Things to do in Quito with friends and groups: 15 ideas (2026)
By Lars Friedrich, founder of Lasertag Quito · Updated:
The best things to do in Quito with friends are the TelefériQo cable car to 4,050 m, a bike ride on the 20 km Chaquiñán trail, a day trip to Mindo's cloud forest, the Papallacta hot springs, escape rooms, and tactical Lasertag in a 400 m² arena in Tumbaco, 15 minutes from Cumbayá, from $18 per person.
- Best area for expats
- Cumbayá and Tumbaco (warmer, 20–30 min from Quito depending on traffic)
- Budget
- Free to about $40 per person
- Weather
- Rainy afternoons October–May; dry season June–September
- Altitude
- Quito about 2,850 m; take it easy on your first day
- Lasertag Quito
- Our team speaks English and German
What are the best group activities in Quito?
Quito offers viewpoints, historic streets, mountain landscapes and group challenges within a few hours of the city. These fifteen ideas range from free morning walks to full-day nature trips, with all prices in US dollars.
1. Ride the TelefériQo
The TelefériQo cable car climbs to 4,050 m in about 20 minutes each way. The fare is $9 for foreigners or $5.25 with an Ecuadorian ID. Go slowly at the top, especially on your first day in Quito, and allow 2 to 3 hours for the full visit.
2. Explore the Historic Center and La Ronda at night
Walk through the Historic Center, then continue around La Ronda as the city lights come on. The plan is flexible for groups because everyone can choose how long to stay. Agree on a meeting point before separating for photos, cafés or different stops.
3. Visit Mitad del Mundo
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo costs $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Set aside 2 to 3 hours for the visit, plus travel. It is an easy sightseeing choice for mixed-age groups that want a well-known landmark without a demanding hike.
4. Bike or walk the Chaquiñán trail
The Chaquiñán is a free 20 km trail from Cumbayá to Puembo along a former railway. It opens from 06:00 to 18:00 and passes through railway tunnels that are almost 100 years old. Bring water and a flashlight, and choose a shorter section if the group does not want the full distance.
5. Hike Ilaló volcano
Ilaló rises above 3,185 m between the valleys. The climb takes about 2 hours, depending on the route and pace. Start early, carry water and choose the trail according to the group's fitness rather than treating the summit as a race.
6. Take a day trip to Mindo
Mindo is about 2 hours from Quito and works best as a full-day trip. Reference prices are about $5 for the tarabita cable car, $7.50 for the butterfly farm and $10 for a chocolate tour. Transport is additional, and the group can select only the activities that fit its pace.
7. Relax at Papallacta hot springs
The Papallacta thermal pools cost approximately $10.50 for adults, plus transport. This is a relaxed half-day option after several active days. Arrange the return before entering so the group does not have to make transport decisions after the visit.
8. Play tactical Lasertag at Lasertag Quito
Lasertag Quito is in Tumbaco, 15 minutes from Cumbayá. The 400 m² arena welcomes groups of 4 to 40 from age 8, with no upper age limit. One hour costs $18 per person and includes 3 ten-minute games using infrared equipment, with no projectiles, contact or pain.
The team speaks English and German, making the briefing easy for international groups. You can find the full booking options on the Lasertag Quito homepage or browse plans for groups of friends.
9. Solve an escape room
An escape room costs approximately $13 per person. It suits a small group that enjoys clues, communication and a clear time limit. Check the room capacity and language before booking so everyone can participate in the story.
10. Race go-karts
Super Karts has locations at Scala Shopping, Quicentro Sur and Mitad del Mundo, with prices from $10. A race is easy to combine with food or a movie, and the locations give groups choices in different parts of Quito.
11. Go bowling in Tumbaco
Quito Bowling Club has 12 lanes, a restaurant and a bar. The price depends on the lane and schedule. Bowling works well when the group wants light competition and time to talk between turns.
12. Try a rage room
Smash Club in La Mariscal offers rage-room sessions from $15.80. It is a short, high-energy option for a small group and can be paired with dinner or another activity. Confirm the session format before arriving.
