
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.