Top Ecuador Outdoor Activities - page 5

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.

If you’re visiting Quito for the first time, get an in-depth introduction to Ecuador’s capital on a private city tour that includes food tasting. Rather than navigating the metropolis alone, you’ll overcome the language barrier and get help making your way around with a local guide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this tour we will do in the bay of port villamil isabela island, we will observe several endemic animals in this tour, such as sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, sharks, marine iguanas.

Find out why Baños is famous the world-over for its white water on a rafting tour that helps you navigate the rapids of the Pastaza River safely. Under the expert guidance of your instructor, you’ll paddle on Class III-IV rapids and soak up scenery that’s only accessible from the river.

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.

Experience the best of the Sierra region on a full-day trip to Cotopaxi National Park with horseback riding. Hotel pickup takes you El Pedregal to a local hacienda where you’ll enjoy a traditional drink. After your horseback ride, enjoy a provided boxed lunch before heading to the park. There, you’ll get up close to ancient lava flows, wild horses, and more.

Two of Ecuador's most popular destinations combine to bring natural beauty and adventure to this private full-day tour from Quito. In Cotopaxi National Park, appreciate the park's snow-capped centerpiece, the nearly 20,000-foot (nearly 6,000-meter) Cotopaxi Volcano, while strolling around a lagoon favored by birds. In the town of Banos, local culture, waterfalls, and the country's much-photographed Tree House swing in the clouds await.

One of the best Experiences in the Andes Mountains Near to Quito City. Cotopaxi is consider the highest active Volcano in South America. If you are a lover of outdoor activities, this is for you. Horse Riding in the highlands. Hiking to the José Ribas Refuge 4864m (15958ft), a lot of flora and fauna are part of this great adventures.

Experience a private 3-in-1 experience that combines nature, culture and local flavors in one day. Escape the busy streets of Quito with hotel transfers included and enter the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, famous for its biodiversity. Marvel at waterfalls, butterflies and exotic birds, and complement the experience with a visit to a chocolate factory, where you will know the artisan process of one of the most representative products in Ecuador. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle and enjoy a carefree day, designed to explore at your own pace with an expert guide. • Private 3-in-1 Tour from Quito • Visit to Mindo Cloud Forest • Waterfall, butterfly and bird watching • Use of birdwatching equipment included • Visit to artisan chocolate factory • Personalized attention from a private guide • Comfortable transportation with pick-up and drop-off

The Glass Frog & Hidden Giants Quest When the sun sets, Mindo’s true predators and wonders emerges. While standard night walks stick to gravel paths, we take you deep into the living heart of the Andean Chocó. This is the premier nocturnal expedition for those seeking the rare, the transparent, and the exotic. Why We Own the Night: The Transparency Specialists: We are experts at locating the iconic Glass Frogs, along with diverse Pristimantis species you won't find on casual walks. Macro-World Mastery: Discover the forest’s "aliens," from giant Stick Insects and cryptic Tarantulas to glowing Scorpions under UV light. Pro-Gear Advantage: We provide high-lumen tactical flashlights and expert guidance on how to spot eye-shine like a pro. Photographer's Dream: Our guides are trained to help you get the perfect macro shot without disturbing the wildlife. The jungle is calling. Don't settle for a basic stroll—book the ultimate Mindo night encounter and see what most travelers miss!

Satisfy an appetite for adventure during an extreme canyoning tour in the Cashaurco Canyon. In a small group limited to only 10—to ensure you receive personalized attention from your instructor—you’ll go swimming, diving, abseiling, jumping, and ziplining, while soaking up the stunning natural scenery surrounding Baños.

Explore Quito without breaking a sweat on this half-day e-bike tour. Join a small group and pedal through both the colonial and modern parts of the city, exploring hidden gems and diverse neighborhoods. Climb atop quality, German-made electric bikes for a smooth ride through the city while listening to fascinating insights from your expert guide. This tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

This is a tailored private tour just for your group. You will get to spend quality time deep in the rainforest. Breathing in the pure fresh air. Surrounded by nature and tranquility. The sound of birdsong and howler monkeys are guaranteed. This is the place we take our families for a nice walk and an escape from the city, we can’t recommend it enough. We will adapt the schedule to your needs and interests, adding stops where you wish. We normally end the day with a trip to a local chocolate factory or brewery to really put the icing on the cake.

This private and personalized tour is the perfect choice for nature lovers. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to request exactly what you want to see, from famous waterfalls to ziplines and swings. A guide customizes the itinerary based on your interests, and lunch is included as an added bonus. Possible points on the itinerary include the Piscinas de la Virgen waterfall, the swing at La Casa del Árbol and the Pailón del Diablo waterfall.

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.

Get a closer look at Ecuador's flora and fauna on a private half-day tour to the Churute Ecological Reserve from Guayaquil. Walk through lush forests with a local guide and spot howler monkeys and various bird species. Enjoy a canoe ride through the estuary to observe mangrove wildlife and savor a traditional Ecuadorian lunch included in the tour.

Spend a half day exploring both the city of Guayaquil and the Cocoa Route with a private guide. The private tour is done at your own pace, so you can maximize your experience. In private transport, you and your guide will visit a nearby cocoa plantation, and enjoy a hands-on experience with chocolate making. After lunch (included), experience the excitement of Ecuador’s largest city— Guayaquil—stopping at the Malecon Simón Bolívar and more.

Cover more ground than you could alone and make the most of your time in Quito during this private full-day excursion to Baños de Agua Santa, ideal for adventurous and time-pressed travelers. Plus, benefit from the undivided attention of your bilingual guide as you explore various microclimates and try the adventure activities that appeal to you.

Visit Bartolome Island and for a day of hiking and snorkeling with this small-group tour from Puerto Ayora. You'll take a hike up to the volcanic top of the island to take in great views of the surrounding area before continuing to Playa Dorada, known for its resident penguins. While at the beach, you'll get the chance to snorkel in the waters of Sullivan Bay before returning to Puerto Ayora.

Escape to the serene Papallacta rejuvenating thermal springs, nestled between the Cayambe-Coca and Antisana National Parks, for a private day of relaxation and natural beauty. Departing from Quito with hotel pickup, enjoy breathtaking Andean scenery before soaking in the mineral-rich thermal pools, known for their therapeutic benefits like muscle relaxation, stress relief, and improved circulation. Surrounded by lush landscapes and volcanic history, this retreat is the perfect way to rejuvenate your body and mind.