Most Scenic Road Trips in Quito, Ecuador
1. Volcán Pichincha
A scenic drive to the base of an active volcano with panoramic views of Quito.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding landscapes.
- Adventure: Allows for hiking opportunities at the summit (4,794m).
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car with guided tours available.
2. Cotopaxi National Park
A scenic drive through the largest active volcano in the world with snow-capped peaks.
- Natural Wonders: Home to diverse wildlife such as condors and Andean foxes.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing stunning landscapes and volcanic scenery.
- Adventure Sports: Offers opportunities for trekking, skiing, and mountain biking.
3. Quilotoa Loop
A picturesque drive through a loop of stunning landscapes and indigenous villages.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides opportunities to interact with local indigenous communities.
- Natural Beauty: Features a beautiful turquoise-colored lake, Quilotoa Crater.
- Hiking: Offers hiking trails with scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
4. Avenue of the Volcanoes
A scenic drive through a series of impressive volcanic peaks in the Andean region.
- Natural Wonders: Provides views of several active and dormant volcanoes.
- Cultural Insight: Passes through small indigenous towns showcasing local traditions.
- Adventure Opportunities: Allows for trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding activities.
5. Ruta de las Cascadas
A scenic drive along a series of breathtaking waterfalls in the Ecuadorian Andes.
- Natural Beauty: Features numerous cascading waterfalls amidst lush vegetation.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing stunning images of the waterfalls and surrounding landscapes.
- Relaxation: Offers opportunities for swimming and picnicking near the waterfalls.
6. Ruta del Sol
A scenic drive through the Ecuadorian coastal region with beautiful beaches and towns.
- Relaxation: Offers opportunities to unwind on pristine beaches.
- Cultural Immersion: Passes through picturesque coastal towns showcasing local traditions.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands.
7. El Choco National Park
A scenic drive through a lush cloud forest with diverse wildlife and waterfalls.
- Natural Beauty: Features various ecosystems, including cloud forests and wetlands.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to see rare species like the Andean bear and spectacled bear.
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides trails for exploring the dense cloud forests and waterfalls.
8. Papallacta Hot Springs
A scenic drive to hot springs surrounded by beautiful landscapes and volcanoes.
- Relaxation: Offers therapeutic hot springs with stunning mountain views.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by snow-capped volcanic peaks and lush valleys.
- Adventure Opportunities: Offers adventure activities like hiking, horseback riding, and zip-lining.
9. Imbabura Lake
A scenic drive around a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous communities.
- Natural Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic peaks.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides opportunities to interact with indigenous communities.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing scenic images of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
10. Cajas National Park
A scenic drive through a unique landscape of mountains, lakes, and moorlands.
- Natural Beauty: Features numerous lakes amidst a moonlike landscape.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers trails for exploring the unique landscapes and lakes.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing stunning images of the lakes and surrounding landscapes.
11. Otavalo Market
A scenic drive to a bustling indigenous market selling traditional crafts.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers opportunities to immerse in indigenous culture and traditions.
- Shopping Opportunities: Features a wide variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and jewelry.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing images of the vibrant market atmosphere.
12. Llanganates National Park
A scenic drive through a pristine wilderness area with diverse wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Andean landscapes.
- Wildlife Spotting: Home to diverse wildlife such as spectacled bears, jaguars, and condors.
- Adventure Opportunities: Offers opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and horseback riding.
13. Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve
A scenic drive through a lush cloud forest with diverse wildlife and waterfalls.
- Natural Beauty: Features various ecosystems, including cloud forests and wetlands.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to see rare species like the Andean bear and spectacled bear.
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides trails for exploring the dense cloud forests and waterfalls.
14. Río Babahoyo
A scenic drive along a river with abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to see diverse wildlife such as caimans, monkeys, and parrots.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing scenic images of the river and surrounding landscapes.
15. Ruta del Sol y Sierra
A scenic drive combining the coastal region with the Andean highlands.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning views of both coast and mountains.
- Cultural Immersion: Passes through picturesque coastal towns and indigenous communities.
- Adventure Opportunities: Offers opportunities for surfing, hiking, and mountain biking.