Top Ecuador Day Trips

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.

* ONLY HORSEBACK RIDE experience inside this National park. Others do it from outside the park. * Perfect balance between horseback ride and hike TWO different landscapes. *Forget about painful lines to enter to the NP by entering by a NO TOURISTY WAY and leaving by the regular way. * No need horseback riding previous experience We start at 7 am from Quito and will take a different way to enter to the National park and will leave by the regular national park entrance gate. Driving through 3 volcanoes PASOCHOA, RUMIÑAHUI and SINCHOLAGUA going through the real AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES. 1st activity: HORSEBACK RIDE. After this horseback ride experience, we will drive for about half hour until the parking lot located on the 14800 feet or 4700 mts above sea level from where the hike to the BASE CAMP will start. If you are not an adventurous person, don't like bumpy roads, get bothered for changing weather or heart problems. DO NOT JOIN this experience.

Cotopaxi Volcano is the centerpiece of Cotopaxi National Park. At more than 19,000 feet (nearly 6,000 meters), its snowy peak dominates the landscape of the park. During this full-day tour from Quito, travelers experience the volcano from many vantage points. Explore a lagoon favored by water birds, learn more about the area at an interpretive center, and hike up the flanks of Cotopaxi Volcano to a recently-renovated climbers' refuge to experience this active volcano up close.

Experience a mix of nature and local flavours on this 3-in-1 private tour. Escape the busy streets of Quito—hotel transfers are included for a seamless experience—and immerse yourself in nature during a visit to Mindo Cloud Forest. You can also visit a chocolate factory and coffee plantation to see how these products are made. Travel in comfort in a private vehicle throughout the day, skipping the hassle of organizing transportation.

Skip crowded boat tours for a small-group experience that takes you to San Cristobal's best spots—with personal attention guaranteed. Visit locations such as Cerro Brujo, Sardina Bay, and Punta Pitt, and snorkel at three top hotspots for marine life: Rosa Blanca, Sardina Bay, and Kicker Rock. Swim amongst tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays, with all snorkeling equipment provided for ease.

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.

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.

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.

The countryside surrounding Cuenca in the southern Ecuadorean Andes is home to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites and artisan villages. If you have limited time in Cuenca, this tour combines two top attractions into a single day trip. Tour Ingapirca, the largest Incan site in Ecuador, as well as Gualaceo and Chordeleg, villages known for their silver filigree and hand-woven shawls.

Travel along a portion of Ecuador's Inca Trail on this all-day guided tour from Cuenca. Hike six miles (10 kilometers) of the famous trail, taking in the beautiful mountain scenery and the stunning paving stones. After the hike, visit the Ingapirca archeological site, which includes the Temple of the Sun that was used for ritual and astronomical purposes.

Discover the wonders of San Cristobal Island stress-free on a full-day small-group tour. This comprehensive excursion seamlessly blends land and water exploration, offering the best of the island’s landscapes, species, and sites. Between a private nature walk and group snorkel opportunities, you enjoy up-close views of sea lions, marine birds, iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, and more. Top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided for additional convenience.

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.

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.

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 Seymour North Island on this full-day tour from Santa Cruz and marvel at blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and other wildlife. Hotel pickup is included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is our favorite tour. Mixing amazing flavors with stunning natural environments. You will be stunned by the views at the Coffee farm and amazed by the taste of the local gourmet choclate products. This is a great light activity tour that requires a little walking and is very easily accessed throughout. Which makes it a favorite with our cruise ship clients. In the farm we included coffe free and chocolate. maximum number of travelers 12

The Ingapirca ruins, the most important archaeological site in Ecuador, lie to the north of Cuenca, considered Ecuador’s most beautiful city. See them both with this full-day tour. Tour Ingapirca Archaeological Site to learn about ancient Incan and Canari civilizations, then head to historic Cuenca for a city tour to the most important landmarks and attractions. You’ll also have time for a walk through the colorful Mercado 10 de Agosto.

Experience convenience and personalized attention on this private guided tour from Quito. Let go of logistical worries with convenient pickup from your preferred location—such as your hotel or accommodation—and then visit the world-renowned destination of the Mitad del Mundo equator line. Afterwards, ascend via the TelefériQo cable car for spectacular vistas of volcanoes and the cityscape.

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).

Don’t worry about confusing and time-consuming public transit in Quito; instead, opt for a comprehensive full-day excursion which covers several city highlights and includes private transportation. Ideal for visitors with limited time in the city, visit the Intiñan Museum, tour the old town, and more in the company of a local guide, learning more than you could if exploring independently.