The 14 Best Day Trips from Santo Domingo de los Colorados

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 14 good day trips from Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador, led by Quito, Ambato, Ibarra. The closest is Quito, about 1 hr 25 min by car. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 14 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Santo Domingo de los Colorados

  1. 1

    Quito, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car72 km east of Santo Domingo de los Colorados

    Known for Arco de la circasiana.

  2. 2

    Ambato, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr by car127 km south-east of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  3. 3

    Ibarra, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 5 min by car135 km north-east of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  4. 4

    Esmeraldas, Ecuador

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 15 min by car145 km north of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  5. 5

    Quevedo, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car92 km south of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  6. 6

    Latacunga, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 30 min by car98 km south-east of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  7. 7

    El Empalme, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car102 km south-west of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  8. 8

    Chone, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 45 min by car113 km south-west of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  9. 9

    Rosa Zarate, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car73 km north-west of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  10. 10

    Balzar, Ecuador

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 20 min by car148 km south-west of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  11. 11

    Ventanas, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car136 km south of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  12. 12

    Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 15 min by car144 km west of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  13. 13

    Otavalo, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car115 km north-east of Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  14. 14

    Cayambe, Ecuador

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car119 km east of Santo Domingo de los Colorados

A sample day: Santo Domingo de los Colorados to Quito

  1. 08:30Leave Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  2. 09:55Arrive in Quito (1 hr 25 min drive)
  3. 10:10Arco de la circasiana
  4. 12:10Lunch
  5. 13:25Explore the old town, markets and cafes of Quito
  6. 15:55Head back to Santo Domingo de los Colorados
  7. 17:20Home in Santo Domingo de los Colorados

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Santo Domingo de los Colorados?
The best day trips from Santo Domingo de los Colorados are Quito, Ambato, Ibarra, Esmeraldas, Quevedo. The closest is Quito, about 1 hr 25 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Santo Domingo de los Colorados?
Quito is the closest, 72 km east of Santo Domingo de los Colorados, roughly 1 hr 25 min by car. Best as a full-day trip.
Where can I go for a weekend from Santo Domingo de los Colorados?
For a weekend away from Santo Domingo de los Colorados, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Balzar (148 km, 2 hr 20 min), Esmeraldas (145 km, 2 hr 15 min), Bahía de Caráquez (144 km, 2 hr 15 min), Ventanas (136 km, 2 hr 10 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Santo Domingo de los Colorados?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Balzar at 148 km, around 2 hr 20 min by car, which is better as a long day or an overnight stay.

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