Sure, you’ll most likely fly into Quito at some point during your Ecuador and Galapagos adventure. But is it worth your while spending any substantial time here on the Ecuadorian mainland? We have to shout a unanimous yes! It most definitely is worth your time to explore Quito, and we have precisely eight reasons why.

Sitting pretty at 9,350 feet, Quito, Ecuador, is the world’s second-highest capital city and the closest city to the equator! There are countless things to do in Quito, from touristy to kitsch, to locally coveted, and we cannot recommend the following eight must-see places enough. But the true beauty of Quito is that even the classic tourist spots are distinctly Ecuadorian and 100% unique.

1. Wander the “Middle of the Earth” Monument just outside Quito’s City Center

Who wouldn’t want to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time? This is just one of the miraculous top things to do in Quito and the only spot in the world where it’s possible. The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (“Middle of the Earth City”) and monument lies a mere ten kilometers north of Quito’s city center. The monument itself boasts quite a curious history.

The original Equator location was measured in 1736 during a Franco-Spanish Geodeisic mission, and the first monument was subsequently built in that exact spot in 1935. However, considering the advances in GPS technology in recent years, the true 0.0.0 coordinates can actually be found in the private Intinan indigenous cultural museum a few hundred yards from the official monument. So, for good measure, we recommend visiting both!

2. Hitch a ride on the Teleferico

Another fun thing to do in Quito is gliding along the Pichincha Volcano’s eastern flank in a six-person gondola on the famous Teleferico. These Teleferico cable cars bring you another 3,600 feet above Quito’s cityscape, and the unparalleled view attracts both tourists and locals alike.

The full ride lasts about 18 minutes. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can take advantage of the many adventure activities at the base of the Teleferico itself. You have your choice of paragliding, horseback riding, mountain biking, mountain climbing, and even camping.

3. Tour the Fundación Guayasamín

You don’t necessarily have to be a museum fanatic or an art lover to appreciate the coveted Fundación Guayasamín, museum, and much more. Oswaldo Guayasamín is Ecuador’s premier artist, renowned internationally for his prolific work ever-examining the human landscape and Ecuadorian identity. His work is heartbreaking and eye-opening, with larger-than-life expressionist canvasses denouncing Andean indigenous communities’ unjust social reality.

Overall, his work depicts the ongoing struggle of humankind in the search for a more just society amidst the ever-present impulses of greed and fear. And he created the Fundación Guayasamín before his death in 1999 to open his breathtaking home, his artwork, and his personal collection of pre-Colombian pieces to the world. Don’t miss this three-part museum experience, both frozen in time and inviting questions about the future of humanity.

4. Take a romantic stroll through the Quito historic district

Taking full advantage of Quito in the late afternoon and at night is another must! Starting with the Quito “old town” or historic district, which became a UNESCO heritage site in 1978. This magnificent display of entirely authentic city planning dating back to 1734 harmoniously exists with modern Quito shifting and changing around it. The contrast alone is striking.

You can either tour this historic architectural masterpiece with a guide or without; however, we recommend touring with a guide, and starting your tour in the late afternoon into the early evening is recommended. Seeing dusk settle on these timeless buildings is priceless.

5. Take a craft beer tour to some of Quito’s up-and-coming breweries

Like many contemporary big cities, Quito has its finger on the pulse of the up-and-coming craft beer industry. In fact, Quito is considered the first South American city to actually brew beer in 1566; and they live up to their hype in this area. Many of the beer tours even start in the Plaza de San Blas at the historic center entrance!

You will find several traditional pub-type beer locales near the historic district and even a 400-year-old hacienda steeped in Ecuadorian brewing history called the Santana Hacienda and Brewing company. You can also, of course, find cutting-edge breweries like the Andes Brewing Company, with their iconic flying pig logo taking center stage.

6. Savor an innovative yet traditional Ecuadorian meal in SOMOS Restaurant

Somos in Spanish means “we are,” and SOMOS restaurant reflects this idea of Ecuadorian identity into their food. And how could they not with Alejandra Espinoza as their head chef, born and raised in Quito. Espinoza encapsulates hyper-local Quito and Ecuadorian cuisine in her menu while also incorporating knowledge she brought back from her career with Michelin Star chefs in France and San Francisco.

