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

April 4, 2022 Ying Subia

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. Chocolate Tour in Mindo

Yumbos Chocolate, Ecuador Bucket Pass
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Yumbos Chocolate is a fair trade chocolate factory located in Mindo, where you can learn the full production of the high quality cocoa bean, grown and produced in Ecuador. In the facilities there is a didactic area reserved for the explanation with all the necessary steps to the production of the chocolate bar. A guide illustrates and explains with enthusiasm in several languages, ending with an extensive tasting of chocolate products.

Inclusions: Food tasting, Local guide, Snacks

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By ATWtravler

We took the Cable Car (Tarabita) over and back and hiked the trail down to the "Large" waterfall. Limited tourists now so no lines and only a couple other people. Trail maintenance and steps are in disrepair, 20 mins down, 30 mins up. The Large waterfall is just a small 12-15 ft cascade over a few rocks and the forest is not really very impressive. We hike regularly in Hawaii where we live and those hike are much more scenic in terms of lush greenery, flowers, birds and real waterfalls. Maybe something to do if you are in the area but definitely not as a daytrip from Quito.

2. Walking Tour Quito

Friends Expeditions, Junín Oe1- 61 y, Quito 170401, Ecuador Friends Expeditions
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Walk in the historic center of Quito, it is totally special if you are accompanied by friends, here you will discover the wonders of the historic center and new friends while we walk. Places like the Plaza de la Independencia, San Agustin Church, the catacombs, Republica del Cacao, the change of presidential guard (Mondays) and others are what we will discover in this experience that you will do it yourself. It is also a good time for you to realize the best selfies of your passage through the heritage city of Quito.

Inclusions: Guía bilingüe

Exclusions: Propinas, Snacks, Soda/Pop

Reviewed By EdinKrnic

Very good agency located in Friends hostel. They have daily tours around Quito and also Galápagos and Amazonas.

3. Live Otavalo... Day trip between valleys and mountains, crafts and culture

Tourexpress & Transfers
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

I want to give you a family experience, I want to show you the place where I have grown up, where I have seen these wonderful landscapes and also where I have learned about other cultures, share my experience so that your visit is unforgettable, besides going by land is relaxing and safe .

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Boat trip

Reviewed By tamm0v

Jorge is an excellent guide. Very proactive in arranging everything for my trip. Even calling me when I was still at home to make sure everything would go smoothly. He is highly recommended.

4. Quilotoa Laguna Daytour

CarpeDM Adventures, José de Antepara, Quito 170136, Ecuador CarpeDM Adventures
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

This full day cultural tour begins with a visit to local indigenous market at either Saquisilli (Thursdays only) or Pujili (Sundays only).  The drive to Laguna Quilotoa – an amazing emerald lagoon inside a volcano crater at the height of approximatetly 3,800 m – displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands.  The trip through the villages of the area provide a fantastic chance to see one of the most authentic parts of the country. Before lunch we visit a local indigenous home where you have the opportunity to interact with the locals. Prepare yourself for a taste of cultural and hiking.

Inclusions: What’s Included:, Transport, Guide, Lunch

Exclusions: What’s Not Included:, Additional Snacks / Beverages, TIPS, Breakfast

Reviewed By RichardA4235

Could not recommend more highly! We were in Quito and did a day trip to Mindo. Our guide, Alex, was amazing. He was a wealth of information and went far out of his way to show us everything we wanted to see. We zip-lined, went to the butterfly museum, did a chocolate tasting and learned how cocoa beans become chocolate. We also did a cable and hike to a waterfall. We really wanted to hit the equator museum on the way back and Alex made sure we got there -- we were running behind and he called to make sure they would stay open for us. Along the way, he gave us a great sense about Ecuador. Alex even helped us order pizza on the way home . He said that "no" was not in his vocabulary and that turned out to be true. The whole operation was so easy -- they even took us to the airport on our way out. The bus was comfortable, the driver safe, and it was just overall a fabulous trip -- our favorite activity in Quito. Thank you Alex and CarpeDM!

