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Things to do in Pichincha

Our most recommended things to do in Pichincha

Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour

1. Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour

Depart by bus from through the Panamerican Highway admiring the diverse ecosystems of the route, as a clear sign of the majesty of the Andes. Continue to the Cotopaxi National Park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano. Visit the Museum Park, the Limpiopungo Lagoon and and through an interesting hike will reach the forest of chuquirahuas to 4200 meters. (if the weather permits). See the Quilotoa Volcano. With a stunning turquoise lagoon in its crater, it's one of the most beautiful landscapes of Ecuador. Take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent view of the volcano (if weather conditions allow) and enjoy time for lunch at your own expense.

Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World

2. Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World

Begin by a visit to one of South America's best preserved historic city centers. Go to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where you can climb up its high domes. Move towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty and giant statue of the Winged Virgin - here you can admire a beautiful landscape of both colonial and modern Quito (entrance to churches not included). Continue on to the traditional La Ronda neighborhood. In this romantic setting you can find workshops where you can learn from a group of authentic artisans how their work is done. See historic trades that keep alive the cultural traditions of this charming city. Stop at Zona Rosa for approximately an hour and a half to have some free time for lunch (not included). You will then go to the Middle of the World City, where you can see the monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres of the planet. Entrance to the Middle of the World complex is included ,where you can enjoy experiences that defy the laws of physics and occur only in this part of the world. NOTE: On Sunday, this tour operates in an inverted way, first you visit the Middle of the World and then you have the city tour.

Quito: 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour

3. Quito: 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour

Embark on a fun and relaxing tour experience as you explore Quito on a double-decker bus. See more of the city in less time, visit famous locations and enjoy informative commentary from an audio guide along the way. The itinerary includes the highlights of Quito, including its historic city center, the largest in South America. Stop at Panecillo Hill, and enjoy panoramic views from the most important lookout in Quito. Enjoy a memorable ride through the city and take great photos from the top of the bus.

Quito: Middle of the World Tour with Tickets

4. Quito: Middle of the World Tour with Tickets

Begin your 3-hour tour in the northern part of Quito and head up to the middle of the city. This is where you will find the monument that stands on the line that divides the northern and the southern hemispheres. The Equatorial Monument was built during the 17th century when the precise dividing line between the hemispheres was defined by a French expeditionary team.

From Quito: Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike

5. From Quito: Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike

Visit Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains. The park is home to the active Cotopaxi volcano that towers 19,642 feet above sea level. When you reach the park your naturalist guide will show you the exceptional variety of flora and fauna. Hike to the Limpiopungo lagoon, located on the slopes of the volcano. Stop at the lagoon for a short rest to take in the landscapes and the spectacular views of the volcano. Continue the hike to the Jose Ribas shelter and experience the environment at almost 16,000 feet above sea level.

From Quito: Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Full-Day Tour

6. From Quito: Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Full-Day Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life in Quito and discover the ease and beauty of the Ecuadorian countryside. Depart from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway via Cayambe. Passengers will have the opportunity to taste the delicious Bizcochos de Cayambe, a type of cracker or bread baked in a clay oven, greatly paired with local cheese or caramel sauce. Afterwards, make a brief stop at Miralago to admire a wonderful view of Lago San Pablo. The tour then continues to Otavalo where Otavaleños (natives) set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is taken place. The market hosts a variety of different handcrafted items. You may choose between staying in this area and enjoying more time at the market (a bus will pick you up at the end of the tour*), or you can continue the tour to visit Cotacachi and Cuicocha. If you continue the tour, journey to the town of Cotacachi, recognized for its leather clothing and crafts. On the way to Cotacachi, visit an Andean instrument workshop, "Ñanda Mañachi", located in the area of Peguche, to spend some special moments with the local people and understand the Andean culture. In Cotacachi you have enough time to visit the village and leather goods shops, as well as free time for lunch (not included). Later, visit the Ecological Reserve where the Cuicocha lagoon is located, inside the crater of the Cotacachi Volcano. This originated after a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. And if the weather permits, it will be possible to make a walk by the lagoon with the chance to sail in the crater of the volcano in small boats (at an additional cost). *Bus will wait for 10 minutes in Otavalo to pick you up if you have chosen to stay there, and after that will return to Quito and your respective hotel or starting point.

