The Best Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador

One of the things that makes Quito such a great travel destination is how easy it is to get out of the city and see the rest of Ecuador. The capital sits high in the Andes, but within just a few hours you can find yourself hiking on an active volcano, standing at the edge of a crater lake, wandering through cloud forests, or riding one of the most famous trains in South America.

If you are visiting Quito for more than a couple days, you should absolutely plan to take at least one day trip. Ecuador is a small country with an incredible amount of geographic diversity, and Quito is positioned almost perfectly to explore it.

Some of the best experiences in the country are just a few hours outside the city.

Here are a few of the best day trips from Quito that are absolutely worth the effort.

Hiking Cotopaxi Base Camp

If you want an experience that truly shows off the scale of the Andes, hiking Cotopaxi Base Camp should be at the top of your list.

Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world, and it sits only about an hour outside Quito. Once you enter Cotopaxi National Park, you will drive through wide open high altitude plains until you reach the base of the volcano.

The hike itself is surprisingly short. It is only about one kilometer to reach the Jose Rivas Refuge, which serves as the base camp for climbers attempting to summit the mountain. The challenge is the altitude. The hike begins at roughly fifteen thousand feet, which means even a short walk can feel incredibly strenuous.

The landscape is stark and dramatic. There is almost no vegetation at that elevation, and the wind can be intense. Weather conditions also change quickly, so being prepared with layers and water is essential.

Reaching the Jose Rivas Refuge is incredibly rewarding, and the views across Cotopaxi National Park make the effort worthwhile.

If you are interested in the full experience, including tips on acclimatization and what to expect on the trail, I wrote a detailed guide to hiking Cotopaxi Base Camp.

Riding the Nariz Del Diablo Train in Alausí

One of the most unique day trips from Quito involves heading south into the Andes to the small town of Alausí.

Alausí sits about five hours from Quito, which makes it a longer day trip, but it is worth the drive. The town itself is charming and relaxed, with friendly locals and small shops selling jewelry and handmade crafts.

The main reason travelers come here is to ride the famous Nariz Del Diablo train.

This railway was built to solve a serious engineering problem. The mountains in this part of Ecuador are extremely steep, so engineers designed a system of switchbacks that allows the train to zigzag down the mountainside. The train moves forward, stops, switches tracks, and then reverses direction several times as it descends.

The result is a train ride with incredible views of the surrounding Andes.

When the train reaches the station at the bottom of the route, visitors are greeted by members of nearby indigenous communities who perform traditional music and cultural dances. Villages such as Nitzag are represented, and it creates a welcoming atmosphere that adds something special to the experience.

The ride is not long, but the scenery and the history behind the railway make it one of the most memorable things you can do in the region.

If you are planning to visit, I also wrote about what it is actually like to ride the Devil’s Nose train in Alausí, including a food stop you should probably avoid and a much better option nearby.

Visiting Quilotoa Crater Lake

Another incredible day trip from Quito takes you to one of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in South America.

Quilotoa is a massive crater lake that formed when a volcano collapsed thousands of years ago. Today the crater is filled with bright turquoise water and surrounded by steep cliffs that drop down into the lake.

Standing at the rim of the crater is breathtaking. The views stretch across the Andes, and the lake itself changes color depending on the light and weather conditions.

Many visitors hike down to the water and then climb back up to the rim. The hike is steep, and the altitude adds an extra challenge, but it is a memorable experience for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventure.

The small village at the top of the crater has restaurants, hostels, and markets where you can find local crafts.

Quilotoa is one of those places that photographs rarely do justice. Seeing it in person is something entirely different.

Exploring the Mindo Cloud Forest

If you want a break from the high altitude of the Andes, heading west from Quito toward the cloud forest is a perfect option.

Mindo is a small town located about two hours from the capital, and it sits in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The area is famous for birdwatching, waterfalls, and lush tropical vegetation.

The change in climate alone makes the trip worthwhile. Within a short drive, the dry highland air of Quito gives way to humid forests filled with butterflies, hummingbirds, and orchids.

There are plenty of things to do in Mindo. You can hike to waterfalls, visit chocolate farms, take a cable car across the valley, or simply relax in a café surrounded by jungle.

For travelers who enjoy nature and wildlife, Mindo is one of the best day trips you can take from Quito.

Read about Mindo here!

The Mitad Del Mundo Monument

One of the easiest day trips from Quito is also one of the most famous.

The Middle of the World Monument marks the location where early explorers believed the equator passed through Ecuador. Today the monument stands as a major tourist attraction just outside the city.

Visitors can stand on the equatorial line, explore museums, and learn about the history of the scientific expeditions that attempted to measure the Earth’s circumference.

While modern GPS shows that the exact equator lies slightly away from the monument, the site is still a fun place to visit and an interesting piece of Ecuadorian history.

Because it is so close to Quito, it can easily be combined with other activities during the same day.

A Food Detour to Ambato

If your travel plans revolve around food, the city of Ambato deserves serious consideration. Located about two and a half hours south of Quito, Ambato is one of the best places in Ecuador to try traditional Andean dishes that you will not easily find elsewhere.

The city is especially famous for cuy, which is roasted guinea pig and a staple of highland Ecuadorian cuisine. It is usually served whole, crisped over an open flame, and paired with potatoes and local sauces. If you are feeling adventurous, this is one of the best places in the country to try it.

Ambato is also well known for something much sweeter. Not far from the city you will find the famous ice cream shops of Salcedo. Salcedo ice cream is instantly recognizable because of its colorful layered bars made with real fruit flavors like blackberry, strawberry, mango, and milk caramel. The combination of bold flavors and bright colors has made it one of the most iconic desserts in Ecuador. If you enjoy exploring a country through its food, a stop in Ambato is well worth the detour.

Why Quito Is the Perfect Base for Exploring Ecuador

Quito is one of the best cities in South America to use as a travel base. The city itself has incredible history, beautiful colonial architecture, and excellent food. But what really makes it special is its location.

Within just a few hours you can experience high altitude volcanoes, cloud forests, crater lakes, historic railways, and indigenous villages.

Each of these destinations offers a completely different perspective on Ecuador.

Whether you are hiking on the slopes of Cotopaxi, riding the switchbacks of the Nariz Del Diablo train, or standing at the edge of the Quilotoa crater, you quickly realize that Ecuador packs an enormous amount of adventure into a very small country.

If you are planning a trip to Quito, make sure you leave time to get out of the city and explore what surrounds it. Some of the most unforgettable experiences in Ecuador are waiting just down the road.