What to do and see in Pichincha Province, Ecuador: The Best Private Tours

August 17, 2021 Randal Brittian

Pichincha (Spanish pronunciation: [piˈtʃintʃa]) is a province of Ecuador located in the northern sierra region; its capital and largest city is Quito. It is bordered by Imbabura and Esmeraldas to the north, Cotopaxi and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to the south, Napo and Sucumbíos to the east, and Esmeraldas and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to the west.
Restaurants in Pichincha Province

1. Papallacta Thermals Pools (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)

Ecuador Local Guide
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Visit the village of Papallacta and spend the enjoying a number of customizable activities at one of the most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa in this area. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Andes Mountains on a hike and enjoy a relaxing time at the thermal water that have been certified for its medicinal properties that guarantee health benefits.

Inclusions: Private transportation, English speaking guide, English Speaking Driver/Guide for tours based from 1-3 passenguers, Bottle of water, Visits as mentioned above

Exclusions: Lunch (Available to purchase with addtional cost), Entrance fees (Available to purchase with additional cost 25 usd per person or it can be paid directly), Personal expenses

Reviewed By Tina S

We needed a rapid Covid test within 72 hours of our flight back to the US. Guanguiltagua Expeditions to the rescue!! Dennis and team helped Us get the test from a private lab that came to our condo in Cuenca and we Received results the very next day! Great experience and great service!

2. Mindo Tour Including Coffee, Chocolate, and Cloud Forest

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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Mindo is a beautiful town known for its ecotourism and its wide variety of birds. The number of species rivals North America and Europe all together and that is why it’s a haven for Ornithologists worldwide. It is located within the Mindo-Nambillo protected Forest. Its warm climate is ideal. Among its main attractions you can find waterfalls, clouded forests, butterfly farms, river rafting, trekking, and adventure sports. In Mindo you can also enjoy mountains, fishing sites and it is the perfect area for do such activities as: tubbing, regattas, canopying, horseback rides, Orchid Farms, bicycle and motorcycle rides and you can also enjoy a Frog “concert” The best time to visit Mindo is between May and December, as the weather is a little bit drier.

Inclusions: private tour

Exclusions: Lunch, It is advisable to take an additional 20 dollars for tickets to the activities.

3. Free time in Quito? Lets go to Papallacta's Volcanic Termal Springs!

Quito, Ecuador Daniel Mucarsel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Openminded local tour guide, good music, good conversation, car in perfect conditions. Not many people know this place, nor the properties that these waters have, so it is the best option for a short stay in the city or a relaxing time with your nearby people. Some places/activities' availability may vary. Better to go during weekdays to avoid conglomeration. Keeping all biosafety standards, Covid free service. We take care of each other. 420 friendly.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Entrance ticket , Lunch, Tips

Reviewed By alexandraj706

The car was safe and secure, great price, nice conversations and Daniel is wonderful and informative guide! 100% recommended

4. Quito City Tour Including Teleférico and Horse Ride in Pichincha Volcano

Latin Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Get to know this World Heritage UNESCO site on horseback, for a full-day tour riding for almost 3 miles in the Andes, with a great view of Quito surrounded by volcanoes.

Inclusions: All activities, Certified English/Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Admission fee Teleferico and La Compañia Church, Horses

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Tips

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

5. Cultural Tour of Otavalo: Market and Cuicocha Lagoon visit all inclusive

Juan Leon Mera Y Mariscal Foch, Quito 170143, Ecuador El Barak Ecuador Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

- All Inclusive: Professional Bilingual Guide, Lunch and Tourist Visits. - Tourist Transport from Quito - Otavalo - Quito - Trekking - Visit indigenous market - Visit Ponchos Square - Visit San Pablo Lake Viewpoint - Visit and hiking in the Cuicocha Lagoon - Visit to Cotacachi, known for the elaboration of leather goods - Professionalism and Quality of Service - Shared Tour: Every Tuesday and Saturday - Private Tour: Every day.

