Top Ecuador How to Get Around - page 3

Explore the iconic area of Bartolome Island on a full-day tour from Puerto Ayora. This volcanic island is rich in biodiversity both on land and underwater. Take in the beautiful landscapes from the viewpoint at the top of the island and discover the abundant marine life with a snorkeling excursion. Enjoy a boxed lunch and listen to informative commentary from your guide throughout the day.

Laguna Quilotoa, a blue-green volcanic crater lake, sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. With this tour, escape the busy streets of Quito for an all-inclusive day in the Andes, and see Quilotoa Lake from two different lookouts on the crater rim with views of Cotopaxi in the distance. En route back to Quito, spend some time craft workshops in Tigua.

Enjoy this full-day tour of Otavalo Marketplace, the largest Indigenous market in Latin America. Departing Quito, you’ll travel to Otavalo Marketplace, to browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. See, too, the famous equator monument and stop in Peguche to visit a waterfall and a local family to learn about local music.

Ecuador is an amazingly beautiful country where you can experience the Pacific Ocean and Andean Highlands, but around one-third of the country is home to the ever-dangerous Amazon Jungle. Journey into the Amazon with a guide during this Amazon Rainforest 3-Day Tour from Quito to Napo, and explore the jungle terrain with a custom-designed itinerary.

Turn your transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil into an adventure with this tour. The journey conveniently begins and ends at your accommodation, so there’s no need to haul your suitcases across either city. On your way to the coast, stop at the UNESCO listed Cajas National Park where you can enjoy an optional hike through the Polylepis Forest. Lunch is offered (if option is selected), followed by a visit to a family owned cocoa plantation.

Explore the rugged surroundings and stunning scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and Cotopaxi Volcano during this full-day trip. Enjoy a short hike into the Limpiopungo Valley before driving ever-higher into this sky-high region, stopping at the 15,800-foot (4830-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge. If you’re feeling up for it, you’ll continue to the 16,500-foot (5,050-meter) Cotopaxi Glacier. This Cotopaxi day trip also includes national park fees, a guide, bottled water, round-trip hotel transport and an optional trip upgrade with lunch.

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.

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.

Discover the best that Quito has to offer as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Alongside a private guide, take in the views of Quito from the teleferico cable car and take a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Then, visit the 'Middle of the World' monument to learn more about the effects of the equator line.

See a different side of Quito and admire the capital when it’s gloriously illuminated by night on a private evening tour. You’ll explore after dark safely in a private car and get the inside scoop on local history and culture in just a few hours. This flexible tour lets you customize your itinerary for a personalized experience.

Experience the world renowned natural beauty of Cajas National Park on a 4-hour guided tour from Cuenca. Convenient round-trip transportation from your accommodation enables you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains. Once at the UNESCO listed park, your guide takes care of navigation allowing you to fully appreciate the llamas, Polylepis trees, and impressive lakes that surround you.

This small-group adventure is a stress-free way to see the magnificent Pailon del Diablo waterfall route and Tungurahua volcano in a day. After a private pickup, you can ride comfortably in a private vehicle with a guide to entertain you with commentary. After marveling at the waterfalls, continue to La Casa del Arbol, an outdoor adventure park famed for its exhilarating swing and treehouse.

At night, Ecuador’s capital transforms into an illuminated wonderland. See Quito at its most magical on an evening tour by double-decker bus, ideal for first-time visitors. From a premium vantage point on the lower or upper deck, you’ll see lit-up landmarks such as San Francisco Church and the Center for Contemporary Art. Enjoy a walking tour with your guide through Quito Old Town before enjoying free time to explore.

Escape the bustling streets of Quito and explore more of the Andean highlands on this full-day tour. With a private guide, explore the traditional Otavalo Market to purchase handicrafts. Then immerse yourself in nature at Cuicocha Lake and Peguche Waterfall, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Cotacachi Volcano and Ecuadorian Andes.

Make the most of the journey from Guayaquil to Cuenca, Ecuador. This full-day one-way trip includes a stop at a cacao farm to see how the main ingredient in chocolate is grown and processed. In Cajas National Park, enjoy a short hike through the high altitude paramo moorland which is an important and scenic watershed.

The traditional town of Otavalo lies in the foothills of the Andes Mountains around two hours north of Quito. On this tour, visit the famous Otavalo market and Cotocachi Leather Market, shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, and stop at local beauty spots such as Peguche Waterfalls or Cuicocha Lake.

Experience the biodiverse Mindo Cloud Forest to observe its many species on this full-day tour from Quito. Join a small group and visit a reserve to see more than 1,000 colorful butterflies fluttering around you. Then, walk through the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve to a waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. Your tour also includes access to a canopy zipline or another adventure sport.

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.

Explore Cuenca, one of Ecuador's most beautiful cities, on foot and by vehicle during this half-day guided tour. Highlights include colonial architecture such as wrought iron balconies and carved doors, museums, churches, parks, a flower market, and a world-renowned hat factory where so-called Panama hats are made. Hats can also be purchased and shipped directly to your home address. Finally, enjoy an overview of the city from the Mirador de Turi  viewpoint.

If you’re short on time in Ecuador, you can still get a glimpse of the wonders of the Amazon without having to spend days deep in the forest. This day trip from Baños introduces you to some of the flora and fauna of one of the world’s most biodiverse places. You’ll admire the landscapes from multiple perspectives during canoe rides and hikes to panoramic viewpoints.

In this tour, we will visit the Quilotoa Lagoon which is in the Cotopaxi Province by the town of Pujili. It is a unique tourist attraction in South America and is considered one of the 15 most beautiful volcano crater lagoons in the world. We will also visit an indigenous market, an indigenous hut, and more... It is a full-day tour, with lunch included, highly recommended.

After your guide collects you from your hotel, set off an adventure around the city.  First, ascend to Quito’s famous viewpoint in a cable car. From 4,100 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, you’ll see the city in all its splendor. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and stop to visit major attractions like the Presidential Palace, La Ronda, and the Cathedral.

Our tour will begin early in the morning. We will make several stops along the way. Our first stop will be in San Tadeo, where we’ll observe different species of hummingbirds, as well as other native birds from the area. After visiting the hummingbirds, we’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast in Mindo (optional). Our next stop will be at the Mindo butterfly sanctuary, where we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the different species that live there, as well as their life cycle and reproduction. After this stop, we’ll take a hike through the Mindo-Nambillo cloud forest to the famous waterfalls, which will last approximately an hour and a half. At the waterfalls, you’ll have the option to swim, so it’s a good idea to have your swimsuit ready. Finally, we’ll visit the chocolate tour, where you’ll learn more about the process of making chocolate from cacao. On our way back to Quito, if time allows, we’ll make a stop at the Intiñan Museum. Admission fees are not included.

If you’re short on time and want to see all that Ecuador has to offer, take a comprehensive 4-day tour.  Three nights of accommodation and transportation are included between your visits to Quito, Banos, Cuenca, and more. If you'd like to tack on an additional day, a visit to El Cajas National Park and Piedra da Agua Spa is on the itinerary. Where you begin is up to you, as the tour can begin from either Quito or Cuenca.