Quito tours

Things to do in Quito

Quito, perched high in the Andean mountains, is a city where history and modernity quietly coexist. As you wander its cobblestone streets, the echoes of the past are almost palpable. With ToursByLocals, your exploration of Quito becomes a tapestry of stories and sights, revealed by a knowledgeable local guide. Discover the rich history embedded in the historic centre on a private walking tour, or perhaps indulge in a food and wine tour that introduces you to the unique flavours of the Andes. Skip the wait and absorb the breathtaking views from El Panecillo. Your guide peels back the layers of Quito, offering a glimpse into its vibrant culture and enduring traditions. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Quito. Explore Quito your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Quito tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Quito for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Track Andean condors with your guide at Antisana Ecological Reserve, scanning cliffs near La Mica Lagoon and walking a short páramo trail to spot deer, foxes, and hummingbirds. Prefer cloud forest? Take a day trip to Mindo for hummingbird feeders, a butterfly farm, and a peaceful walk to waterfalls. Family tours: Ride the Teleférico to Cruz Loma for big views and an easy, kid-friendly stroll, then warm up with hot chocolate at a mountainside café. Add hands-on stops like the Intiñan Museum at the equator and a chocolate workshop where you temper cacao and taste bars from different regions. Off the beaten path tours: Explore La Floresta’s street art with a local, meeting muralists and pausing for empanadas at a small café, then peek inside Ocho y Medio, the neighbourhood’s indie cinema. Or descend the old cobblestone path to Guápulo’s church and viewpoints, and visit a family workshop in Calderón to see how mazapán figurines are made. Centro Histórico and nearby neighbourhoods are walkable, and you can use the Metro, Trolebús and Ecovía for longer hops; for cloud forest, highland reserves, or farther sites, ask your local guide to arrange a chauffeured tour or private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Quito inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Exploring Quito with a private walking tour allows you to immerse yourself in its rich history. Adding some of its characteristic neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide will give you a deeper understanding of the city. - Centro Histórico: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is perfect for cultural tourists. Wander through its narrow streets lined with colonial architecture and visit iconic churches like La Compañía de Jesús. - La Mariscal: Known for its vibrant nightlife, this neighborhood is great for younger groups and those looking to experience local entertainment. Discover an array of bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer lively evenings. - La Floresta: Ideal for artistic souls and those seeking meaningful connections, this bohemian neighborhood is filled with murals, cafes, and independent shops. Engage with local artists and enjoy its creative atmosphere. - Guápulo: For a more tranquil experience, visit this historic neighborhood. Walk its cobblestone streets, explore the 17th-century church, and enjoy stunning views of the valley and mountains. Day trip ideas from Quito From Quito, you can reach cloud forests, volcano valleys, busy craft towns, and hot springs in a few hours, so use a day for quick day trips or short tours to nearby places that fit your interests. Otavalo and Peguche: If you like markets and textiles, Otavalo’s plaza lets you compare woven blankets, shawls, and woodwork, while nearby Peguche adds a short forest walk to the waterfall and visits to small workshops; your tour can focus on crafts, local food, or more time by San Pablo Lake for calm views. Cotopaxi National Park: For big Andean scenery, Cotopaxi gives you páramo trails, wild horse sightings, and wide views of the volcano from Limpiopungo Lagoon; your tour can stay easy with flat walks and photo stops or go higher to the refuge for a tougher climb if you want the workout. Mindo Cloud Forest: If nature pulls you in, Mindo is all about hummingbirds, butterflies, and leafy trails to waterfalls, along with small chocolate tastings in town; your tour can start early for birdwatching or mix a canopy cable car, a short hike, and a slow lunch surrounded by green. Papallacta Hot Springs: When you want a relaxed day, Papallacta pairs warm thermal pools with crisp highland air and short paths beside clear streams; your tour can combine an easy ridge walk for views and plenty of soak time, so you head back to Quito rested. Quilotoa Lagoon: For a dramatic crater lake, Quilotoa gives bright water, a rim path with big views, and a steep track down to the shore if your legs are ready; your tour can keep it simple with rim viewpoints, add a partial hike, or include a stop for painted folk art in nearby villages. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Quito most travellers miss.