Top Ecuador Day Trips - page 3

Let a guide accompany you on the steep, downhill path to the shores of Quilotoa, a picturesque crater lake nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes. On this private day trip from Quito, you’ll visit an indigenous market where local farmers and craftspeople trade their goods. En route, admire stunning landscapes via the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Lunch and private vehicle included.

Embark on a thrilling day tour to Isabela Island and discover its diverse natural wonders. Begin at the Tintorera Islet, home to various marine life, including marine iguanas, sharks, and penguins. Later, using provided snorkel gear, observe the island’s underwater world up close. You’ll also visit the island’s wetlands, a habitat for flamingos, and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. This excursion promises an adventurous and educational experience that’s fun for everyone.

Cajas National Park, with its 200 glacial lakes and numerous hiking trails, is easily one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador. With this tour, travelers with limited time in Cuenca can still spend a few hours exploring the Andean highlands with two guided hikes through two different forest ecosystems.

This TOUR is the right mix among nature, culture, adventures, gastronomy and most important, it is a new experience for you to try.

Ingapirca is the most important archaeological site in Ecuador and a unique example of two cultures in one site. Enjoy the beautiful stone architecture at the site and learn about its Cañari and Inca inhabitants. A short walk reveals a rock formation that resembles an Incan profile and, on Sundays, a local market is visited as well.

Escape the city and get back to nature during this memorable day of outdoor adventure. Follow your friendly guide to the hills of Cotopaxi National Park, where you'll look for local wildlife, revel in the biodiversity and encounter active volcanos up close. This hiking and biking experience is perfect for the active traveler.

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most bio-diverse places on earth, but you don’t have to take a pricey multi-day tour to experience Ecuador’s wildlife haven. Discover Floreana Island on this full-day tour from Puerto Ayora, including highlights such as the Scalecias Forest, Asilo de la Paz, and the Black Beach, where you can swim and snorkel. Hotel pickup is included.

Chimborazo volcano, located in the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve, is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the closest to the sun. Its dreamscapes invite us to dream higher. Our tour begins in Quito and we will venture with our professional guide along the paths of the imposing Chimborazo. The summit of the volcano reaches 6310 meters, a challenge for mountaineering lovers. On our tour we will explore until 5100 meters above sea level, where the mystical lagoon Condor Cocha is located, surrounded by moorland flora and local fauna such as the vicuña. After this experience, we will descend to the parking lot and finish our tour in Quito. Optional we can extend 1 more day and visit Quilotoa, Cotopaxi or Baños de Agua Santa.

Rather than be overwhelmed at one of South America’s largest markets, let a personal guide accompany you. On this private day trip from Quito to Otavalo Market, you’ll have a better opportunity to interact with traditionally attired Quichua vendors selling handicrafts, textiles, and even livestock. Savor views of the Ecuadorian Andes on a brief waterfall walk after lunch in Cotacachi, a town known for its leather goods.

Get up close and personal with marine iguanas, sea lions, and hawks on a day trip to Santa Fe Island from Santa Cruz. Included hotel pickup ensures a smooth start. Once aboard the yacht, you’ll set off for Santa Fe Island. In addition to wildlife sightings, you’ll have time to enjoy Playa Escondida. The day tour also includes a filling lunch with a vegetarian option available.

Skip the standard route and discover the Otavalo region on a private full-day tour of the Rose Plantation, Equator Line, and Otavalo market. Stand on the equator at Quitsato Sundial, tour a working rose plantation, and shop for handmade crafts at one of South America’s largest Indigenous markets. Visit Cotacachi for its renowned leather goods and explore Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake nestled within an active volcano.

Visit two of the world’s most interesting locations on a full-day private tour. First, visit one of only two inhabited volcanic craters in the world and see how locals are living. Then, head to the Intiñan Museum to visit the exact division of the northern and southern hemispheres at 00º 00’ 00”. Lastly, head to Quito for a tour of the world’s first UNESCO-listed city and learn about its rich history.