5. Quito City Tour Private

Ecuador Wonders Tour Operator
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Quito city tour with us is the best experience! Our goal is to show travelers all over the world the true Quito with its unique nature, culture, hospitality of the city's inhabitants, offering individual high-level services, taking into account and taking care of every detail of the tour to fully satisfy our most demanding customers.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, English or Spanish-speaking guide, Food and drinks, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Items not specified, Personal expenses

Reviewed By Experience782516

Raul was our guide through the beautiful and historic city of Quito. He was very prompt on his arrival to pick us up at our hotel in the historic district. He was very informative and knowledgeable on the many stops on our tour. Never rushed and very relaxed, which was very good for a couple of guys from sea level trying to hike around at the top of Teleferico !! I highly recommend this tour and hope you enjoy your time in Quito as much as we did

6. Quito 6-Day 5-Nights: Tradition and Culture Tour

Quito, Ecuador Bm Tours Quito
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We will visit the most striking points by tourists who seek to know the cultural places that mark the capital of Ecuador. We will observe the colonial helmet of Quito Metropolitano, and we will be on the equinotial line.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private Transport, Accomodation in Hotel

Exclusions: Extra drinks, Municipal Tax of US$ 2,75 direct payment in the hotel value per night and per room.

Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell

Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.

7. Street Food Essentials

Teatro Bolivar, Quito, Eugenio Espejo, Quito 170401, Ecuador Bondabu
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

After years of research we've singled out the best street food stands in Quito for you to delight your palate while understanding how locals live traditional food and its appealing scenery

Inclusions: All the food, Hand made chocolate and coffee are included, Soda/Pop

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Reviewed By Greg S

My group of 6 friends did this tour (booked on Viator) yesterday. Overall we liked the tour guide Jose, he had a good personality. But due to value, food chosen, and hiccups made by him, we would not recommend this tour. First issue is the driver came to our hotel looking for another couple. He left when the hotel reception told him “Brinn” isn’t staying at the hotel. Apparently, Brinn is another couple who booked this tour but were staying at another hotel. By the time they figured out the mistake, we started the tour 45 minutes late. Instead of being cognizant of this, Jose started the tour with a 45 minute, long winded conversation about the center of the world. This tour is called “Street Food with Drinks.” This is an exaggeration- we had “drink” (singular) and no street food. We went to a bar and had a local cocktail (very tasty). Went to a hole in the wall and had a tamale, chicken gizzards and an empanada. Finally, went to a cafe and had an herbal tea. Overall, it was about $60 worth of food for our group and it $462 ($77 a person). And the food was forgettable. Maybe the pandemic has made the street food tour less than ideal. It is a fact that many places have shut down since last year. But perhaps the tour should be put on hold until the situation in Quito improves.

8. This is Quito

Teatro Bolivar, Quito, Eugenio Espejo, Quito 170401, Ecuador Bondabu
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Experience the perfect balance between the highlights at the Colonial district plus the magic happening off the beaten path. Enter the Golden church, the main patios and Squares. Savour the exotic food market. Finish the journey Delighting your palate with a handmade chocolate and coffee tasting.

Inclusions: You'll sample traditional street food, You'll eat lunch at traditional food market, You'll try hand made chocolate

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Reviewed By Greg S

My group of 6 friends did this tour (booked on Viator) yesterday. Overall we liked the tour guide Jose, he had a good personality. But due to value, food chosen, and hiccups made by him, we would not recommend this tour. First issue is the driver came to our hotel looking for another couple. He left when the hotel reception told him “Brinn” isn’t staying at the hotel. Apparently, Brinn is another couple who booked this tour but were staying at another hotel. By the time they figured out the mistake, we started the tour 45 minutes late. Instead of being cognizant of this, Jose started the tour with a 45 minute, long winded conversation about the center of the world. This tour is called “Street Food with Drinks.” This is an exaggeration- we had “drink” (singular) and no street food. We went to a bar and had a local cocktail (very tasty). Went to a hole in the wall and had a tamale, chicken gizzards and an empanada. Finally, went to a cafe and had an herbal tea. Overall, it was about $60 worth of food for our group and it $462 ($77 a person). And the food was forgettable. Maybe the pandemic has made the street food tour less than ideal. It is a fact that many places have shut down since last year. But perhaps the tour should be put on hold until the situation in Quito improves.

9. 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.

10. Papallacta Hot Springs

Galapagos My World
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This water and wellness complex is located only 90-minute drive on the east of the Quito city or 50-minute drive from the International Airport of Quito, which makes easy the arrival and departure from this tourist attraction. Besides, Termas Papallacta is famous by its medicinal water since they contains healing properties. Papallacta is like being into heaven since, it is located in the dense clouds surrounded by mountains at 3250 meters or 10663 feet above sea level. Enjoy the spa resort and plunge into Health and Life in our thermal pools, surrounded by the magic of nature.

Inclusions: An English-speaking Certified Naturalist Guide-Chauffeur, Transportation from/to Quito , Cultural and tourist information

Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance fees, Tips

Reviewed By valeriavH3917KD

This day was incredible to look many mountains from the highest part of the visit. The tour guide made the trip a lot of fun. I enjoyed every thing we did. 100% recommended.

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