Middle of the World & Hummingbird Reserve Tour from Quito

One of the world's few inhabited volcanoes sits on your route.

A six-hour guided tour from Quito takes you northwest to the Pululahua Lookout, a geobotanical reserve built inside an active volcano's caldera, then through cloud forest to the Rayo waterfall and the Alambi Reserve for hummingbird watching, ending at the Middle of the World monument on the equator. Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Quito are included; the guide speaks English or Spanish; children from age three are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore volcano, waterfall, and equator

• Hotel pickup in Quito
• Visit Pululahua Lookout
• Hike to Rayo waterfall
• Observe birds at Alambi Reserve
• Travel to Middle of the World City
• Explore equatorial monument and museum
• Return to hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup at your Quito hotel and heads northwest toward the Pululahua Lookout, where you stand inside one of the world's few inhabited volcanoes. The Geobotanical and Conservation Reserve occupies the caldera itself, and your guide explains how the volcano formed and what makes this landscape unique. From there, you move into cloud forest for a short, relatively easy hike down to the Rayo waterfall, a natural break in the day's walking.

The Alambi Reserve is built around hummingbirds. The place is known for the sheer variety of species, along with tanagers and toucans. This is where most of the time spent watching birds happens, and it is why the reserve draws people who want to see them without a separate birding expedition. After the reserve, you head to the Middle of the World City, the equatorial monument that sits on the line itself. On the way, your guide shares facts about the equator and the 18th-century French Geodesic Mission that measured it. Once there, you climb the monument to a panoramic view of the complex and the surrounding area, visit a small museum inside explaining Ecuador's cultural diversity, and take the traditional photo with one foot in each hemisphere.

Bring a hat and sun block. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for rain if the forecast calls for it. Entrance fees to the sites are paid separately, in person, on the day of the tour. The guide is multilingual and can conduct the tour in English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Quito.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• access to the Pululahua Lookout and Geobotanical Reserve.
• the hike to Rayo waterfall.
• entry to the Alambi Reserve for hummingbird watching.
• visit to the Middle of the World monument with access to the museum inside.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 31 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Perfect Destiny

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you travel with your own guide and no other guests, which suits small groups or families who want to set the pace and ask questions without waiting for a larger group. The six-hour length fits a half-day itinerary from Quito, leaving the afternoon free for the city or other plans.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the hike to the Rayo waterfall?

The hike to Rayo waterfall is short and relatively easy, taking place in cloud forest on the way from the Pululahua Lookout to the Alambi Reserve.

What birds can I expect to see at the Alambi Reserve?

The Alambi Reserve is famous for hummingbirds, and you'll also see tanagers and toucans among the wide variety of species there.

Can I visit the Intiñan Museum instead of the Middle of the World City?

Yes, you can request a change in coordination with your guide to visit the Intiñan Museum instead of the Middle of the World City.

What is included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off within central Quito and a professional guide are included. Entrance fees to the sites and any food or drinks are paid separately.