Top Ecuador Outdoor Activities - page 2

For travelers who have never been to Banos, it can be difficult figuring out how to plan your time. Take the stress out of your trip with this Banos Full-Day Tour from Quito that plans your activities for you with entrance fees included. Visit the small town of Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park, La Casa del Arbol, and Devil's Cauldron waterfall all with a guide who knows the ins and outs of the area.

Explore the incredible range of historic and cultural influences on the city of Quito on a full-day tour. Learn about Ecuador's colonial past while walking through streets filled with old churches, squares, and government buildings. Ride on the cable car to the top of Cruz Loma Mountain to admire incredible views and visit the Middle of the World, all without having to worry about planning yourself.

Optimize your time in Galapagos! By visiting the giant tortoise reserve and lava tunnels upon arrival you can save time and use it for other activities. Normally the transfer from the airport is direct and non-stop, the next day they take you back to the upper part of the island to visit the turtles and tunnels, which makes you lose a day in Galapagos. With us you win a day as you visit these attractions upon arrival.

Discover the biodiverse Mindo Cloud Forest on this birdwatching tour from Quito. Join a private guide and keep your eyes peeled for several species of birds as you walk through the Mindo-Nambillo Forest. There are many other activities you can enjoy in Mindo such as trekking, tubing, horseback rides, and river rafting (at an additional cost).

There are three volcanoes located in the warmest and most exuberant part of Isabela Island. We can take you on an unforgettable underground adventure right to the center of the world. Discover the secrets of these volcanoes, their colors and the beauty of their million-year-old petrified lava flow. You will have the opportunity to visit and observe mineral rock formations, domes and tunnels. In the midst of a dense and magical darkness, let yourself be illuminated by the reflection of the minerals when they come into contact with light and let the doors of your imagination open to an unknown underground world, Triplets is an excellent geographical location to see the islands small and large of the Galapagos Islands from a distance such as Floreana, Santa Cruz, Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), Roca and Unión, among others. It is also perfect for seeing Darwin's finches

This 3-day tour covers plenty of ground—from the Ecuadorian Andes to the Amazon—with a private guide and vehicle. Leave itinerary planning to experts who know the challenging terrain. After a hot spring soak at Termas de Papallacta, you’ll learn about rainforest biodiversity and the customs of indigenous communities, with riverside accommodation at Suchipakari Lodge. Then visit Baños de Agua Santa waterfalls and hike up snow-capped Cotopaxi.

This tour offers a complete vision of the most emblematic places in Guayaquil, combining history, culture and natural beauty in an unforgettable experience.

Visit the village of Papallacta and spend the enjoying a number of customizable activities at one of the most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa in this area. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Andes Mountains on a hike and enjoy a relaxing time at the thermal water that have been certified for its medicinal properties that guarantee health benefits.

Spend a day immersed in the beauty of Ecuador’s Mindo Cloud Forest when you embark on this full-day tour from Quito. Hike into the forest with a private guide and visit a butterfly farm, learn how to take photos of hummingbirds, spot several species of birds, and see beautiful waterfalls. You also have the option to include other activities like tubing or ziplining (at an additional cost).

Swim with playful sea lions and other Galapagos marine life on a small-group snorkeling and fishing tour to Santa Fe Island. A short boat ride from Puerto Ayora takes you to a peaceful bay with crystalline waters. Using provided snorkel gear, get up close to sea turtles, eagle rays, sharks, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Later, take a wildlife tour of the island and have the chance to fish during the return journey.

Set off on a day trip to Otavalo Market with a private guide. Skip the crowded public transit and enjoy the sights of the Pan-American highway from the comfort of your private vehicle.  Make stops at lesser known points of interest, including the foothills of Imbabura Volcano. Your tour of the Otavalvo Market can be customized to include a visit to Pecuche.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the culture of Quito on this small-group bike tour. Discover local life as you pedal around the city. It’s an ideal tour for travelers who want to go beyond the touristy parts of Quito. You’ll be riding 8.5 miles (13.5 kilometers) at an altitude of 9,390 feet (2,862 meters) above sea level. You’ll need to climb two easy hills with an elevation of 328 feet (100 meters), with most of the route along bike paths.