Quito: 1914 Original Trolley City Tour

7. Quito: 1914 Original Trolley City Tour

Visit the historic center of Quito, the largest and best preserved in South America, in one of the local supplier's original trolleys, which are a replica of the trams that circulated in Quito in the last century. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where you make a brief stop for an explanation of its facade, before later heading towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty. Here you will find a giant statue of the "Winged Virgin", and you can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. Later, continue to the Plaza de San Francisco, one of the representative places of the city and full of history. From here, you walk to the Plaza Grande, the historical and political center of the city, surrounded by innumerable attractions including: the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, the Archbishop's Palace, and the La Compañía church (entrance to churches are not included). Take a tour on a Monday and you will have the possibility to observe the Presidential Change of Guard Finish your tour by visiting the traditional La Ronda neighborhood — a romantic setting with workshops where you can learn all about the work and cultural traditions of authentic artisans.

Quito: Old Town and Middle of the World Tour.

8. Quito: Old Town and Middle of the World Tour.

From your hotel, the tour starts with a visit to the old town visiting Plaza Grande, and La Compañia de Jesús, San Francisco and La Basilica Churches. You then continue onto Panecillo Hill, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the city. Leaving the old town, head to the cable car Teleférico, traveling to 4,200 meters above sea level to view all of Quito. Following a 45-minute drive, you will find yourself in the middle of the world, visiting the equator line monument and Intiñan museum. Another 45-minute will have you back at your hotel. The tour itinerary is very flexible and lunch could be provided in either the middle of the world or in the old town.

Quito: Urban Legends of Quito by Night

9. Quito: Urban Legends of Quito by Night

Start your Quito night tour in the northern part of the city and travel through the most important commercial areas where most of the hotels are located. Explore aboard a replica of the trams used in the city in the last century. Head to the historic center to gaze at the illuminated churches and main tourist attractions. Discover some of the city's unique landscapes (tickets not included). Then, continue to Mirador del Panecillo (entrance included) for a beautiful view of colonial and modern day Quito. During the tour, you will get to know the people who live in this city better, and begin to recognize their way of speaking and thinking. During your visit to the city, your guide will tell you all about the historic urban legends that are a part of the traditional and cultural heritage of the people of Quito.

From Quito: Guided Day Trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest

10. From Quito: Guided Day Trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest

Be picked up in the morning from the comfort of your accommodation in Quito. Sit back and relax in the air-conditioned van or all-terrain vehicle on the drive to the Mindo Cloud Forest ecological reserve. Go to an altitude of1, 900 meters above sea level. Ride along a winding road and stop at different viewpoints to take in the verdant landscapes. Stop at Mindo village, which is located at the southern edge of the Choco/Andean hotspot of biodiversity that stretches from south-western Colombia to north-western Ecuador. Take a cable car on a 530 meters-long-cable to the other side of the mountain. Travel to the Ondinas, Guarumos, Colibríes, Madre and Los Maderos waterfalls where you can stop to take a dip. Uncover the secrets of the local ecosystem as you look for hummingbirds, air plants, orchids and other surprising exotic species in this area that has international importance for birds. Have some free time to purchase a nice lunch or to explore the orchid and butterfly farm or the chocolate factory. Head back to your accommodation in the afternoon.

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What people are saying about Pichincha

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 880 reviews

Our guide met us promptly & immediately started letting us know about the history of the streets we passed through. His English was excellent and his connection to all the vendors in the markets we visited was lovely to see and gave us inside access to the food & beliefs of local people. The history of colonial buildings and their stories was very interesting and we were fascinated by the information provided. Excellent value and a really fun and interesting few hours.

Diego is a fabulous guide; a friendly and knowledgeable ambassador for Ecuador. He brought us to great places, had good advice about walking through the markets and helped us find what we were looking for. Diego is generous, interesting and a delightful conversationalist and he gave us a wonderful day in Otavalo.

Wilson was a fantastic guide - incredibly knowledgeable, willing to answer all the questions I peppered him with and spoke fluent English and Spanish. Took this tour with my two older kids and it was a highlight of our trip.

Fransisco: a Really good guide, very knowledgeable and patient. The best part was the lunch offered at a local family location, very unique experience! The activity was very well organized!

We had wonderful time with Enrique. He was very informative and friendly. Would highly recommend this tour and especially Enrique.