Quito Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Quito Shore Excursions
Quito
Cotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 59.00
Quito
Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 40.00
Quito
Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities
Duration: 14 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Quito
Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 15.00
Quito
Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito with Entrances
Duration: 11 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 79.00
Quito
Private and Personalized City Tour of Quito Teleferico and Middle of the World
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 155.00
Quito
Mindo Cloud Forest Private Day Tour
Duration: 8 - 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 130.66
Quito
Otavalo Tour from Quito Visiting Cayambe, Indigenous Market
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 69.00
Quito
Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Quito
Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 69.00
Quito
Personalized Quito City Tour with Teleférico and Mitad del Mundo
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 125.00
Quito
Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 88.00
Quito
Quito Street Food Essentials
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 105.00
Quito
Mindo Cloud Forest Private Tour: Chocolate, Coffee, Birds, Nature
Duration: 5 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 90.00
Quito
Private Day Tour of Quito and Middle of the World
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Quito
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Volcanoes Tour All-in-One Day Trip from Quito
Duration: 9 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 240.00
Quito
Cotopaxi Hike and Bike
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 65.00
Quito
3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 239.00
Quito
Middle of the World Half-Day Tour from Quito Including Entrance
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 150.00
Quito
Middle of the world and Cable car Private tour
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 85.00
Quito
PRIVATE CITY TOUR: Quito Colonial, Half the World and Cable Car
Duration: 6 - 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 99.00
Quito
Mindo Private Day Tour: Hummingbirds, Waterfalls, Butterflies ...
Duration: 8 - 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 129.00
Quito
Experiential Walking tour in Quito's Old Town
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 38.50
Quito
Full-Day Tour Cotopaxi National Park - All included from Quito
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Quito
Elevate: A Day's Odyssey to Cotopaxi's Majestic Heights!
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 79.00
Quito
Quilotoa Lagoon and Volcanoes Avenue Day Trip with Entrances
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Quito
Full-Day Cotopaxi National Park Horseback Ride hike for Beginners
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 195.00
Quito
Day off in Quito? Otavalo indigenous artisan market Private Tour!
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 105.00
Quito
Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tours PRIVATE by Richard Hernandez
Duration: 9 - 11 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 175.00
Quito
Full Day City tour of Quito -All main attractions WITH ADMISSIONS
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Related destinations to Quito
What should I know as a first-time visitor on a shore excursion to Quito?
If you are visiting Quito for the first time, a shore-based programme usually combines colonial streets, highland views and an equatorial landmark within a single day. Most itineraries start in the old city, where baroque churches and leafy plazas offer an immediate sense of place. Expect travel times up into the Andean foothills and light altitude adjustment, with stops like the Basílica del Voto Nacional and the Mitad del Mundo monument. Transport is typically by coach and walking is moderate; a local guide can help with context and practical tips for Quito shore excursions.
What are the top attractions included in Quito shore excursions?
A concise list of highlights helps prioritise time in the city. Old town landmarks include the Plaza de la Independencia, the ornate Church of Santo Domingo and the dramatic spires of the Basílica del Voto Nacional. Another major draw is the Mitad del Mundo complex at the equator, with museums and interactive exhibits demonstrating geodesy and local cultures. Museums such as the Museo de la Ciudad and the Casa del Alabado present Quito’s history and art. Local markets, viewpoints like Panecillo and accessible highland scenery round out options commonly offered on Quito tours.
Should I choose a half-day or full-day excursion from the port?
Comparing half-day and full-day options clarifies what you can reasonably see. Half-day trips focus on a compact area such as the historic centre or the Mitad del Mundo, allowing for a couple of museums, a walking tour and a short viewpoint visit. Full-day programmes extend into the surrounding highlands, adding longer stops, market visits and relaxed time at viewpoints or cultural sites. Transport and altitude impact scheduling, so plan for slower pace on longer outings. Guides and included transfers are common features of Quito shore excursions that affect how much you can cover comfortably.
How much culture and history will I encounter during a Quito shore excursion?
