Top Ecuador Day Trips - page 4

See snow on the equator and some of the high Andes’ last Polylepis forest on this small-group guided hike to the 20,548-foot (6,263-meter) Chimborazo volcano from Riobamba. You’ll visit Laguna Condor Cocha, a glacial lake with dazzling views, and the rugged Chorrera Canyon, and enjoy an included lunch as you hike.

This exclusive experience will introduce you to the Andes Mountain Range landscape and wildlife. Your profesional tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or airbnb to start the tour and go to Cotopaxi. The 90 minutes drive from Quito to Cotopaxi is full of beautifull mountains and cosy small villages. Arriving to Cotopaxi the local guide will be waiting with helmets, ponchos and horses. Then you will ride a horse for 2-3 hours around the grassland and the beautifull volcano. In the way back we will enjoy a lunchbox and then continue to the Limpiopungo lagoon. The lagoon is located in a flat highland where you will hike for 1 hour around it. That is an amazing place to see the local plants, flowers and birds. At the end you will come back to Quito or stop in a local restaurant to have a lunch. Dropoff at your hotel

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.

Take a break from sightseeing in order to relax mind, body, and soul on a day trip to Termas de Papallacta Spa from Quito. A serene experience ideal for tired travelers, this tour covers the thermal springs of Termas de Papallacta Spa. Spend ample time soaking in the steaming waters of the pools, created by volcanic activity and natural heat. Refreshments and entrance fees are included.

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 villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg with their traditions of producing fine local handicrafts lie just east of Cuenca. With this private tour, browse the colorful wares at your leisure while learning about traditional artisan techniques. Watch as guitars, filigree jewelry, Panama hats, and shawls are being made, taste local fruits only found in Ecuador, and sit down for a local lunch. You’ll have plenty of time to shop in each village.

Discover the underwater world of the Galapagos Islands on a full-day snorkel tour from San Cristobal. Provided transportation takes you to three of the area’s top snorkel sites: Rosa Blanca, Sardinia Bay, and Kicker Rock. Keep your eyes peeled for hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, and even octopuses. Reserve now and save yourself the hassle of booking a tour last minute after your arrival on the island.

With the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano (the second highest active volcano in the world) at its heart, Cotopaxi National Park provides a playground for outdoor adventure south of Quito. With this day trip, explore the park’s forests, mountains, lakes, and other ecosystems and your own pace with expertise from your own private naturalist guide.

This shuttle transfer service is a comfortable and efficient way to travel between Cuenca and Guayaquil. Simply choose the time, date, and location that works for you, and enjoy a convenient door-to-door service. No need to share the ride with other passengers—this is a private service just for your party.

Maximise your time in Quito with a private full-day tour that checks off all of the capital’s most popular attractions. Take in the highlights of the UNESCO-listed historic center; admire landmarks such as Plaza de la Independencia, San Francisco Monastery, and the Panecillo; then walk along the Equator Line at the Intiñan museum. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

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.

Nature, tradition and multicolored market you can experience all of this on this excursion. On our trip to Otavalo we will visit the City of Cayambe, known for its “bizcochos”, a type of baked bread that is accompanied with the so-called “Queso de Hoja” and milk delicacy. Then we will visit the Quitsato sundial museum and continue until we reach the Otavalo Market, where you can see crafts of all kinds made by the skilled indigenous artisans of the area. Then we advance until we reach Cotacachi, a picturesque town famous for its creation of leather goods, here our guide will suggest and give the necessary time for lunch. Later we will visit the Cuicocha Lagoon, which originated after a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. After this visit we will return to the city of Quito.

Gain insight into an indigenous community that you likely wouldn’t be able to access alone during a full-day jungle excursion from Baños. Immerse yourself in the culture, something few travelers get to experience, by sampling a typical drink, watching a traditional dance, and more. Plus, learn more about traditional jungle plants from your bilingual guide than you could alone.

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.

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.

Visit a family-owned cacao farm on a 4-hour tour from Guayaquil, and see how Ecuadorian chocolate goes from freshly-harvested fruit to the finished product. Learn about planting and harvesting, help toast, husk, and grind the cacao seeds, and eat a farm lunch made with organic ingredients grown onsite. This 4-hour cacao farm tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Guayaquil, all activities, and lunch.

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 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.

Ecuador’s capital is a UNESCO World Heirtage site and one of the highest cities in the world, located right by the Equator Line. This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city, ideal for first-time visitors. Explore the historic Old Town, see the Compania and San Francisco churches, and admire the views from Panecillo Hill. Plus, ride the Teleférico cable car to Pichincha Volcano and visit the Middle of the World monument.

For an unparalleled nature experience, take a day tour to Antisana Volcano.  After morning pickup from your hotel, you’ll set off to hike along the Andean slopes with your private guide.  Along the way, you’ll spot exciting species like carunculated caracara puma, and the noteworthy Andean condor. Explore the flora and fauna at your own pace. You’ll dine at a local restaurant for lunch, before being returned to your lodgings.

Tick off two of Ecuador’s top attractions in one day during a full-day tour of Pululahua crater and the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) from Quito. Ascend to a lookout point above Pululahua crater, one of only two inhabited craters in the world, and spend the day exploring the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) complex, where the North and South Hemispheres collide. Your tour also includes access to the planetarium and the Equatorial Museum.

If you are looking to enjoy the wonders of the Amazon, this tour is perfect for you. Experience diverse panoramic views, immerse yourself in the rich flora and fauna, participate in exciting adventure activities and discover the fascinating culture and traditions of this beautiful place. A complete experience that will connect you with the amazing Amazon awaits you!

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.

If you’re visiting Quito for the first time, get your bearings in Ecuador’s sprawling capital with ease on a private city tour that covers all of the top attractions. You won’t have to worry about navigating or planning your itinerary, as your guide takes care of all of that—you just need to sit back and soak up the sights.