Inclusions: Professional Tourism Guide, Tourist visits, Lunch, Private transportation

Exclusions: Breakfast, Tickets, Personal expenses

Reviewed By Malejavr12

I had a very good hike with them. They took you from Baños to Chimborazo in a van, and from the first refuge you walk 50 minutes to get to the Condor Cocha Lagoon. The guide is very promptly and kind, he answered every question I had. The downhill was so good. The guide is near you in the van just in case. Highly recommended.

6. Equator Line and Pululahua Crater - Half Day Tour

Rebecca Adventure Travel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

On this half day tour you will go to the  Intiñan Equator Museum, located 200 meters from the Middle of the World Monument, and after that you will have time to go to the Pululahua´s Crater. With an interesting history. Nearby are a lot of little shops where you can find creative handmade souvenirs. Before you will be brought back to your hotel you will be offered a delicious empanada. *If you would like to visit the monument of the Middle of the World, you can do it instead of visiting the Intiñan Museum. Please let us know in advance.

Inclusions: Professional driver/ guide, Private transportation from and to your hotel in Quito (urban zone), Meals as described in the itinerary (1x snack), Activities as described in the itinerary, Entrance fee museum, 24/7 assistance in Dutch, English and Spanish

Exclusions: Optional tips for guide, Extra food and drinks, Personal expenses

Reviewed By mbennaton

We (my husband and I ) had an amazing time in the Galapagos Islands! We did this trip at the end of October 2020 after the stressful lockdown covid months, so we were looking forward to unwind and visit for the first time the enchanted islands as our vacation. The tours designed by Rebecca Adventure were perfect and customized to our taste and needs. We visited Santa Cruz and Isabela and it was perfect because there weren't many tourists at the time due to the pandemic. We were truly impressed with all the activities, the wildlife and the services provided by our tour guides. We got to see most of the land and marine fauna that we expected, including hammerhead sharks. It was without a doubt one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We highly recommend Rebecca Adventure as your tour agency for the Galapagos and Ecuador. Biosecurity measures were very well respected on the islands, so its safe to travel! If you're looking to come to Ecuador and the Galapagos this is the time, still less tourists, the wildlife is truly impressive and besides life is short, take risks and ENJOY IT!

7. Private and Personalized City Tour of Quito Teleferico and Middle of the World

Ecuador a Color
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Quito is a beautiful city and a great destination in South America. Be part of these great experiences living the culture, friendly people, local food, and the best weather in the andes mountains.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: lunch and drinks

Reviewed By V7970GCstaceyp

Pato ( Patricio) made our Ecuador experience out of this world! He was the perfect guide for our family and was incredible at engaging the kids as well as my husband and myself. His knowledge of Ecuador and it’s history cannot be beat! Patricio started as a tour guide, but now he is family! Anyone going to Ecuador would be lucky to spend time with him! He took us to Mindo, La Mitad del Mundo, the market, many restaurants and all over Quito, too.

8. Quilotoa Crater Lake Private Day Tour

Ecuador Best Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Don't waste time waiting for large group-tours, protect your family and avoid unnecessary crowds! Stop anywhere you want during your journey and make great pictures with unforgettable landscapes!! On this private cultural full day excursion have the opportunity to visit a local indian market, where you will see different cultural interactions, and very varied local products. Do a very nice downhill hike into a charming volcanic crater and enjoy a real lifetime experience!! Make your stay in Quito an unforgettable adventure with us!!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English speaking guide, Mentioned itinerary and visits, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Drinks, Mules or horses ride

Reviewed By JeannePlantation

I had only one afternoon in Quito to sightsee. I contacted Ecuador's Best Tour with late notice by email and Luis replied right away. Luis has a great laid back, no worries attitude and assured me he would take care of everything and pick me up at my hotel. He arrived early to pick me up. I was thrilled to visit the beautiful Church la Compania. Luis was very knowledgeable about the history of the church and architecture. Next we visited a beautiful view of the city with the statue Virgin of El Panecillo. I only had a few hours to visit and Ecuador's Best Tours really helped me make the most of my visit. I highly recommend booking this with this company and you will be lucky if Luis is your guide. His English is extraordinary and he's just a pleasant guide to be around. I have toured many places around the would and I would say Luis was one of the best guides I have encountered. I got some great photos from my visit and hope to return someday. I would certainly use Ecuador's Best Tours again.

