Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Quito, Ecuador

1. Cotopaxi Volcano National Park

Awesome volcanic landscape for hiking and camping; Ecuador's highest active volcano.

Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas of the Andean highlands and surrounding volcanoes.
Unique Wildlife: Home to various species like Andean condors, foxes, and volcano chichicas.
Adventure Activities: Offers hiking, climbing, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities.

Famous indigenous market for handicrafts and textiles; visit nearby lakeside town of Cuicocha.

Cultural Immersion: Get a deep insight into Ecuadorian indigenous cultures.
Shopping for Handicrafts: Find high-quality local textiles, ceramics, and jewelry at reasonable prices.
Surrounding Beauty: Situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.

Thermal hot springs set amidst the Andean cloud forest; perfect for relaxation.

Relaxation and Wellness: Rejuvenate your body with healing thermal waters.
Natural Surroundings: Enjoy the serene beauty of the Andean cloud forest.
Adventure Opportunities: Try activities like horseback riding, hiking, and birdwatching nearby.

Scenic driving route with multiple crater lakes; great for hiking and photography.

Stunning Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Hiking Opportunities: Provides numerous trails for hiking around the crater lakes.
Photography Paradise: Ideal location for capturing some stunning landscape photos.

Adventure capital of Ecuador with waterfalls, hot springs, and extreme sports.

Thrill-seeking Activities: Home to canyoning, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and zip-lining.
Natural Wonders: Boasts numerous waterfalls, hot springs, and thermal baths.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush cloud forests and towering volcanoes.

Active volcano offering hiking trails, scenic vistas, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Volcanic Landscapes: Features impressive volcanic landscapes with frequent ash plumes.
Wildlife Encounters: Potential to spot animals like spectacled bears, condors, and foxes.
Scenic Hiking Trails: Provides a network of trails for hikers of varying skill levels.

Beautiful dormant volcano with a lake at its base; offers hiking and scenic drives.

Scenic Drives: Enjoy picturesque routes around the base of the volcano.
Hiking Opportunities: Multiple trails for hiking up to the summit or surrounding areas.
Lake Otavalo Views: Admire stunning views of Lake Otavalo from the volcano's base.

Explore the life and work of world-renowned Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamin.

Art Appreciation: Get inspired by the powerful and emotive works of Guayasamin.
Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Ecuadorian history and culture.
Architectural Beauty: Marvel at the striking modernist architecture of the museum.

Salt mines with colorful landscapes and traditional indigenous villages.

Colorful Landscapes: Experience the unique salt formations in various colors.
Indigenous Culture: Visit traditional villages of indigenous Kichwa and Cañari communities.
Photography Opportunities: Capture incredible photos of the colorful salt mines and surrounding landscapes.

Pre-Incan archaeological site with unique carved head sculptures.

Historical Insight: Learn about the pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador.
Cultural Artifacts: Explore intricate carvings and other artifacts at the site.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the serene surroundings of the archaeological park.

Tropical rainforest with diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.

Wildlife Spotting: Spot various species of monkeys, sloths, and toucans.
Birdwatching Paradise: Explore the habitats of over 450 bird species in the reserve.
Scenic Hikes: Enjoy guided hikes through the lush and verdant cloud forest.

Town surrounded by scenic landscapes with rail routes offering incredible views.

Scenic Train Rides: Take a train ride through the dramatic Devil's Nose section of the tracks.
Historical Insight: Learn about the indigenous culture and colonial history of the region.
Stunning Landscapes: Admire breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Cultural village with traditional craft workshops, hiking trails, and horseback riding.

Cultural Experiences: Participate in traditional activities like weaving and pottery.
Hiking Opportunities: Explore the surrounding hills and forests on foot or horseback.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the village and its surroundings.

Wildlife refuge with a diverse range of bird species and wetland ecosystems.

Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot over 300 species of birds, including flamingos.
Wildlife Encounters: Encounter various wildlife such as capybaras and caimans in their natural habitats.
Scenic Beauty: Marvel at the stunning landscapes of the wetlands and surrounding forests.

Unique reserve with volcanic features, geysers, and hot springs.

Natural Wonders: Witness various geothermal phenomena like fumaroles and mud pots.
Relaxation Opportunities: Experience therapeutic hot springs in a volcanic setting.
Scenic Beauty: Admire the stark beauty of the desert-like landscape dotted with geothermal features.