You can expect to sink your teeth into some purple corn and cheese empanadas, chicken and plantain tortellini, and for the more adventurous palate, guinea pig dumplings! In SOMOS, contemporary haute cuisine meets traditional Ecuadorian flavors; don’t miss out on this exciting collaboration!

7. Escape Quito city for a day to Ecuador’s “Volcano Alley”

Another cool thing to do in Quito actually means leaving the city limits to explore “Volcano Alley” up close. Also known as “Volcano avenue,” this stretch of about 200 miles leading to Cuenca contains eight majestic volcanoes in total. Two volcanoes particularly worth noting are the picturesque Cotopaxi active volcano and the behemoth Chimborazo, the tallest peak in Ecuador and technically the world’s highest, considering its proximity to the Equator (disqualifying Mount Everest).

For a day trip from Quito and back, we recommend exploring the area closest to Cotopaxi for some hiking, biking, horseback riding, and one of the most scenic picnics you are sure to experience in your lifetime!

8. Hike the perimeter of breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon

Volcano Alley isn’t the only nature escape near Quito, not by a long shot. You can take another easy day trip from your Quito hotel to pristine Quilotoa Crater Lagoon and make it back before dinner. Most Quito tourists opt for a quick photo op overlooking Quilotoa’s turquoise surface. However, we highly recommend hiking the perimeter for a more scenic, less-crowded experience.

For this hike, you will need to acclimate for at least a full day and night in Quito beforehand because Quilotoa lies 3,800 meters (almost 12,500 feet) above sea level. However, the terrain itself is relatively flat and breathtakingly peaceful.

Put simply, Quito is not your average South American capital city, and the tourist attractions are not just for tourists! You can have the time of your life in a fleeting couple of days straddling the Equator, soaring above the city on the Teleferico, strolling through breathtaking buildings steeped in history, and grabbing a local pint with the best of ’em. Feel free to contact us to get the planning rolling for your ideal trip to Ecuador and Quito!

Following the Galapagos Islands, Cotopaxi National Park, and the picture-perfect conical Cotopaxi Volcano, hold a special place in Ecuadorian hearts and identity. And because Ecuador is such an incredibly compact and biodiverse country, travelers can easily experience an exciting range of wildlife and landscapes in just 1-2 weeks. You can go from the Galapagos Islands to Quito, Cotopaxi, and maybe even some time in the Amazon Jungle while keeping to your allotted vacation time.

We highly encourage any traveler to plan a trip to Ecuador to visit Cotopaxi National Park, just a quick hour’s drive from Quito. You will most likely catch a glimpse of Cotopaxi’s glaringly white surface from the plane into Quito. But it’s another experience entirely getting up close and personal with Ecuador’s second-highest peak (after Chimborazo) and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. We have prepared the following four essential tips to prepare for your journey!

1. Getting in “altitude-ready” shape

The altitude within the Cotopaxi National Park ranges from 3,400 meters to 5,897 meters above sea level (the latter being Cotopaxi Volcano’s summit)! Therefore, spending any time in this region of Ecuador requires a conversation with your doctor to ensure you have no prior health conditions that will hinder your trip experience or negatively affect your health.

Those interested in hiking to Cotopaxi’s summit will need to plan ahead in their workout routines a few months in advance. And although the training for this 7 to 8-hour ascent and 2 to 3-hour descent might not need the same sort of rigor as, say, training to hike the 4-day Inca Trail, we recommend you take a few things into account.

The ascent involves carrying a 20-25lb pack and also about 5lbs on your feet because you will need proper heavy-duty hiking boots, as well as crampons. Therefore, a few months before your arrival, we suggest getting your heart in shape with some moderate cardio workouts 3-4 times a week, and some strength training for your core, so that you can handle the weight during your hike. If you don’t already live at altitude, you will also need to plan for at least a week acclimating in Quito before your summit.

2. Measure your risk tolerance

Some people will consider visiting an active volcano and maybe even climbing to the summit, a once-in-a-lifetime thrilling pursuit. While others get chills and nervous sweats just thinking about it. Your personal risk tolerance is most definitely something to keep in mind when considering adding Cotopaxi National Park to your ideal Ecuador trip.

