Top Ecuador Day Trips - page 12

The Cotopaxi National Park is breathtaking. This mountain with its 5897m altitude and its almost perfect conical shape is certainly worth a visit. We show you the most beautiful sides of this wonderful mountain and with the visit to the rose plantation we round off the experience.

Discover the rich Galapagos Islands fauna that lives above ground and underwater on a small-group day tour to Playa la Fe and Pinzon Island. This immersive tour includes both land tours and snorkeling opportunities to ensure you get a comprehensive, stress-free wilderness experience. During a hike on Pinzon Island, keep your eyes peeled for marine iguanas, turtles, and Galapagos hawks. Underwater wildlife sightings may include white-tip sharks, eagle rays, and sea lions.

We admire the beautiful Andean landscapes, visit the National Park with its interpretation center where animals from the area are exposed.

Get up close with sea life on this half-day snorkeling tour. Once you are fitted for your snorkeling gear at the company office, you will board a boat taking you out to the turtle islet. Keep an eye out for the birds of the islet as you approach. Try your hand at fishing with a trawling fishing rod before ending the boat tour with 90 minutes of snorkeling. In the clear waters of the turtle islet, you might spot sharks, sea turtles, corals, starfish and more.

Spend a day snorkeling and observing Galapagoan species on this full-day tour to Kicker Rock. Don your snorkel gear and follow your dedicated guide to see native wildlife such as sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish. Then, head to a secluded beach to relax finishing off at the famous Lobos Island, where you can see blue-footed boobies and sea lions.

Spend a day exploring the Isle of Silver, which is also known as a mini Galapagos, on this half-day, private tour from Guayaquil. Take a yacht trip to the island and enjoy short hiking trails that provide opportunities to see marine birds including blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, pelicans, frigate birds, and albatrosses. Snorkel around the island to enjoy coral reefs and marine life including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and even sea lions.

Our tourist service is special because we have new cars and guides with Experience the same ones that are certified and that will make your experience unforgettable.

Explore the secluded beauty of Española Island, one of the Galapagos' hidden gems, renowned for its unique wildlife. This exclusive tour allows you to witness the only nesting site of the Waved Albatross, along with various reptiles, seabirds, and marine mammals up close. Enjoy the chance to see dolphins and whales during the journey, enhancing your experience in this pristine ecosystem. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, this expedition offers expert guidance and an immersive connection with nature. Española is a strictly protected site managed by the Galápagos National Park. Visitor access is limited to authorized guides and approved itineraries to ensure minimal environmental impact. Its delicate ecosystems exemplify the balance between conservation and responsible tourism that defines the Galápagos Islands. Please note that meeting times may vary due to weather conditions, safety considerations, and operational requirements for a smoothest and safest experience.

Make the journey to Quilotoa Lake just as exciting as the destination on a private day trip from Quito. In addition to exploring the spectacular crater lake at your own pace, you’ll tick off Toachi Canyon and Tigua town, to deepen your perspective of Ecuador’s cultural and natural attractions.

Escape the city on this memorable adventure that includes stops at two of Ecuador's incredible volcanoes. Enjoy an exciting 3-hour horseback ride across the Pululahua Crater and head to the Mital del Mundo complex located at the equator. Learn the history of local tribes and how they cultivate the volcanic land. This thrilling outdoor excursion is perfect for first time visitors looking to make the most of their time in Quito. Upgrade your tour an indulge in lunch with panoramic views over the valley and cloud forest. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Visit a local cacao farm and explore a cloud forest on this all-day guided private tour from Guayaquil. Learn how to make authentic Ecuadorian chocolate then hike along the trails of the cloud forest en route to three different waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip. Plus, learn how to operate a sugar cane press and enjoy a traditional lunch before you return to Guayaquil.

Discover even more Galapagos species on a full-day tour to North Seymour Island. Board your vessel in Santa Cruz and make your way to the island where you can observe red-breasted frigates, land iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Then, head to Las Bachas beach for free time to relax and snorkel, observing even more species like sea lions, sea turtles, and even flamingos.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and set sail on a tranquil adventure along the Pacific coast. Benefit from the expertise of a naturalist guide who enriches the journey by identifying local wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, along the way. You can also dive into the crystal-clear waters near Isla Salango for snorkeling opportunities, and admire the scenery from the El Rocio viewpoint in Machalilla National Park.

