Summary
Quito, previously called San Francisco de Quito, was established atop the remnants of an Incan city. In 1978, this expansive city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers and offers numerous attractions reflecting its rich pre-Colombian heritage. Due to its proximity to the equator and an elevation of 9,350 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, Quito maintains a relatively stable climate.
Here are the premier day trips from Quito:
1. La Mitad del Mundo
This substantial trapezoidal monument celebrates the precise location where Charles Marie de la Condamine, a French explorer, established the earth’s equatorial line in the 18th Century. The name translates to “the middle of the world.”
La Mitad del Mundo stands as Quito’s premier tourist destination. Visitors flock here to capture photographs at the equator, where the northern and southern hemispheres converge. This popular site tends to be bustling, particularly from June to September.
An elevator provides access to the top of the monument, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The 30-meter-tall monument is designed to be accessible to all.
The monument is located 26 km north of Quito, making it easily reachable by road.
2. Parque Bicentenario
This contemporary park ranks as the second largest in Quito, encompassing an area of 200 acres. Officially inaugurated on April 27, 2013, Parque Bicentenario occupies the site that was formerly home to the Old Mariscal Sucre Airport, lying at an elevation of 2,800 meters above sea level.
The park’s appealing design arises from the transformation of the former runway, which has been creatively repurposed into recreational spaces featuring play structures for children and cycling paths.
Within the park, there are over a thousand trees and a created pond enhancing its natural beauty.
3. Quilotoa Lagoon
Magnificent views await at Quilotoa Lagoon.
This lagoon was formed by the collapse of a now-extinct volcano, resulting in a 3-kilometer-wide and 250-meter-deep crater filled with water. The volcanic mountain collapsed approximately 600 years ago following a catastrophic eruption, subsequently entering a period of dormancy. The lagoon’s waters exhibit a green hue attributed to dissolved volcanic minerals. This enchanting lake sits at an elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level.
Located about a 3-hour drive from the southwestern edge of Quito, Quilotoa represents an increasingly popular destination for day trips.
Prepare for breathtaking vistas and endless photography possibilities. Additionally, remember to bring water and wear comfortable footwear if you intend to explore around the crater.
4. Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most frequented national parks, captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes featuring rocky mountain trails, expansive plains, and pristine lagoons. Spanning an area of 33,393 hectares, it offers an exceptional experience in nature.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, a visit to this park—located approximately an hour from Quito—is essential. Roughly 53 km south of the Ecuadorian capital, this splendid park offers both a captivating history and an impressive natural setting, providing tourists with a remarkable experience.
Within the park resides the highest volcano in South America, with experienced hikers often aiming to ascent the Cotopaxi Volcano, whose most recent significant eruption occurred in 1904.
5. Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus
The church’s official name translates to “The Church of the Society of Jesus.” Commonly referred to as La Compania by locals, it is often regarded as the most exquisite church in South America. This remarkable structure, alongside other nearby edifices, was built around 1741. Following damage from a fire and later an earthquake in 1882, Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus underwent restoration efforts.
La Compania is renowned for its grand central nave, elaborately adorned with wood carvings, gilded plaster, and gold leaf, making it a significant cultural landmark.
This church offers an ideal excursion for individuals seeking to connect with their spiritual side.
6. Pasochoa Forest Reserve
This forest reserve is home to a diverse array of trees, ferns, orchids, and numerous bird species.
The rugged terrain poses accessibility challenges, which is a primary reason for the reserve’s preservation. Declared a protected area in 1982 and later designated as a Wildlife Refuge in 1996, the Pasochoa Forest Reserve stands as one of the few remnants of original Andean forests. Fundacion Natura manages this site, overseeing various conservation and research initiatives.
7. Pululahua Volcano Crater
Pululahua experienced its last eruption approximately 2,500 years ago, resulting in a crater rich in fertile soil. This unique crater is one of only two cultivated by its 120 residents. At the core of the 34-square-kilometer crater lies a 500-meter-high lava dome covered in lush cloud forest vegetation, offering breathtaking views from its summit.
The term Pululahua translates to “smoke of cloud of water” in Quichua, a name reflecting the daily fog that envelops the crater around noon. Interestingly, it experiences minimal rainfall, relying on the fog for irrigation.
The optimal time to visit is early in the morning before the fog rolls in, allowing for exceptional views and perfect conditions for photography.
