Top 8 Budget Day Tours from Quito
Budget Tours from QuitoLooking for amazing adventures near Quito that won’t drain your budget? Quito is the perfect point for unforgettable day trips. Whether you’re up for a scenic hike, a bike tour, or just want to relax in nature, this list of the top 8 budget-friendly day tours has something for everyone.
Discovering Quito City by Foot
1. Quito Walking Tour
FREE
Highlights:
- Walk through Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic center and admire colonial buildings.
- Learn about local culture, history, and customs from expert guides.
- Ask for restaurant and activity recommendations for an insider’s perspective on the city.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Although it’s free, tips are appreciated, allowing you to decide what you contribute based on your experience.
Stand on the equator
2. Middle of the World
$15
Located just a short drive from Quito is Mitad del Mundo. This unique site lets you stand on the equator, placing one foot in each hemisphere. The nearby Intiñan Museum also shows quirky equator experiments, like balancing an egg on a nail and watching water swirl in opposite directions—a fascinating look at the effects of being on the exact center of the Earth.
Highlights:
- Visit the iconic Equator Monument and Intiñan Museum.
- Try fun “Equator experiments” demonstrating gravitational quirks.
- Explore nearby artisanal shops.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Entrance fees are low, and easy access by shuttle bus from Quito makes this an affordable outing.
A Cultural Shopping Experience
3. Otavalo Market
$50
A visit to Otavalo Market is a must for any traveler in Ecuador. Known as one of the most famous indigenous markets in South America, Otavalo Market has been a cultural hub for centuries. The Otavalo people are renowned for their weaving skills, producing vibrant textiles that reflect their heritage. Visitors can find traditional Andean designs in blankets, ponchos, and tapestries—perfect souvenirs to bring home a piece of Ecuadorian culture.
Highlights:
- Shop for handcrafted goods, textiles, and jewelry.
- Visit the nearby Cotacachi Lagoon, a beautiful natural site.
- Sample Ecuadorian street food from local vendors.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Affordable transport options and a variety of inexpensive souvenirs make this trip ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Otavalo shared tour: You can easily book a tour to Otavalo market, including transport, time at the market, a visit to the equator sundial, hike to Cotacachi lagoon and a local lunch.
Adventure and Nature Combined
4. Mindo Cloud Forest
$50
The lush Mindo Cloud Forest is perfect for nature lovers. Located two hours from Quito, this area offers activities like birdwatching, hiking, and even chocolate-making. This cloud forest is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting an array of unique wildlife, including over 400 bird species like the colorful toucan and the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. Mindo is also a butterfly paradise, with hundreds of species fluttering through the forest, making it a dream spot.
Highlights:
- Visit butterfly farms and hummingbird gardens.
- Take a chocolate tour or enjoy ziplining through the canopy.
- Hike through forest trails and discover hidden waterfalls.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Many activities are free or inexpensive, and budget tours to Mindo are available for transportation and guides.
Stunning Crater Lake
5. Quilotoa Lagoon
$50
The Quilotoa Lagoon, a breathtaking crater lake, offers incredible views and rewarding hikes. Known for its turquoise water, Quilotoa is a photographer’s paradise. This stunning crater lake was formed after a massive volcanic eruption over 800 years ago. The water’s vivid turquoise color is due to dissolved minerals in the lake, and it changes hues throughout the day. Local Kichwa communities live around the area, adding a rich cultural layer to the natural beauty of Quilotoa.
Highlights:
- Hike down to the lake or around the rim for different perspectives.
- Rent a kayak for a peaceful ride on the lake.
- Explore nearby indigenous villages for insight into local culture.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Entry is free, and affordable tours from Quito cover transportation, guides, a visit to local markets and houses, and lunch.
Explore an Active volcano
6. Cotopaxi Volcano
$55
Highlights:
- Walk around Limpiopungo Lake with stunning views of Cotopaxi.
- Spot Andean wildlife such as wild horses and rare birds.
- Hike to the glacier of the volcano.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Group tours to Cotopaxi keep costs low as they include transportation, guide, activities and a local lunch.
South-America’s most beautiful bike path
8. Chaquiñán Bike Path
$85
The Chaquiñán bike trail is a scenic route through Ecuador’s countryside, offering an affordable biking adventure near Quito. This tour is perfect for those who want to escape the city and experience nature on two wheels. Once part of an old railway line, the Chaquiñán trail takes bikers through scenic tunnels, valleys, and forests. With a mix of paved and dirt paths, the trail offers views of Ecuador’s countryside and a journey through lesser-known, charming landscapes around Quito.
Highlights:
- Enjoy breathtaking views of valleys, rivers, and mountains.
- Bike through old railway tunnels and explore a unique countryside trail.
- Spot local flora and fauna as you ride.
Why it’s budget-friendly: This Chaquiñán bike tour includes transportation, all biking equipment and guidance along the scenic Chaquiñán route.
Travel prepared for day tours
Weather & Season
- Rainy Season (Oct–May): Expect more rain, especially in places like Mindo—perfect for lush scenery but bring rain gear and good shoes.
- Dry Season (Jun–Sep): Great for clear views at Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, with less chance of rain, making hikes more enjoyable.
Ecuador’s diverse climate can influence each tour experience, so it’s helpful to plan with the seasons in mind. For example, the rainy season (typically October to May) may bring heavier rains in areas like Mindo, enhancing the lush green scenery but also making trails more challenging. During this time, visitors should be prepared with rain gear and sturdy footwear for added comfort.
Meanwhile, the dry season (June to September) generally brings clearer skies, making it ideal for trips to Cotopaxi or Quilotoa where visibility is key to enjoying the stunning landscapes. Overall, knowing the seasonal weather patterns can help travelers make the most of their day trips and prepare for unique conditions at each destination.
Day tours in Ecuador
Budget Day Tours from Quito
With these top 8 cheap day trips from Quito, exploring Ecuador’s beauty and culture is within easy reach. Each of these tours offers a unique experience, from vibrant markets and serene lagoons to breathtaking volcanic landscapes—all designed to fit a budget without compromising on quality.
Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, there’s a day trip here that’s perfect for you. Ready to book? Check our budget day tours Quito to secure your spot and make the most of your time in Quito!