But what exactly is the risk of Cotopaxi erupting? When was the last eruption? And how does Ecuador prepare for and anticipate future eruptions? Relatively speaking, the risk of you hiking Cotopaxi, or being within the park, during an eruption is pretty low. This is because civil defense and scientific organizations are working in tandem, continually monitoring Cotopaxi’s activity.

Since 1738, however, Cotopaxi volcano has erupted a staggering 50 times, with the most recent “violent” eruption in 1904, which killed approximately 500 people and injured about 350 people. Though every eruption since has been manageable, and again your chances of being caught in one yourself are slim to none.

3. Plan your time wisely

There are multiple ways to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Depending on your interests, you could spend as little as a day trip from Quito and back, or as many as 3-4 days exploring the region thoroughly. Day tours often involve some light hiking or a quick horseback ride with the Cotopaxi volcano’s unparalleled vistas. Many comment on the uncanny way its perfectly conical, larger-than-life shape shoots from relatively flat terrain.

But suppose you are excited about embarking on numerous adventure activities in the park. In that case, we recommend spending one or two nights in one of the picturesque and down-to-earth haciendas. One such haven is Hacienda El Porvenir lying at the base of another volcano in Ecuador’s famous “Volcano Alley,” Rumiñahui. Owned by a local Ecuadorian family, this hacienda stays true to traditional Andean construction and design rooted in local culture and heritage.

4. Aim to visit in June, July, or August

There are, of course, benefits and disadvantages to visiting Ecuador at any time of the year. But specifically for Cotopaxi National Park, you will want to keep a couple details in mind: the weather and the tourist flow.

It would be a shame to make your way all the way to this majestic sleeping giant during one of the rainiest and snowiest months of the year. These months tend to be March to May and September to November. And the busiest tourist season for the Cotopaxi National park ranges roughly from January to May. Therefore, in June, July, or August, you have an excellent chance of getting the best views possible and having much of the park to yourself.

Cotopaxi National Park offers something for adrenaline junkies, laid-back nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and even honeymooners. It is one of the most breathtaking national parks in South America and an emblematic beacon for people across the country.

And if these weren’t reason enough, we especially want to shine this light on Cotopaxi just as the world slowly opens up again and we get closer to a post-COVID-19 pandemic point. So, as you look for more sustainable tours that will spark your very own reconnection with nature, just know that Cotopaxi will be waiting.

Imagine a small slice of paradise, smack dab in the center of the earth, where time seems to standstill. This is Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador. Baños de Agua Santa, or Baños for short, does not want for nicknames, which speaks to its popularity among locals and tourists alike. Some of these nicknames include: “The Gateway to the Amazon,” “The Adventure Capital of Ecuador,” and, according to some local residents, a “little piece of Heaven.”

If you are entertaining the thought of tacking on a few days to your once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos adventure, then consider spending a few days in this quaint yet adrenaline-filled town. Read on for our condensed guide of all things Baños and how to make the most of your time there!

– How to get to Baños?

Baños lies between the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon; therefore, it has always been an important stopping point for travelers making their way into the jungle from Quito. Driving for just about three and a half hours south of Quito on the Pan-American Highway and you will arrive in Baños, at about 5,900 feet above sea level, before you know it.

Another option is to stop through the Cotopaxi National Park for either a full-day excursion exploring the “Avenue of Volcanos” or spending the night in a scenic hacienda, such as the Hacienda El Porvenir at the base of the impressive Rumiñahui Volcano.

– What to do in Baños?

First and foremost, Baños is an adrenaline junkie’s playground! You have your choice of exhilarating activities like mountain biking, ziplining, canyoning, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, hiking to the “Devil’s Cauldron” waterfall, and swinging off of the edge of the world. Even more incredible, most of these activities also offer the heart-stopping view of Tungurahua Volcano, and one of South America’s most active volcanoes!

