Whether you are staying in Quito for a week or just a few days, there are a number of excursions and day trips that you can take in this city. The list includes the Cotopaxi National Park, Otavalo, the Mariscal neighborhood, and the Pululahua neighborhood. All of these places offer beautiful views, delicious food, and a great way to experience the local culture.

Pululahua

During your vacation in Quito, you can take a day trip to Pululahua, one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador. The region is known for its cloud forest and unique ecosystem. It is home to many animals such as armadillo, fox, and deer. There are also 180 different bird species in the area.

During your visit, you can spend some time exploring the Pululahua crater, which offers a variety of activities for everyone. The crater is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. In fact, this natural site attracts thousands of visitors each year. You can get there by bus or taxi from Quito.

In addition to the crater, the community of Pululahua has many attractions to offer. The village is home to forty families that offer eco-tourism, lodging, and restaurants.

Otavalo

Located in the midst of the Andes Mountains, Otavalo is an exciting place to visit. It is also the home of one of the largest artisan markets in South America.

Otavalo day tours can be booked with a tour operator. These tours usually include lunch at a local hacienda. If you are looking for a full day of adventure, take a tour that also includes a visit to nearby attractions.

Getting to Otavalo can be done with a private car, taxi, or shuttle. Alternatively, you can catch a shared truck, which will drop you off at the center of town. It takes about an hour and a half to get to Otavalo.

The best way to get to Otavalo is to take a tour. You can find a number of tour operators from Quito. They are very reliable and will help you get to your destination.

Papallacta

Located in the Andes Mountains, Papallacta is the perfect place to visit if you want to relax after a long day of traveling. You can find plenty of activities in the area, such as trekking trails, hot springs, and more. The thermal waters of Papallacta are known for their medicinal qualities.

The town is also home to the Termas de Papallacta Spa, which offers the option of enjoying a relaxing swim in the thermal pools. The pools provide relief for muscular pain and joint pain, and offer a natural environment that makes it a great destination for a relaxing vacation.

During the day, you can take a hike through the forest, which is a popular spot for tourists. The hike takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Cotopaxi National Park

Depending on your travel schedule, you can visit Cotopaxi National Park on a day trip from Quito. The park is located in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador.

The main entrance to Cotopaxi National Park is located on the Pan-American Highway. The southern entrance, also known as El Chasqui, is closer to the visitor center and a small museum. However, the road is rough during wet periods. It is best to use a 4-wheel drive.

When you arrive at the park, you will need to negotiate with tour providers. Most companies will charge around $20-30 for a short visit.

Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano in South America. It is a cone-shaped mountain that towers over 19,642 feet. It is best viewed during clear weather.

Mariscal neighborhood

Amongst the many places to go in Quito, the Mariscal district is a must-visit. It is also the home of the newest international airport in Latin America. The neighborhood is home to the infamous Panecillo mountain. Besides the famous landmark, you will find some good old fashioned grub and a few opulent hotels.

You can't miss Plaza Foch, the locals' acclaim-oh, and the nearby artisan market. It's also a great place to buy some Ecuadorian souvenirs. The neighborhood is also home to the neo-colonial style Hacienda La Floresta, whose name is derived from the former Urrutia family.

The La Floresta sector is a well-connected upscale section of the downtown. It is home to the Swissotel Quito, one of the best hotels in the city. There are a few other notable hotels located in the area, such as the Hotel del Sol and the Hotel Alameda.

Located in the foothills of the Andes, the capital of Ecuador, Quito, has an impressive colonial center that is highly preserved. Its cathedral, located in Plaza Grande square, is an ultra-ornate building.

La Mariscal

Located in the northern part of Quito, La Mariscal has a unique urban design that evolved from the mid-20th century urban development concept. It has a vibrant social dynamic. It is a place to explore and relax.

The neighborhood of La Mariscal has become one of the most sought after areas to stay in Quito. It is home to a variety of different types of businesses. The area is connected to the rest of the city by frequent buses and taxis. There are many coffee shops in the neighborhood. Some have live music shows and are perfect for a night out. There are also a few modern restaurants.

Tulcan Cemetery

Located along the border of Colombia and Ecuador, Tulcan is an interesting and small town. It is a perfect weekend getaway. The city is surrounded by thermal springs, and is known for its deep wells. It is also home to a few hotels and small restaurants. The best time to visit Tulcan is at the beginning of the year.

Tulcan's main tourist attractions are its topiary gardens. In fact, Tulcan has the largest topiary in the New World. The town's cemetery is a wonderland of green sculptures.

In addition to the cemetery, Tulcan has a small archaeological museum. It is located just a couple of blocks from the cemetery. The museum is closed during our visit.

Mitad del Mundo

Visiting the Mitad del Mundo is a great way to spend a day in Ecuador. It is a unique site in the city of Quito, located at the center of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It's also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

The monument at the Mitad del Mundo is about 30 meters tall and it marks the passing of the equatorial line. This is a unique location that makes for great photo opportunities.

You can visit the monument by taking a bus. It's a very quick trip. The bus will drop you off right outside the park. Once you're there, you can wander around, explore the museum, buy souvenirs, and even visit the ice cream parlor. There are also craft shops and restaurants.

Old Town

Located in the southern Quito valley, the old town of Quito is the city's historic center. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area features a mix of colonial architecture and numerous churches. This is the best preserved colonial center in Latin America.

One of the most striking churches in Quito is the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, a 17th-century structure with tons of gold leaf. Inside, the church is home to thousands of works of colonial art.

Another church worth a look is the Basilica del Voto Nacional, a Gothic Roman Catholic church on a hill in the old town. It offers stunning views of Quito, as well as a vertigo-free climb to the top.

Sangay National Park

Located in the Andes of central Ecuador, Sangay National Park is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. The park contains a variety of ecosystems including mountain tapir, Andean fox, pumas, spectacled bears, and giant otters. It also has a number of species of endangered birds and animals, such as the Andean Condor.

The Sangay National Park was first declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. The Park represents an incredible diversity of ecosystems, from wetlands and grasslands to tropical rainforests and glaciers. It is home to more than 3,000 species of plants and animals.

The best times to visit the park are winter months, when the climate is cold and windy. Hiking in the highlands is best in November and February. The Culebrillas lagoon is a popular spot for fishing and camping. The lagoon is surrounded by forests of aged trees. Several endemic species can be found here, including giant ferns and a variety of orchids.

Cotopaxi National Park

Located in the Andes Mountains, Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador. The area is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, and offers lots of adventure activities. There are several ways to explore the region, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and climbing.

During your visit to Cotopaxi National Park, you can take advantage of the many day tours available. These tours are typically short, light hikes that allow you to experience the magnificent vistas of the volcano.

Another popular activity in Cotopaxi is to climb the volcano. There are several authorized routes, including the Cerro Ruminahui Trail, which is a 7.1-mile, uphill trek that features stunning views.