13. Join a food tour or cooking class
A food tour introduces local flavours, while a cooking class gives the group a shared task and meal. Prices depend on the provider, group size and menu. Ask for a complete quote before booking rather than assuming food or transport is included.
14. Book a private chiva party bus
A private chiva costs approximately $350 to $500 for 2 hours and can carry up to 45 people. Book only with established companies because scams have been reported. Confirm the provider and itinerary before paying a deposit.
15. Have dinner around Cumbayá's main park
The streets around Cumbayá's main park offer an easy place to finish the day with dinner or drinks. Keep the restaurant choice flexible, but reserve ahead for a large group and agree how the bill will be divided.
Prices checked in September 2026. Third-party prices are approximate and may change.
What can groups do in Cumbayá and Tumbaco?
Cumbayá and Tumbaco combine warmer weather with active and relaxed plans. Start on the Chaquiñán trail, walk through Los Algarrobos park, hike Ilaló, bowl in Tumbaco or play Lasertag, then finish around Cumbayá's main park.
The valley is roughly 20–30 minutes from Quito via Ruta Viva or Interoceánica, depending on traffic. For detailed schedules and a complete weekend itinerary, read our Spanish guide to Cumbayá and Tumbaco.
| Activity | Price (USD) | Time needed | Distance from Cumbayá | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasertag Quito | $18 pp | 1–2 h | 15 min | Friends, teams, families (8+) |
| TelefériQo | $9 ($5.25 with Ecuadorian ID) | 2–3 h | ~40 min (traffic) | Views |
| Chaquiñán trail | Free | 2–4 h | Starts in Cumbayá | Active groups |
| Mindo | $20–$40 + transport | Full day | ~2.5 h | Nature |
| Papallacta | ~$10.50 + transport | Half day | ~1 h | Relaxing |
| Escape room | ~$13 pp | 1 h | ~30 min | Small groups |
| Mitad del Mundo | $5 | 2–3 h | ~1 h | Sightseeing |
What should groups know before exploring Quito?
Quito sits at about 2,850 m, so take your first day slowly and drink water. Save a demanding hike for after the group has adjusted, especially if members arrived from sea level.
- ›Weather: rainy afternoons are common from October to May; schedule outdoor plans in the morning. The dry season runs from June to September.
- ›Transport: use taxis or Uber and agree on the exact destination before splitting into cars.
- ›Payments: carry some cash, but check each venue. Lasertag Quito accepts cash, credit or debit card, and bank transfer.
- ›Weekends: book ahead because popular times fill first.
- ›Altitude: walk slowly, drink water and let the group set a comfortable pace.
A simple plan with one main activity and one meal is often easier than crossing the city several times. If you are organizing colleagues, the company events page explains the team format at Lasertag Quito.
Where can you celebrate a birthday or farewell with friends?
Choose one shared activity and leave time to eat afterward. Tactical Lasertag costs $18 per person; the +$9 Gastro upgrade adds a table for 2 hours, pizza and a drink, bringing the total to $27 per person.
A private chiva is an option for a large group, while a private dinner works for friends who want a quieter plan. The best choice depends on whether the group wants competition, sightseeing or conversation.
Lasertag Quito receives 4 to 40 players and allows groups to bring their own cake. Review current formats on the groups of friends page.
Can I book a group activity in English?
Yes. The Lasertag Quito team speaks English and German, and can explain the equipment, rules and booking details in either language. Booking is required before you arrive.
Book online at Lasertag Quito's booking page or contact WhatsApp at +593 93 963 3709. Share your preferred date, time and group size so the team can check availability.
Booking 3 to 5 days ahead is recommended, with more notice for weekends. Groups can pay by cash, credit or debit card, or bank transfer.
Follow us on Instagram
Missions, teams and company events at our Tumbaco arena: @lasertagquito.
Book your group mission in English
Play three tactical Lasertag games with an English- or German-speaking team in Tumbaco.