5-day Adventure Itinerary in Quito, Ecuador

  1. Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park
    2 hours (56 km) from Quito

    Explore the natural beauty of Cotopaxi National Park. Hike the trails, climb to the top of Cotopaxi Volcano or take a horseback ride in the Andes. Be sure to visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  2. Day 2: Teleférico
    30 minutes (10 km) from Cotopaxi National Park, 15 minutes (4.5 km) from Quito

    Ride the Teleférico, a cable car that takes you up to the top of Pichincha Volcano. From there, you can hike to Rucu Pichincha and enjoy panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

  3. Day 3: Mitad del Mundo
    30 minutes (23 km) from Quito

    Visit Mitad del Mundo, the "Middle of the World" monument that marks the Equator. Learn about the indigenous cultures that live along the Equator and participate in experiments that demonstrate the gravitational effects of the Equator.

  4. Day 4: Cotopaxi Biking Adventure
    2 hours (56 km) from Quito

    Take a thrilling downhill bike ride from Cotopaxi Volcano down to the Limpiopungo Lagoon. Experience the stunning scenery as you glide through the Andean mountains.

  5. Day 5: Mindo Cloud Forest
    2 hours (91 km) from Quito

    Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest and its incredible biodiversity. Trek through the forest to discover hidden waterfalls, zipline across the canopy, and witness birds unique to Ecuador like toucans and hummingbirds.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Cotopaxi National Park (6 hours, $30 entrance fee)
  • Teleférico (4 hours, $8 round trip)
  • Mitad del Mundo (4 hours, $5 entrance fee)
  • Cotopaxi Biking Adventure (6 hours, $70 includes transportation and equipment)
  • Mindo Cloud Forest (8 hours, $50 includes transportation and activities)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $163

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Otavalo Market and exploring the indigenous culture. If you have less time, skip Cotopaxi Biking and add another day exploring Quito's historic city center or take an adventure tour to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Be sure to bring warm clothes when visiting Cotopaxi or Pichincha Volcano as it can get cold at high altitudes.

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