Day Trips
► City Maps of Quito
The Old Town of Quito has beautiful buildings from the time of the Spanish colony and a UNESCO world cultural heritage area. The lovely area is the highlight of any visit to Quito.
A city map with the most important sights of the Old Town of Quito and a map of the New Town of Quito can be downloaded and printed here as a PDF-file.
There are also many day trips to the surroundings of Quito that you can do from CASA HELBLING.
Quito Historical Old Town
Take a taxi (ca. US$ 3) to the Basilica Church. Its spires offer a beautiful view of the Old Town. Walk down Garcia Moreno to the center. On Sundays, the Old Town is pedestrianized.
Teleférico
Cable car to Rucu Pichincha. Best to take a taxi. The ride up takes about 20 minutes, up to 4.100 meters. The view of Quito from here is spectacular, and during cloud-free weather the snowcapped Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi are visible. In about 3½ hours, the summit can be reached. Immediately turn back if the weather worsens. Take enough water and a good jacket. Make sure not to miss the final descent.
Otavalo Market
Saturdays. Buses from the Terminal Carcelen depart every half hour from 4:30 a.m. The ride takes about 2½ hours.
Saquisilí Market
Thursdays. Take a very early bus from the Terminal Quitumbe directly to Saquisilí. The ride takes about 1½ hours. Alternatively, take a bus to Latacunga (leaves every 30 minutes) and from there take a pickup (Camioneta) to Saquisili.
Mitad del Mundo
By bus: From Avenida América, take the Metrobus north to La Ofelia, the final stop. Switch to a bus to Mitad del Mundo. The Inti Nan Museum adjacent to the "official" monument is less touristy and more interesting.
You can continue the trip with a tour to the Pululahua Crater.
Papallacta Hot Springs
Take a taxi (ca. US$ 7) to the Quitumbe bus station. Take a bus headed for Baeza, Tena, Coca or Lago Agrio, buy a ticket only to Papallacta. The ride takes about 2½ hours. From there you have a 30-45 min. walk to the springs. You can also take a van at the turn-off that goes to Baeza. The "camionetas" (vans) drive you to the hot springs for a few dollars.
Pululahua Crater
By bus: From Avenida América, take the Metrobus north to La Ofelia, the final stop. Switch to a bus to Mitad del Mundo. Buses go another 5 kilometers (towards Calacali) to the intersection to the Pululahua Crater. From here, it's a one-kilometer walk to the scenic view (mirador). A very steep leads down into the crater, which is inhabited and farmed. There are several restaurants, a hostel and tours on horseback (see below). It's also great for birdwatching and viewing orchids.
Pasochoa Protective Forest
Take a taxi to La Marin bus station in southern Quito. Take a bus to Amaguaña (departs every 15 minutes). From Amaguaña take a pickup to the park entrance (US$ 10 each way). Park entrance fee US$ 7.
Bus and pickup ride to the entrance take about 1½ hours. The Walk from the entrance to the summit takes about 6 hours, the descent takes about ca. 3½ hours. There are places to stay in the park including a hostel and camping ground.
Important: Book the driver for a return from the park entrance to Amaguaña (set a time for him to pick you up). Don't pay in advance or he won't show up!
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park in a 4x4 with driver. Walk-in tours can be booked at several agencies.
Riverrafting
Riverrafting on the Rio Toachi