Background
Trip Planner Logo

Quito Adventure: 7 Days of Culture and Nature

Yarilka Hernandez

Yarilka Hernandez

4 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through Quito, Ecuador, as you explore ancient markets, visit geobotanical reserves, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this vibrant city. Discover the Middle of the World, marvel at the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, and soak in the breathtaking views from the TelefériQo Cable Car. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Day 1Artisan Treasures and Cultural Delights
+

$0

La Mariscal Artisan Market
Lively covered market with vendors selling Ecuadorian textiles, jewelry & other traditional crafts.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

House of Ecuadorian Culture
Part of Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, auditorium hosting diverse concerts & artistic performances.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Parque El Ejido
Large, tree-filled park with paths, weekend art exhibitions & vendors selling food & crafts.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 2Exploring Nature's Wonders and the Middle of the World
+

$18

·

$ 1

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Ecological reserve spanning across the mountainous landscape surrounding the Pululahua volcano.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Middle of the World City
Stone monument along the equator & a plaza where visitors can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$18
Day 3Mysteries of the Equator and Urban Oasis
+

$10

·

$ 2

Intiñan Site Museum
Museum showcasing exhibits from places on the equator, plus equator-related science experiments.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$10
32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Parque Bicentenario
Expanse of tree-lined walkways, sports facilities & ornamental gardens across a disused airport.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Parque La Carolina
Biking, soccer & basketball are popular in this vast park featuring a pond with paddle boats.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Free
Day 4Parks, Squares, and Hidden Gems
+

$0

·

$ 3

Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua
Elevated nature area with wooded trails & viewing decks overlooking the city, plus native alpacas.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Parque Guápulo
Sprawling green area with 2 lagoons, sports courts & a playground, plus palm & eucalyptus groves.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Independence Square
Grand plaza & park in the heart of old Quito, lined with monumental government & church buildings.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Free
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Metropolitano La Armenia Park
Large, wooded park with picnicking & camping areas, plus a dog run, sculptures & sports fields.
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
Day 5Conquering Cotopaxi and Strolling Through History
+

$25

·

$ 1

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Expansive national park offering sweeping mountain views, a variety of trails, campsites & lodges.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$25
126 - 152 min

~

Directions

Calle La Ronda
Cobblestone alley featuring restored historic buildings & a lively bar scene in the evening.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 6Sky-High Adventures and Iconic Landmarks
+

$20

·

$ 2

TelefériQo Cable Car
Attraction with a cablecar lift to the top of a mountain for high-altitude hikes & panoramic views.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$20
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Parque La Alameda
City park with an astronomical observatory, a statue of Simón Bolívar & a lake with boat rentals.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
20 - 29 min

~

Directions

Parque Itchimbía
Forested park with hiking trails & an ornate, 19th-century glasshouse full of rare trees & orchids.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Free
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Virgin of the Panecillo
Hilltop statue of a winged Virgin Mary made of aluminum, on a pedestal & standing 30 m. tall.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Free
Day 7Architectural Marvels and Water Museum Delight
+

$18

·

$ 1

Basílica del Voto Nacional
Monumental 19th-century church featuring ornate neo-Gothic styling & city views from its towers.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$8
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Yaku Water Museum
Contemporary museum with exhibits highlighting the scientific & social significance of water.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$10

Budget breakdown: $97 In total

Activities & Food:$90
Transport:$7