On January 28, 1966, Pululahua was recognized as a Geobotanical Reserve, housing over 2,000 species of birds, mammals, flora, and unique insects. This serene haven, located 17 km north of Quito, is a favored spot for both tourists and botanists.
8. Capilla del Hombre
Culture enthusiasts visiting Quito will find their experience incomplete without a day trip to La Capilla del Hombre. Designed by Guayasamin, construction commenced in 1995 and concluded in 2002 after his passing.
This chapel serves as a museum housing over 4,500 artifacts that portray the history of Latin American peoples.
Visitors can appreciate the captivating scriptures and murals harmoniously integrated into the environment.
9. Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, located 132 kilometers from Quito, is a large and relatively new town, commonly referred to as Santo Domingo de Los Colorados.
This town offers visitors a broad array of facilities, including numerous nightclubs and malls tailored to every shopper’s needs. The newest addition to the area is La Avenica Quito mall, along with a variety of restaurants serving diverse cuisines and local delicacies.
Overall, the vibrant atmosphere here is both exciting and dynamic. Santo Domingo is undoubtedly deserving of a day trip from Quito, with something to offer everyone.
10. El Panecillo
El Panecillo, resembling a small loaf of bread, is a hill situated approximately 3,016 meters above sea level and serves as a popular observation point, offering visitors a panoramic view of Quito.
A magnificent sculpture of La Virgen del Panecillo (or La Virgen de Legarda) graces the summit. This striking 41-meter-tall aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary draws inspiration from the Virgen de Quito and is the largest of its kind globally, constructed from 7,000 pieces of aluminum.
The most favorable time to visit El Panecillo is during the morning when the skies are clear, ensuring unobstructed views that extend as far as the Cotopaxi Volcano.
11. La Mariscal
The Mariscal neighborhood, colloquially known as Gringolandia, stands as the epicenter of Quito’s tourism landscape.
While the area may lack numerous attractions, Mariscal is acclaimed for its wealth of amenities including banks, laundromats, accommodations, bars, international dining options, clubs, travel agencies, dance schools, and shops, all of which create a significant draw for tourists. These facilities are conveniently concentrated within a few blocks, facilitating easy movement from one location to another.
La Mariscal functions as an entertainment hub for locals and tourists alike, extending from Orella Avenue in the north to La Paria in the south.
12. Mindo Protected Reserve
This protected reserve is situated a mere 90 km from the city, requiring approximately two hours by road for tourists to reach.
Upon arriving at Mindo Protected Reserve, expect to encounter over 25 species of birds, butterflies, frogs, and a plethora of orchids. Bird enthusiasts can feed the birds while enjoying the beautiful butterfly gardens—a prime spot for birdwatching.
The key feature of this reserve is the Mindo Cloud Forest, encompassing an area of 19,200 hectares. Historically, this cloud forest was inhabited by the Yumbo-Nigua, prosperous merchants who traded between the coast and the highlands.
13. Otavalo Market
The Otavalo Marketplace ranks among the largest in Latin America. A visit to this market allows you to explore vibrant stalls filled with artisan souvenirs, as the local craftsmen have honed their weaving skills to create extraordinary products available for sale.
Located 92 km north of the Ecuadorian capital, the market and its surrounding area provide a cultural immersion opportunity, making it a favored day-trip destination from Quito.
Although the market operates daily, Saturdays are particularly bustling, showcasing an extensive array of goods such as silver jewelry, wooden carvings, Panama hats, woven bracelets, and hand-woven textiles.
14. Peguche Waterfall
This picturesque waterfall is situated just 3 km from Otavalo. The Peguche Waterfall, with a height of 18 meters, is nourished by the waters of the Peguche River, originating from Lake San Pablo.
Its accessibility and proximity render this waterfall a significant tourist attraction, often bustling with visitors.
For those seeking tranquility in a natural setting, this enchanting waterfall should be included on your list of must-visit places. A 20-minute walk through lush greenery offers a wonderfully calming experience.
15. Cayambe Volcano
Cayambe is Ecuador’s third-highest peak and is unique globally as the only mountain whose summit intersects with the equator.
Situated 70 km northeast of Quito, its last eruption occurred in 1786, leaving it capped in permanent snow.
For novice hikers, it is advisable to avoid the mountain’s technical terrain and simply enjoy the stunning views from the lower elevations.