Delve deeper into the indigenous culture and history of Ecuador on a private day trip to Otavalo Market from Quito. With your private guide, you’ll overcome the language barrier and explore South America’s largest market at a pace suited to you, as well as visiting other local highlights such as San Pablo Lake.

Often claimed as the best spot for snorkelling and an island not to be missed! This trip will include an unforgettable snorkelling experience with a very high chance of seeing marine turtles, sea lions, rays, white tip sharks and reef fish in crystal clear water. On occasion, you may even see some penguins! While snorkelling is the main activity, you’ll also be able to do some fishing during this trip if conditions allow it and if everyone on board wants to participate in this activity. It is your choice of what you do with your catch, either releasing back to the sea or getting our onboard chef to cook them for you! We are Ninfa Tour, a local Galapagos tour operator able to offer you local prices (the same as if you buy it in town). We are proud to have been running tours for 40 years and have delivered tours to over 100,000 happy customers!

This day tour takes you snorkeling at two of the most spectacular locations in Galapagos where you can see a variety of species, including sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions and marine iguanas. You'll also get the chance to disembark the boat at La Fé Bay or Las Palmitas Bay for a discovery walk through mangroves and past prickly pair cactus and candelabra cactus to see Darwin finches, mockingbirds, pelicans, lava herons and blue-footed boobies.

Go where cars can’t on a horseback riding experience in Baños. Rather than sticking to the beaten path, you’ll go off-road into the countryside and see parts of the area that most first-time visitors miss. Plus, a small group limited to only 10 other travelers ensures you enjoy personalized attention.

This experience combines 50% cycling and 50% walking, allowing you to explore the nature of the Santa Cruz Highlands in an active and close way. We will meet in the San Francisco Park of Puerto Ayora, where we will collect bicycles and safety helmets. From there we will take a bus to the area of Los Guayabillos, where we will begin our bicycle tour descending through the rural part of the island. Along the way we will cross agricultural landscapes and natural forests where you can observe fruit trees, Galapagos coffee plantations and rural life of the island. Upon arrival at Galapagos Frontier, we will continue the experience with a guided hike through the nature reserve, where you can observe giant turtles in their natural habitat and explore the fascinating lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. This tour is ideal for those looking for an active experience that combines adventure and nature.

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.

1. Rafting (Pastaza River Level III –IV) 2. Canopy (1300 meters round trip) 3. Canyonig (Chamana Waterfall) 9:00 AM - RAFTING (Includes a Lunch and Photos and videos) Our motto is to provide a safe and fun tour This unique river (28 kilometers long) is listed as one of the best rivers in the world for rafting, offering all who visit it an experience of adventure and contemplation of nature. 2:30 p.m. - CANOPY The zip line, also called canopy, is an adventure sport that consists of sliding down a steel cable from one point to another at a lower height. 300 meters above a beautiful waterfall called EL MANTO DEL NOVIA 3:30 p.m. - CANYONING We descend 4 waterfalls with the last largest waterfall in Baños the Cascada del Silencio with a height of 50 meters. www.explorjunglec.com

Explore the Pacoche rainforest and spot howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Learn about Ecuador's flora and fauna before a trip to the lighthouse for panoramic ocean views. Visit the First Lady's school hat museum in Montecristi to discover local heritage, then enjoy a tasty local lunch featuring ceviche near the beach.

With this private adventure, there’s no need to worry about navigating your way through Mindo Cloud Forest. Let a guide show you around and benefit from the perk of having in-depth commentary along the way too. The trip is a great way to tick off lots of nature stops on one tour, with a route that showcases Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, Cascada de Nambillo, and Mindo Butterfly Farm.