Private Full Day Tour of The Hidden Route near Quito

Quito , Ecuador

Private Full Day Tour of The Hidden Route near Quito

Active

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Hidden Route offers you an interesting option for a walk very close to Quito. We will visit beautiful towns, which have a varied gastronomic offer, as well as museums, viewpoints and natural attractions, where you can feel and experience the quiet life of the countryside, as well as learn about its history dating from pre-colonial times, interact with its people and acquire new knowledge in the ecological farms of each town that we will visit. They will also have the opportunity to harvest local fruits such as mandarin, lemon, custard apple, guava, avocado, etc.
The Hidden Route is undoubtedly a different tour, not many tourists know about it, so you have the opportunity to see with your own eyes the beauty of landscapes that this route has and that many tourists do not. That is the way of doing tourism, going where tourists do not go and thus experiencing the life of the local people and their customs.

Available options

Private Full Day Tour of The Hidden Route near Quito

What's included

Entrances to the places to visit

Private transportation

Lunch

Breakfast

Detailed itinerary

From the meeting point set at the Portal Shopping, Puéllaro will be our first stop, where we will have breakfast and taste the delicious tangerine bread that is a local specialty. Then we will take a short tour of his church together with the central park explaining its history. If it is the weekend we can go up to the domes of the church where you can see the central square.

Leaving from Puéllaro in a short time we arrived at Perucho. This will be our second small town, where we will visit the second oldest church in Ecuador. In the central park we will have a presentation and tasting of local products made by the community such as sangria, tangerine liqueur, blackberry syrup, etc. Then we will visit the ecological farm of the community, where we can harvest tangerines, lemons, guava, orange, custard apple, etc. Once the activities are finished, we will have lunch in a country restaurant that uses ancestral techniques in the preparation.

A short time from Perucho, we will arrive at Chavezpamba. This small town is very characteristic since it has "the stairway to heaven" where our visitors can climb it or if they prefer not to walk we will go directly to the Itagua viewpoint that has a beautiful view. We will visit your church and tell you a little about its history.

From Chavezpamba in a short time we will arrive at Atahualpa, a small town full of tranquility. Here we will visit the church, the central park and an ecological farm of the community, where we will have the opportunity to harvest blackberries and uvillas, highly desired local fruits. Once the activities are finished, we will return to Quito to the initial meeting point.

What's not included

additional meals

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

It is preferable to take a Taxi, Uber or InDriver to get to the meeting point. We will be at the main entrance next to FYBECA, always waiting for your arrival with a brown hat and a “ZE TURISMO” sign.

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.