Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador, Quito, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations

Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Quito, Ecuador

1. Quito Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the enchanting cloud forest, home to a variety of wildlife. Offers eco-friendly trails and educational programs.
  • Biodiversity: Protects over 700 plant species and more than 125 bird species.
  • Educational Programs: Offers guided tours and educational workshops about the cloud forest ecosystem.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Contributes to carbon storage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Mindo Ecolodge

Eco-friendly accommodation surrounded by the Mindo Cloud Forest. Offers bird watching tours and butterfly farms.
  • Sustainable Accommodation: Uses solar energy, recycles waste, and supports local communities.
  • Bird Watching: Over 500 bird species can be spotted in the area, including the Andean condor and cock-of-the-rock.
  • Butterfly Farm: Visit a butterfly farm to learn about their life cycle and conservation efforts.

3. El Choco National Park

A pristine rainforest with diverse flora and fauna. Offers guided tours and supports local indigenous communities.
  • Rainforest Conservation: Protects over 10,000 hectares of primary rainforest.
  • Indigenous Communities: Supports the cultural and economic well-being of the local indigenous communities.
  • Guided Tours: Provides knowledgeable guides to help visitors appreciate the rainforest's beauty and importance.

4. PapaGayo Paper Reserve

A sustainable paper production project that protects over 7,000 hectares of cloud forest. Offers tours and workshops.
  • Sustainable Business Model: Uses a unique eco-friendly paper production process.
  • Cloud Forest Conservation: Protects cloud forest habitat and contributes to its restoration.
  • Tours & Workshops: Offers educational tours and workshops about paper production, the cloud forest, and local culture.

5. Quito Tree-top Walkway

A canopy walkway offering panoramic views of the Quito Cloud Forest. Promotes eco-consciousness and conservation.
  • Canopy Views: Provides breathtaking views of the cloud forest from a unique vantage point.
  • Eco-Consciousness: Promotes awareness and understanding of the importance of rainforest conservation.
  • Accessibility: Offers accessible experiences for visitors with mobility challenges.

6. La Casa de la Cocoa

A cacao farm that promotes sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation. Offers tours and chocolate-making workshops.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Practices organic farming methods and supports local farmers.
  • Cultural Preservation: Preserves the traditions and knowledge of cacao production and processing.
  • Chocolate Workshops: Offers hands-on experiences in chocolate making, from bean to bar.

7. Cochasqui Archaeological Site

An ancient Incan site with eco-friendly visitor facilities. Offers educational programs and guided tours.
  • Archaeological Importance: Showcases the cultural heritage of the Incan civilization.
  • Eco-Friendly Visitor Facilities: Uses renewable energy sources and minimizes environmental impact.
  • Guided Tours: Provides knowledgeable guides to help visitors appreciate the archaeological significance of the site.

8. Cotopaxi National Park

An active volcano offering trekking and camping opportunities. Promotes responsible tourism and conservation.
  • Active Volcano: Provides unique opportunities for trekking and camping near an active volcano.
  • Responsible Tourism: Promotes sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
  • Conservation Efforts: Supports the conservation of the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife.

9. Papallacta Hot Springs

Eco-friendly hot springs nestled in the Andean cloud forest. Offers spa treatments and sustainable tourism experiences.
  • Andean Cloud Forest: Surrounded by a pristine cloud forest, offering a serene setting for relaxation.
  • Eco-Friendly Facilities: Uses renewable energy sources and minimizes environmental impact.
  • Spa Treatments: Offers therapeutic spa treatments using locally sourced ingredients.

10. Quito Bike Tours

Eco-friendly bike tours exploring the historic and cultural sites of Quito. Promotes sustainable transportation and responsible tourism.
  • Sustainable Transportation: Promotes active, low-impact travel options.
  • Historic & Cultural Sites: Visits important historic and cultural sites in Quito.
  • Responsible Tourism: Supports local businesses and minimizes environmental impact.

11. Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A volcanic crater transformed into a unique botanical reserve. Offers guided tours and conservation programs.
  • Volcanic Crater: Provides a unique opportunity to explore an active volcanic crater.
  • Botanical Reserve: Protects over 600 plant species, many of which are endemic to Ecuador.
  • Guided Tours & Conservation: Offers knowledgeable guides and participates in conservation efforts.

12. Yaku Waterfall Hike

A challenging hike to a beautiful waterfall in the Yachay Park. Promotes eco-consciousness and conservation.
  • Challenging Hike: Offers a physically demanding but rewarding hiking experience.
  • Eco-Consciousness: Promotes awareness and understanding of the importance of rainforest conservation.
  • Waterfall & Wildlife: Provides stunning views of the waterfall and opportunities to observe local wildlife.

13. Pasochoa Wildlife Reserve

A high-altitude reserve offering guided hikes, birdwatching, and conservation programs.
  • High-Altitude Reserve: Provides a unique opportunity to explore a high-altitude ecosystem.
  • Birdwatching: Offers opportunities to observe over 100 bird species, including the Andean condor.
  • Conservation Programs: Supports local conservation efforts and promotes sustainable tourism practices.

14. El Tungurahua Volcano Adventure

An adventure tour to the active Tungurahua volcano. Promotes responsible tourism and volcanic safety education.
  • Active Volcano: Offers unique opportunities for observing an active volcano.
  • Responsible Tourism: Supports local businesses and minimizes environmental impact.
  • Volcanic Safety Education: Provides education about volcanic safety and responsible volcano-watching practices.

15. Quito Food Tours

Eco-friendly food tours exploring the local culinary scene. Promotes sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Promotes organic farming methods and supports local farmers.
  • Local Culinary Scene: Explores the diverse food culture of Quito and its surrounding regions.
  • Cultural Preservation: Preserves the traditions and knowledge of local cuisine.