Visit an uninhabited island in the Galapagos for an exciting snorkeling and hiking adventure from Santa Cruz Island. This small-group tour, limited to four adventure seekers, visits North Seymour Island which is home to a number of Galapagoan birds and a colony of sea lions. Hike around the island and then strap on the provided snorkel gear to discover underwater species.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Isabela Island's volcanic and underwater landscapes on a small-group day tour. You'll begin by observing pelicans, Nazca boobies, and more on Roca Unnion. Next, traverse the volcanic tunnels, where your guide will provide insights into their formation, unveiling the island's geological history. Finally, snorkel amongst sea horses, sea turtles, eagle rays, and other marine life unique to the Galapagos Islands.

The market of Otavalo is South America's most famous Indian fair. We get an early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery northwards. You will have ample time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indigenous people wearing blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair and to explore their handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries and more at bargain prices. For lunch, we will head to Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes. Once at the project you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of the South-American woman and their skills for textiles and a deep culinary knowledge coming from the past generations.

Marvel at the beauty of the Galapagos’ Central Islands aboard our own Sea Lion Yacht – one of only 12 yachts in the Galapagos that offers day tours to the Galapagos National Park in the company of certified Naturalist Guides. Operations are handled by a fully seasoned captain. You’ll embark on a Galapagos Day Tour like no other! Santa Fe offers one of the more beautiful and sheltered coves in the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets that form an ideal anchorage spot. Studies suggest that the island of Santa Fe is, in fact, one of the oldest in the entire archipelago. Given the island is the result of uplift from the ocean floor, you can actually see lava formations (that were previously underwater) sitting on its surface. A destination expert will contact you soon to go over details and request sensitive information. Note: Day Tours are subject to change due to weather conditions, logistical reasons and Galapagos National Park Regulations.

Embark on a unique adventure! Our experience is designed to take you beyond the conventional, offering you a journey full of excitement, learning and new friends. From exciting activities to calming moments to enjoy natural beauty, every step will be a story to tell. Are you ready to explore the unknown? Don’t miss the opportunity to live this experience. Book now and get ready for a journey you will never forget.

In the fleeting embrace of time, the vast tapestry of Ecuador unfolds before you. Picture this: a caldera, spanning a vast three kilometers, its birth a testament to nature's raw power, carved from the earth by a cataclysmic eruption some eight centuries ago. And then, the towering majesty of one of the planet's highest active volcanoes, standing as a sentinel of nature's fiery heart. As you find respite in the historic charm of Quito, remember, each stop on this journey is but a brief interlude, a mere 30 minutes. Yet, in that half-hour, vistas of unparalleled beauty unfurl, beckoning you to capture their essence in frames that will forever echo the spirit of Ecuador.

Enjoy a full-day tour in the Otavalo Area. We will visit the largest indigenous market in Latin America and browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. We will visit Lago San Pablo, where you will be able to admire its breathtaking beauty. We will also visit a Bizchochos Artesanal factory, the spectacular Cuicocha lagoon, Cotacachi leather town, and more.

Explore the centuries-old traces of the cultures that forged Ecuador in a unique and comprehensive tour. This tour takes you through breathtaking archaeological sites full of history, traditions and amazing scenery. Immerse yourself in ancient civilizations, learn about their mysteries and marvel at the cultural and natural richness that these places offer.

Imagine cycling at 4800 meters above sea level in the majestic Chimborazo. Observe the landscape of the Andes and animals such as vicuñas. Conquer the imposing Chimborazo and live an unforgettable experience on wheels!

Step away from the hum of Quito and into the mesmerizing embrace of the Antisana Ecological Reserve, a mere 100km journey into the heart of the Andes. Here, adventure beckons on two wheels, guiding you through terrains that whisper tales of ancient times. From the verdant whispers of the upper Amazon at 1,200 meters to the staggering majesty of the Antisana Volcano, soaring at a breathtaking 5,758 meters, every inch of this land is a testament to nature's grandeur. Dive into the legends, for "Antisana" in the age-old Quichua tongue means the 'Dark Mountain'. True to its moniker, this enigmatic volcano often shrouds itself in a cloak of clouds. Yet, on those rare, magical days when the heavens part, the sight of its glacier-adorned pinnacle will etch itself into your soul. And as you're lost in its beauty, cast your gaze to the skies. A ballet of majestic condors, spirited cara caras, and a chorus of avian wonders serenade you, capturing the essence of Antisana's untamed spirit.

Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.