For a more low-key experience, you can take a dip in the thermal and medicinal hot springs from which Baños gets its official name (Baños de Agua Santa meaning “Holy Water Baths”). You have your choice of a few different hot springs. However, one of the most popular for locals and tourists is in the center of town, at the base of a waterfall called Cascada de la Virgen (the Virgin’s Waterfall). As local folklore would have it, the Virgin appeared in this very spot and has been making miracles ever since.

– How long to stay in Baños?

At the very least, one night in Baños is recommended, and at most, three nights! Baños can steal your heart in just a few hours with its breathtaking scenery of sweeping mountains, cavernous river gorges, and the fiery Tungurahua Volcano. If you are interested in experiencing as many adventure activities as possible, you will easily fill a four-day/three-night stay.

Heaven on Earth in Baños, Ecuador, is waiting for you! Contact us to learn more about how to create your bespoke Ecuador adventure.

The Galapagos Islands are bucket list-worthy for more than a few reasons. 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador, not only did this island chain serve as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s famous Theory of Evolution, but it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site two times over (both land and sea are protected). From the vast range of wildlife to the sandy white beaches, volcanic landscapes, and unique local culture, your tailormade trip to Ecuador should definitely include a visit to the Galapagos Islands. When you visit the Galapagos Islands, don’t miss these six things to do:

1. Snap a Photo Next to a Giant Galapagos Tortoise at Rancho Primicias

Right up there with red and blue-footed boobies are the Galapagos Islands’ famous Giant Tortoises, and there’s no better place to see them than at Rancho Primicias on Santa Cruz Island. Less crowded than the island’s more popular El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Rancho Primicias is a privately-owned animal sanctuary brimming with these captivating giants. Though you can’t touch or feed them, you will have plenty of photo ops to take away the ultimate Galapagos Islands vacation souvenir.

2. Explore the Lava Tunnels on Santa Cruz Island

Bellavista Village in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island is home to lava tubes and tunnels large enough to walk through. By the light of your flashlight, wander through tunnels as long as 1,200 feet and marvel at these impressive 23-foot high tubes that once contained molten lava. When the flow of lava eventually ceased, the tunnels cooled and hardened to form this magnificent result. Be sure to pencil this unique experience into your custom Galapagos Tour.

3. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

If you’re the scientific type, the Charles Darwin Research Center is a must-stop on your Galapagos Islands tour. The site features an active breeding center maintained by a team of conservation researchers, volunteers, and educators. They have set up plenty of informational displays for you to read up on the Galapagos Islands’ unique ecology and history. You may even spot a few Giant Tortoises roaming the property during your visit.

4. Experience the Fish Market at Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora is the Galapagos Island’s primary residential town located on Santa Cruz Island. Full of restaurants, shops, and a low-key nightlife, the Puerto Ayora Fish Market is a nice cultural complement to an otherwise wildlife and outdoor adventure-heavy visit to the Galapagos Islands. Watch the fisherman unload their catch of the day, batting off pelicans looking to steal the bounty. By sundown, the market transforms into an outdoor restaurant with nothing but fresh seafood on the menu and at great prices too.

5. Snorkel or Dive Devil’s Crown on Floreana Island

There are more than a few spots to dive beneath the Galapagos Islands’ turquoise waves, but Devil’s Crown off the coast of Floreana Island is notorious for being one of the best places to snorkel and dive in the Galapagos. The site got its name for its crown-like shape of jagged rocks, a crown only the devil would wear. This former volcanic crater now attracts a plethora of colorful reef fish. Some snorkelers have even spotted Hammerhead Sharks, White-tipped Reef Sharks, sea turtles, and large Manta rays, while others have had the good fortune of sharing the water with a curious sea lion or two.

6. Hike to Volcano Sierra Negra on Isabela Island

If you’re up for a little land-based adventure, add the Volcano Sierra Negra hike to your personalized Galapagos Islands travel itinerary. Not only is Volcano Sierra Negra one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, but its crater is six miles wide, making it the second largest volcanic caldera in the world. This hike takes you up to Sierra Negra’s rim and then across its otherworldly caldera of surreal geologic and active geothermal features. On the way back, you’ll pass lava fields and fumaroles spewing steam and gas.

Plan your visit to the Galapagos Islands with an expert Kuoda Travel Designer and piece together the custom Galapagos trip of your dreams.