Private Authentic Tours in Ecuador with Local Guide

Quito, Ecuador
Duration1.8 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Explore Ecuador is a socially responsible brand committed to creating meaningful travel experiences that connect visitors with Ecuador’s culture, nature, and local communities. We believe tourism should be accessible to everyone while generating a positive impact in the destinations we visit.

As part of the commitment, each traveler receives a handmade bracelet woven by indigenous women from Ecuador, directly supporting their local economy and helping preserve ancestral traditions.

Travel with purpose and take home a symbol of connection, culture, and shared experiences.

What's included

  • English speaking driver guide, licensed tourist vehicle, hotel pick up and drop off.
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Lunch is not included but you will have free time for this activity

What to expect

  1. Laguna Quilotoa
    4h · Admission ticket included
    Discover the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater Lake on a private -day tour from Quito. Travel through the Ecuadorian Andes with an English-speaking guide-driver in a comfortable, fully licensed tourist vehicle. Hike along the crater rim or descend to the turquoise lake (optional), then visit the famous Tigua Art Galleries, home to Ecuador’s unique naïve-style paintings. This private experience combines spectacular landscapes, local culture, and personalized service, making it one of the best day trips from Quito.

    Itinerary

    07:30 AM – Hotel pickup in Quito.
    10:30 AM – Arrive at Quilotoa Crater Lake. Enjoy free time to hike along the crater rim or descend to the turquoise lake (optional).
    12:30-13:30 Free time for lunch at a local restaurant. (not included)
    2:00 PM – Visit the famous Tigua Art Galleries, known for their colorful Andean paintings created by local artists.
    3:00 PM – Return drive to Quito
    6:30 PM – Hotel drop-off
  2. Cotopaxi National Park
    4h · Admission ticket included
    Tour Description:

    Explore Cotopaxi National Park on a private full-day tour from Quito with an English-speaking driver-guide.
    Travel comfortably through the Avenue of the Volcanoes and discover the breathtaking landscapes surrounding one of Ecuador’s most iconic active volcanoes. Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, and experience the unique Andean páramo ecosystem while learning about Ecuador’s nature, culture, and geology at your own pace.

    Itinerary

    8:00 AM – Hotel pick-up in Quito
    9:30 AM – Cotopaxi National Park Entrance
    Registration and entrance to the park.
    10:30 AM – Hike to José Rivas Refuge
    Enjoy a high-altitude hike and explore the impressive volcanic landscape.
    1:00 PM – Limpiopungo Lagoon
    Visit the lagoon and admire views of Cotopaxi Volcano (weather permitting).
    2:00 PM – Lunch stop
    Enjoy a local meal (not included).
    3:00 PM - Drive back to Quito
    5:00 PM - Dropp Off at your Hotel In Quito
    Relax and enjoy the scenic drive back to your hotel.
  3. Otavalo Market
    4h · Admission ticket included
    Service Description

    Experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Ecuador's northern Andes on this full-day tour from Quito. Visit the world-famous Otavalo Indigenous Market, admire the stunning San Pablo Lake, explore the sacred Peguche Waterfall, and discover local artisan traditions.
    Along the way, enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, learn about the Otavaleño culture from your bilingual guide, and browse one of South America's largest handicraft markets for authentic souvenirs.

    Itinerary
    08:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Quito
    09:30 AM – Cayambe (30 minutes)
    Stop in Cayambe, famous for its traditional Bizcochos.
    10:30 AM – San Pablo Lake Viewpoint
    11: 30 AM – Peguche Waterfall
    12:30 PM – Artisan Workshop or Andean Musical Instrument Workshop
    1:30 PM – Otavalo Indigenous Market
    3:30 PM - Return to Quito
    5:00 PM - Hotel Drop Off
  4. Mindo
    4h
    Mindo Cloud Forest Full-Day Tour

    Service Description

    Explore Mindo Cloud Forest, one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse destinations. Enjoy a private tour with an **English-speaking driver-guide in a licensed tourist vehicle and visit the Santuary of the Waterfalls and a Hummingbird feeder. There will be free time to enjoy of the town.

    Itinerary

    08:00 AM – Pick-up at your hotel in Quito.
    10:00 AM – Arrival in Mindo Cloud Forest.
    10:15 AM – Visit Hummingbird Garden.
    11:00 AM – Hike at the Waterfall Sanctuary
    01:00 PM – Lunch (not included).
    02:00 PM – Return to Quito.
    04:00 PM – Hotel drop-off.
  5. Termas de Papallacta
    5h · Admission ticket included
    Papallacta Hot Springs Half Day Tour

    Service Description

    Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes on a private tour to Papallacta Hot Springs. Discover the unique paramo ecosystem, mountain landscapes, and natural thermal waters. Operated by an English speaking driver guide in a comfortable licensed tourist vehicle.

    Itinerary

    08:30 AM Pick up at your hotel in Quito.
    10:00 AM Arrival at Papallacta and enjoy the Andean landscapes. Relax in the natural thermal pools of Papallacta Hot Springs.
    3:00 PM Return to Quito.
    4:30 PM Hotel drop off.

    Duration: Approximately 7 hours.

    Included: Transportation, English speaking driver guide, licensed tourist vehicle.

    Not Included:
    - Entrance Fee Public Pools $10 per person
    - Entrance Fee Spa $26 per person
    - Massages From $60 per person

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Wait for me at the reception of your hotel or out of your Air B&B

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$256.42 per group
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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