Leave Quito for a private full‑day route through seldom‑visited villages: taste tangerine bread, harvest farm fruit, climb a famed stairway and take in sweeping Andean viewpoints. This tour pairs easy walks with cultural insights and farm visits.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step into a fresh mountain morning at the Portal Shopping meeting point, then the car eats the city and the road unfurls toward small villages where fields and church domes puncture the skyline. The Hidden Route moves at the pace of people who work the land: short walks through parish squares, the citrus scent of tangerine bread at Puéllaro, and the low, immediate hum of farm life at Perucho.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect light walking, a few stair sections and standing during village visits
Wildlife
History
Towns along the Hidden Route combine pre‑colonial agricultural practices with colonial‑era churches; many parish centers date back centuries and reflect local community organization.
Conservation
The tour supports small ecological farms and community producers—travelers should minimize waste, avoid removing plant material, and buy locally to support sustainable livelihoods.
Reserve your spot on the Private Full Day Tour of The Hidden Route near Quito today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Carry cash for local purchases
Many village stalls take only cash for liqueurs, syrups and small souvenirs—bring small bills and coins.
Wear grippy walking shoes
Short farm trails and the church domes can be uneven; low‑ankle hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are best.
Hydrate and snack between stops
Although breakfast and lunch are provided, bring a refillable bottle for the day’s walking and sun at viewpoints.
Respect harvesting etiquette
Only pick what guides invite you to harvest—these are working ecological farms managed by local communities.
Sturdy day shoes
Provide traction on church domes, farm paths and steps.
Layered windproof jacket
Mountain weather shifts—mornings can be cool and afternoons sunlit and breezy.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during drives and short walks; reduces plastic waste.
Sun hat and sunscreen
High‑altitude sun is strong even on cool days, especially at viewpoints.