9. Quito’s insights and flavors

Church of the Society of Jesus, García Moreno N10-43, Quito 170401, Ecuador Quito Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Quito’s insights and flavors Live an authentic experience! Explore Quito from a different perspective as you walk in the Historical Center visiting the dome of one of its iconic colonial churches and climbing El Panecillo Hill to see and understand the city from unique viewpoints. Discover the interior of Casa Gangotena, a wonderful early-20th century mansion as you enjoy tasting traditional snacks. We drive to Pomasqui,16 miles north of the Old Town, to learn about the fascinating culture of the Agave plant, including a taste of the Ecuadorian spirit known as Miske! History, colonial art, tradition and sophistication, local flavors and spectacular views await you.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Cafe quiteño - Local snacks ( sweet & salty ), Certified Bilingual Guides

Exclusions: Personal Expenses, Additional drinks, Tips

Reviewed By carola_glaettli

the tour with Catalina was so great! she knows so much and we explored many different places in the historic center. thank you so much again! would the tour really recommend!

10. Private Day Tour of Quito and Middle of the World

Let's Go to Ecuador
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Visit the first Unesco site in the World, with spring like weather is home of the largest, best preserved Colonial Architecture in the Americas, where people will welcome you with an smile. We will explore the Historic Center and its Churches, Basilica, Panecillo Hill and its Virgin. During this day you can ride a cable car up to 4,000 meters elevation, (Teleferico)  for amazing views of the Volcanoes, you can also visit the Middle of the World site the Monument or/ and the Intinan Museum. During this Custom Made Full Day Tour, you can add other sites from Farmer's or Artisanal Market to Interesting Museums and also  Culinary Experiences, you decide the sites to be visited, the time to spend on each site and the time you would like to get back at your Hotel.

Inclusions: Round Trip Private Transportation, English Speaking Guide, bottled water., Bottled water

Exclusions: Meals or drinks, Personal expenses

Reviewed By kitz-travellers

During our intensive planning of our trip to Ecuador last December and January 2021 we found very positive comments regarding the Canadian-Ecuadorian tourguide couple Angela and Jamie (Letsgotoecuador.com) which guiding private tours in Ecuador. We wrote our expectations at first for all together four day tours to Mindo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and so on. Just from the first replies of Angela we knew we are "on the right place" to plan our private tours. We are a couple from Austria who travels the world since 30 years and if we need a tourguide we prefer only private tours which are custom made with our expectations. We wrote to Angela and Jamie what´s our focus and what we would like to see in Ecuador and we got back a detailed, well organized tour plan, customized to our ideas. With many emails and What´s app messages we finished the details of our tour. Regarding the quick changes during the Covid pandemic we had chanced some parts of our journey, which ended in seven day tours with two overnight stays. Every day was very well organized, perfect selection of places to go, eat and visit. We traveled by Minibus with driver or with Angela and Jamies private car. Everyone was very safe driving, we felt very well and relexed. The preparing of every kind of circumstances was absolutely perfect, couldn´t be better. Angela organized PCR-Tests for us to be able to go to Galapagos islands, where the laboratory people came to our Hotel and did the test, Very comfortable! She reserved one test for us at Guayaquil airport after returning from Galapagos. Thats really tricky to get a test on carnival weekend in South America ! She made it possible ! After the cancellation of our Amazon trip (Covid again) from our travel agency in Europe Angela and Jamie booked a wonderful Lodge (Sacha Lodge) for us at the Amazon. And we did it !! At the end, we will say, it was the best decision to book the tours with Angela and Jamie. They are very well knowledgeable about their country, everything was perfect organized and absolutely safe. These couple is helpful far over you will expecting !! We absolutly recommend to book tours with Letsgotoecuador.com from Angela and Jamie ! They are doing a great job !! Thank you for everything !!!

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