NZ$4,272
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 8 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
3% Off- NZ$2,169
High-altitude Quito (9,350 ft) serves as the gateway to Andean páramos and Polylepis Lodge, followed by Ibarra's wellness facilities. Cotopaxi National Park's volcanic terrain and Baños' waterfalls lead back to Quito's colonial center.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Ibarra, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From $3,838
2% Off- NZ$3,771You save $66
Andean heights range from Quito's 9,350ft to Chimborazo Volcano at 20,564ft. The route follows the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park, Baños, and Cuenca. Internal flights link distant points, while private transfers handle mountain routes.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
2% Off- NZ$3,721
What people love about Andes Mountains Tours from Quito
- Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
It's been awhile but went on small group tour to Ecuador. Had never been. Two thumbs up. Went where couldn't have gone on own~~stayed with indigenous community in the jungle. Hiked the jungle with the indigenous host. Rafted. Soaked in Banos and drove BEHIND the volcano for a kick ash good time. Days in Cuenca, dancing. Hacienda with a fireplace in each room. Went to one of the equator spots. Who knows which is really it? Lastly we were in Otavalo for animal market. What a truly fabulous trip.
- Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
Fantastic way to explore Ecuador’s nature. The trekking was excellent and every day felt different. Christian was our guide and he did a great job at introducing us to this beautiful country and its culture and people. I traveled alone and immediately felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone in the group. Lovely people and a unique experience that I would recommend to any newcomer to this country!
- Quito to Lima: Surf Towns & Hot Springs
Quito to Lima adventure was amazing. The jungle homestay part was amazing- away from technology and back with nature. The use of public transportation let you experience the local life. The beach life was experienced. The culture of ruins was also explored. The CEO was great. You change place about every 2-3 days which is ideal. It's a good way to see Ecuador and Peru. Highly recommend it.
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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