Cultural immersion emphasises colonial architecture, religious art and indigenous heritage interwoven through the city. Museums and churches display Quito’s baroque traditions, while neighbourhoods and markets reveal contemporary Andean life and crafts. Expect interpretive commentary about colonial settlement, independence movements and local customs, with stops such as the Basílica del Voto Nacional, the Plaza Grande and smaller artisanal workshops. Interactions with vendors or community initiatives offer respectful ways to learn about living traditions. Many visitors choose itineraries that balance historic sites with opportunities to observe daily cultural practices on guided Quito tours.
What kind of nature and scenery can I expect near Quito?
The Andean setting provides dramatic scenery close to the city, from highland páramo to volcanic peaks and sweeping city vistas. Daytime excursions often include panoramic stops such as the Pululahua crater viewpoint, the Panecillo statue overlook and the cloudforest edges around surrounding valleys. Wildlife can be observed on quieter trails and birdwatching is rewarding at higher elevations. Prepare for cooler temperatures, sudden weather changes and weaker sunlight at altitude. Binoculars, layered clothing and sun protection are practical considerations when exploring natural highlights offered on many Quito shore excursions.
What local dishes and food experiences are typical on Quito excursions?
Ecuadorian highland cuisine in Quito blends indigenous staples with Spanish influences, focusing on hearty soups, grilled meats and maize-based dishes. Traditional plates to look for include locro de papa, llapingachos and hornado, while street vendors sell empanadas, choclo and fresh fruit. Markets such as the Central Market or La Mariscal area provide chances to sample local produce and beverages like mote and aguapanela. Dietary needs vary, so communicate allergies or restrictions in advance. Sampling food on guided walks or included tastings is a common feature of many organised Quito tours.
What activity level should I expect on typical excursions in Quito?
Activity levels range from gentle walks through plazas to more strenuous hikes or multi-site days that involve significant uphill walking at altitude. Short urban strolls require basic mobility and aren’t usually taxing, whereas visits to high viewpoints or crater rims demand steadier fitness and stable footwear. Acclimatisation affects perceived exertion, so methods like taking it slow, hydrating and avoiding sudden heavy exertion help. Operators commonly grade programmes by difficulty; read descriptions carefully and choose options that match your stamina. Consideration of personal pace improves comfort on Quito shore excursions and reduces fatigue risks.
How accessible are Quito's main sites for travellers with reduced mobility?
Accessibility varies across Quito’s historic streets and attractions, with narrow cobbled alleys, steps and uneven surfaces common in the old centre. Some major sites and modern museums provide ramps, lifts and accessible restrooms, yet access can be limited at older churches and viewpoint platforms. Coaches are typically used for transfers, but local terrain may restrict close drop-offs. Notify providers in advance to confirm mobility support, vehicle accessibility and any necessary assistance. Planning extra time for transfers and checking specific site accessibility helps ensure a more comfortable experience on structured Quito tours.
When is the best time of year and day to visit Quito on a shore excursion?
The Andean climate is relatively temperate but variable, with a dry season generally from June to September and a wetter period from October through May. Morning hours often provide clearer views and calmer conditions for highland panoramas, while afternoons can bring cloud build-up and light rain. Coastal cruise schedules may affect shore time, so plan excursions that match clearer parts of the day when possible. Layered clothing and waterproofs are sensible year-round. Weather considerations should guide expectations for visibility and walking conditions during Quito shore excursions to get the most from outdoor highlights.
Should I take a guided excursion or explore Quito independently?
Choosing between a guided option and independent exploration depends on priorities for interpretation, logistics and pace. Guided visits provide local knowledge, organised transfers and streamlined visits to key sites, helpful for understanding history and navigating transport or altitude issues. Independent trips offer flexibility to linger, choose eateries or move at personal pace, but require more planning for routes, timings and safety. Allow extra time for navigation and potential language barriers when going solo. Consider combining a guided introduction with later independent time to balance structure and freedom on your visit when selecting Quito tours.