Top Ecuador How to Get Around

You’d usually have to choose between an educational walking tour and a culinary tasting experience, but on this half-day small-group tour of Quito, you’ll get to try both. Take in sights such as the Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Palacio Arzobispal while also stopping at nearby food joints for a taste of authentic local cuisine.

You’d be remiss to visit the Galapagos without seeing its resident giant tortoises. Skip the hassle and expense of arranging taxis and enjoy the expertise of a guide who understands the islands’ unique ecology on this convenient tour. Get up close to the long-lived reptiles at Reserva Galápagos Frontier, then tour the lava tunnels and stroll the forest. Finish with an independent photo stop at the Los Gemelos craters.

Tour the capital city of Quito at your leisure aboard this popular hop-on hop-off bus tour. Enjoy hassle-free double-decker transportation through narrow city streets as you make your way to numerous city attractions and landmarks. Choose to get off at any of the stops and make the most of your time in Quito.

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.

After private hotel pickup in Quito, head to the Cloud Forest in Mindo. Your private day tour stops at the best viewpoints and gives you plenty of time to take photos. Get the best views of the plants and wildlife on a cable car ride through the Cloud Forest. Let your private guide lead you to the best waterfalls in Ecuador before returning you to your hotel.

Spend a few hours exploring the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz on this half-day tour. Sail to La Loberia where you can swim with sea lions who call the area home. Then, it’s off to Punta Estrada to observe birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Finally, visit Playa de Los Dogs to see a large number of iguanas that live in volcanic landscapes.

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.

Mindo Cloud Forest is known for its biodiversity and incredible birdwatching opportunities, and this tour offers an effortless way to explore it. Led by a guide, head deep into the mountain rainforest without worrying about getting lost. As you explore, hear commentary about native trees and wildlife, and get taken to areas where hummingbirds and toucans are regularly spotted.

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!

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.

Forget following a rigid sightseeing itinerary and explore Ecuador your way thanks to this fully customizable private tour from Quito. Share your interests with your driver-guide, so a day can be created around places and experiences that interest you—whether that means hiking Cotopaxi, visiting Quilotoa Lake, or exploring Quito’s center. The choice is yours and a private guide is with you throughout the day.

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.

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.

Discover the vibrant culture and history of Cuenca on a 4-hour sightseeing tour. Courtesy round-trip transportation from your hotel spares you the stress of finding a meeting point in an unfamiliar city. Tour highlights includes a demonstration at the Panama Hat Factory and a visit to a traditional market. The comprehensive itinerary is set at a leisurely pace, so you have ample time to take pictures and soak in your surroundings.

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.

Literally, get off the beaten path on a private hiking tour in Cajas National Park. After a hassle-free transfer from your Cuenca accommodation, your guide will lead you on a light trek through a secluded valley. Have your camera ready for postcard-worthy views of Lake Llaviucu, an abandoned German brewery, and wild horses and alpacas.

Learn about Ecuador’s history, culture, and customs when you embark on this tour through Manta and Montecristi. See firsthand how tuna fishing plays an important part in Manta’s economy when you visit a fish market and learn how the boats are built. Then, head to Montecristi to see how the famous hats (also known as Panama hats) are woven and pay a visit to the local Ciudad Alfaro Museum.

Explore one of the most spectacular parks in Ecuador on a full-day tour from Cuenca. Hike through the park's unique high altitude landscape which includes lakes, paramo vegetation, llamas, ancient Polylepis trees, and more to delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want an easy escape from the nearby city.

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.

Discover one of the largest volcanic craters in the world on a hiking tour of the Sierra Negra volcano from Puerto VIlamil. You won't have to worry about navigating as your guide takes care of that, leaving you free to soak up panoramic views of Isabela Island. Plus, a small group limited to 15 people means you can explore at a relaxed pace and enjoy personalized attention from your guide.

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.

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.

Quito has a rich culinary history, but most skip over it. Along with a local tastemaker guide, you'll experience the city in the afternoon and evening moving from the historic centre to the neighbourhood of La Floresta, an area known for it's street eats. With 14+ tastings across multiple stops, the tour is an authentic look at Quito's local food scene. This isn't about fine dining. Expect everything from corn-based dishes and plantain snacks to different styles of pork, hearty soups, and grilled meats. The setting is a key part of the experience. Visiting these neighbourhoods at night means seeing them at their most active, when stalls are busy and the atmosphere is at its most local. Led by a knowledgeable tastemaker guide, and in small groups limited to just 8 guests, this is a delicious crash course in the city's food scene.