Explore The Historic Old Town (Centro Histórico)

This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the best preserved, least altered historic centers in Latin America.

~Walk around cobble stone streets filled with beautiful churches like Iglesia San Francisco and La Compañia.

~Casa Gangotena is a hotel with a rooftop restaurant, great for having a drink with views of the city.

~La Ronda is a popular street with shops, restaurants, and live music in the evenings.

~Consider taking a guided street food or chocolate tasting tour. Ecuador is known for having some of the finest cacao in the world.

Recommended Hotels in Quito

~JW Marriott - located in the business district of Quito, about 20 minute drive from Old Town

~ Casa Gangotena - located in the center of Old Town

Visit The Middle Of The World (Mitad del Mundo)

Located about an hour outside of Quito, stand on both hemispheres at once in front of the iconic equator monument. You can can purchase tickets upon arrival and choose between guided tours or exploring the site at your own pace.

Otavalo Market

~Located about 2 hours from Quito, Otavalo is known for being the largest indigenous market in South America, offering a wide variety of textiles, leather goods, jewelry, and other unique crafts.

~ Along the way, you’ll find the picturesque Lago San Pablo, known for its breathtaking views.

Papallacta Hot Springs & Spa

Located 1.5 hours outside of Quito, Termas de Papallacta is a thermal spa in the Andes. You can soak in natural hot springs, book spa treatments, or go on a nature walk.

Cotopaxi National Park

Located about 2 hours outside of Quito, the Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the world's highest active volcano, rising to over 19,000 ft. Hiking and horseback riding are available. We recommend dressing in layers, as it can get chilly at that altitude.

Mindo Cloud Forest

Located 2.5 hours outside of Quito, Mindo is a mountain village known for being a "cloud forest." You can enjoy activities like ziplining, hiking to waterfalls and birdwatching.

Mashpi Lodge

Located 3 hours from Quito, this resort is tucked deep within the Choco Cloud forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.

Mashpi Lodge blends modern luxury with an immersive rain forest experience. Guests can explore guided nature walks, encounter butterflies and hummingbirds, or relax with spa treatments.

Galapagos Islands

A short flight from mainland Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands is full of unique wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue-footed booby birds, and sea lions. Also, famously known for inspiring Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

There are direct flights from Quito to Baltra and San Cristobal Islands in the Galapagos. Lodging is available on both San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands.

Some recommended hotels include:

~Royal Palm Hotel (Santa Cruz)

~Golden Bay Galapagos (San Cristobal)

~Finch Bay Eco Resort (Santa Cruz)

*as well as many more options at various price ranges*

There are also a number of cruises and private charter boats available in the Galapagos, which many believe is the best way to see the islands.