Make the most of your visit to Cuenca with a day trip to three important artisan villages of Ecuador. After pickup from your hotel, take in the Andean landscape on your way to Chordeleg and San Bartolomé. You’ll get an immersive look at the craftsmanship that goes into textiles, guitars, and more.  Let your private guide help you decide on what to eat for your included lunch in Gualaceo.

Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park is a unique area with a diverse ecosystem of fauna and flora. Join this full-day tour from Quito to explore the area around the active volcano and learn about the natural history of the region. You also visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon where you enjoy beautiful views of the volcano and surrounding areas.

See the incredible and unique birdlife of Ecuador with this birding excursion with an experienced guide. Departing in the early morning from Quito City or Mindo town, travel to private reserves and sanctuaries to discover species in their natural habitat. Potential spots include the Schistes geoffroyi, Andigena laminirostris and the Tangara heinei. The necessary equipment including a spotting scope, binoculars and tuned bird calls are included.

Get up close and personal with the exotic wildlife and beautiful scenery of the Amazon during this 11-hour day trip to Puyo. Join your experienced naturalist guides as you explore a rescue center for animals like ocelots, caimans and monkeys, swim near a beautiful waterfall, paddle a canoe on the Puyo river and visit with a local Quechua community. This Amazon jungle adventure also includes lunch and all activities.

Escape to the Baths of Papallacta on this full-day tour from Quito. Enjoy a scenic journey through the Andes until you reach this natural paradise, famous for its relaxing hot springs. Live a complete experience combining wellness and nature with a guided walk through the Andean forest, where you can observe native flora and unique landscapes. Then relax in thermal pools surrounded by mountains, ideal for disconnecting and recharging. This tour is perfect for those looking for balance between gentle adventure and rest, with comfortable transportation and professional accompaniment throughout the experience.

Take a break from Quito's busy streets and spend a day in the cloud forest on this day trip to Mindo. Join a small group and discover the unique fauna and flora of the region. Walk through the forest to see hummingbirds and butterflies, soar through the treetops on a series of ziplines, and hike to beautiful waterfalls all in one day.

Take a trip to Ecuador’s highest active volcano on this day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. With a small group, hike along the volcanic trails and take in the unique biodiversity of the Andes Mountains, including several species of birds. Walk around the Limpopungo Lagoon to see more wildlife and take photographs of the stunning mountain landscapes in the background.

Take a break from the busy streets of Quito and visit Ecuador’s second-highest summit, Cotopaxi Volcano, on this full-day tour. With a private guide, head to the top of the volcano and take in the surrounding views. Learn about the geological history of Ecuador, home to several volcanoes, and enjoy a short hike around Limpiopungo Lake.

Straddle two different hemispheres during this half-day visit to the equator at Ecuador’s famous ‘Mitad del Mundo.' Try out some unique physics experiments demonstrating the influence of the earth’s poles at the Intiñan Museum. This private tour includes a guide, Intiñan Museum entrance fees, and round-trip hotel transport from Quito's city center.

Spend the day exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Ecuador on this full-day Quilotoa Lake hiking tour from Quito. Your expert guide will lead you through tropical forests to one of the area's most beautiful lagoons. Make stops at a quiet village and local markets as part of this incredible day away from the city.

Cover some of Ecuador’s top cultural attractions without having to worry about planning or speaking Spanish on an action-packed private sightseeing tour. You’ll cover San Pablo Lake, the charming towns of Cotacachi and Cayambe, and Otavalo Market—the largest indigenous market in South America—while you enjoy the undivided attention of your guide.

An excellent choice for nature lovers and active travelers, this full day biking excursion takes place in beautiful Cotopaxi National Park. Bike 19 miles (31 kilometers) of single-track on an active volcano. Along the route, enjoy spectacular views of unspoiled natural areas, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as condors, foxes, wild horses, deer, and more. Lunch (beside the Incan ruins of Pucara del Salitre) is included.