Things To Do
in Puerto Quito
Puerto Quito is a gateway to Ecuador's Amazonian foothills in the province of Pichincha. It sits along lush river valleys and offers easy access to cloud forests and wildlife-rich reserves. The town has a relaxed, rural vibe with an emerging eco-tourism scene rooted in cacao and citrus farming.
Visitors come here to explore nature, paddle the rivers, and experience authentic Andean-Amazonian culture away from bigger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the charming town of Puerto Quito, surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning landscapes. After checking into your accommodation, take some time to relax and acclimatize to your tropical surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Ecuadorian dishes.
Explore the vibrant town center, where you can browse local artisan markets and interact with friendly locals. Visit the nearby Río Quito and take in the natural beauty while walking along the riverbank. For lunch, savor fresh local cuisine at a nearby restaurant, enjoying the flavors of the region.
As the sun sets, partake in a guided nocturnal wildlife tour in the forest, where you'll discover the rich biodiversity of the area. Return to town for a delightful dinner featuring local delicacies under the stars. End your day with a relaxing stroll through the quiet streets, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided hike into the surrounding rainforest. Witness the diverse flora and fauna as your guide shares insights about the local ecosystem and its significance. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of colorful birds and monkeys playing in the trees.
After a refreshing picnic lunch in the heart of the rainforest, take part in a workshop to learn about traditional uses of plants for medicine and crafts by indigenous locals. Engage with the community as they demonstrate their sustainable practices and share anecdotes from their culture. Afterwards, continue exploring the trails to discover secret waterfalls and hidden viewpoints.
In the evening, return to town and enjoy dinner at a quaint eatery with views of the surrounding hills. Sample local favorites such as empanadas and fish dishes, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Wind down your day by sharing stories with fellow travelers or engaging in friendly conversation with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🚎Local transportation (short ride) | $0.25-1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Amazonian biodiversity and lush cloud forests
- Authentic, uncrowded nature experiences
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
- Reasonably affordable ecotourism activities
- USD currency makes budgeting straightforward
- Limited infrastructure and slower connectivity
- Fewer English speakers outside tourist spots
- Remote areas may have inconsistent services
- Seasonal weather can affect hiking and river trips
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
- "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in Puerto Quito
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour reflections on calm river water with palm silhouettes.
Mist-filled tree canopies and orchids; ideal for macro and wide landscape shots.
Vibrant color and candid moments among farmers and vendors.
Hidden cascades along lodge-adjacent trails with dramatic spray and rainforest backdrop.
Food in Puerto Quito
Puerto Quito Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish simmered in coconut milk with fresh herbs, a nod to coastal flavors adapted to river towns.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried fish served with cassava, lime, and a zesty salsa.
A hearty rice-and-duck dish with herbs and peppers, popular at family gatherings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant morning market with fresh fruit, fish, yuca, plantains, and local snacks.
Empanadas, patacones, and fresh fruit juices sold from stalls along the market lanes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and say buenos días/tardes. A handshake or brief abrazo is common among friends.
Ask before photographing people, especially in rural communities; dress modestly when visiting villages.
Be patient with slower pace of life; engage in small talk and show interest in local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Quito
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5–10% tip is appreciated if service is not included. Small tips for guides, porters, and taxi drivers are common but not obligatory.
US dollars are used in Ecuador; credit/debit cards are accepted in towns, but carrying cash is advised for rural shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier days, good for hiking and outdoor activities, though humidity remains high and brief showers possible.
Frequent rains and higher humidity; trails can be slippery but landscapes are lush and wildlife active.
Less rain in May and September; comfortable temperatures with occasional downpours.
Puerto Quito at Night
Hiking in Puerto Quito
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails that showcase endemic birds and orchids, with guided hikes available.
Waterfall hikes along rainforest streams with rainforest scenery.
Riverside trails with viewpoints over lush valleys and distant cloud forests.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Quito by plane.
Quito's main international airport, about a 2–4 hour drive from Puerto Quito depending on road conditions.
Guayaquil's international airport; longer journey but an alternative depending on flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of mestizo populations along with local indigenous-influenced communities in the surrounding countryside.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Ecuador, played and watched widely.
River fishing is common in the region, with locals and visitors taking part in catch-and-release activities.
Played in community courts and schools, especially among youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Quito.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options include beans, lentils, plantains, yuca, rice, and vegetable stews. Tell staff to avoid fish stock or meat sauces; ask for meatless versions of local dishes.