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Top Ecuador travel experience, watching the giant tortoises of the Galapagos

Best Things to Do in Ecuador

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country with a diverse range of attractions. It is blessed with the Andes mountains, Amazon basin jungles; gem-like Spanish colonial-era cities, a tropical coastline, and the Galapagos Islands, which inspired Darwin's Theory of Evolution and remains one of the great wildlife-viewing areas of the world.

Top Ecuador Experiences

Taking a cruise to the Galapagos Islands

Horseback riding through Ecuador’s scenic trails

Learning more about unique Galapagos wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Reserve.

Hiking in the Andes Mountains

Exploring the Amazon Jungle

Visiting the colorful city of Quito and shopping in amazing markets

Learning about Ecuador’s fascinating culture

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Things to do in Ecuador - Expert’s guide

1. The Galapagos

Galapagos wildlife marine lizard in Ecuador

Ecuador is often talked about in 4 main “tourist zones” - the Galapagos being one, the other three being the Amazon, the Andes, and the Pacific Coast. The Galapagos are probably the most popular, and a once in a lifetime experience. Situated off the Ecuadorian coast, they are most commonly accessed by cruise.

The wildlife are the star on the Galapagos. They are extremely used to humans, living harmoniously side by side, such that you can get up very close and observe their natural behaviors. This is the perfect destination for photographers and wildlife lovers. The Galapagos are a great family destination, as well as suitable to all ages - most hikes are easy to moderate, and the weather is generally warm and temperate.

2. Cotopaxi

Llamas in Ecuador Cotopaxi

Most famous for the active volcano of the same name - and the second highest summit in Ecuador. Climbers will love the challenge and thrill of hiking up an active volcano - this hike is not recommended for novice hikers, but there are many other hiking opportunities throughout Ecuador. The Cotopaxi region is also home to a national park, and the native people of the area make beautiful and intricate native paintings.

3. Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Ecuadorian mainland wildlife is just as impressive as the Galapagos. The rainforest atmospheres create incredible biodiversity. Enjoy in depth guided nature hikes and staying in beautiful eco lodges when you visit Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is secluded and kind of out of the way - but that is part of the charm. While it is somewhat difficult to get to, once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by nature and wildlife to your heart’s content.

4. Quito

Touring Quito in Ecuador

The city of Quito is vibrant and historic - a great stop for visiting museums, art galleries, local food, and many sites of cultural importance. Quito is the capital of Ecuador, and while it’s a tourist hub, it’s also a bustling modern city.

Declared an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, Quito encompasses Ecuadorian culture and architecture, and is an easy day trip to several outdoor activities, including visiting Cotopaxi Volcano.

5. Nariz del Diablo (The Devil's Nose)

Devils Nose train ride

The Devil’s Nose is a thrilling train ride through the Andes Mountains, connecting Quito and Guayaquil. A series of switchbacks make the ride exciting and a little scary - especially when you know the history of the construction for this route. Building the tracks in the early 1900s resulted in several deaths.

The scenery is spectacular though, so if the rocky switchbacks aren’t a deterrent, this is certainly an activity worth doing.

6. Otavalo Market

Otavalo Market Ecuador

For souvenirs, nothing quite beats Otavalo market. A wonderful mixed crowd of tourists and locals alike attend this market, buying groceries, clothing, and other items. The market has been around for several centuries - featuring locally designed crafts. A main draw is the handwoven textiles and brightly colored wool.

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Ecuador Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
2,662
Great
612
Average
75
Disappointing
27
Terrible
25
Christine
·
2024-02-27
Written on
Volcanoes and Galapagos
Very varied activities. Suited me because I wanted to be land based on the Galapagos Islands to be able in the evening wandering along the beach watching the iguanas and blue footed boobies do their thing .
Great to see the old part of Quito and visit Mindo, Otavalo and Cotopaxi. Enjoyed the market in Otavalo for handicrafts
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David
·
2024-02-20
Written on
Ecuador Amazon Extension
Denise
·
2024-02-14
Written on
Volcanoes and Galapagos
Katie
·
2024-02-10
Written on
Volcanoes and Galapagos
It was all tremendous!!! So many wonderful sights and experiences. The volcanoes, experiencing the local culture, hummingbirds in the cloud forest, standing on the equator line, snorkeling with sealions, turtles and sharks. Amazing wildlife, beautiful place, lovely people. felt safe and secure the entire time despite recent concerns. Go on this trip!! you won’t regret it x
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-02-09
Written on
Volcanoes and Galapagos
After the FCO advice changed a week before we were due to go, our thanks to Carmel and Melanie at Explore for rearranging the itinerary and our flight at the end of the holiday.
That said, we always felt safe with the Ecuadorian people. There were no obvious problems and life seemed to be continuing as normal despite the initial media reports.
The holiday was a great mix of volcanoes, wildlife and sea life with our excellent guide Fabian, who made sure everything ran on time and imparted a wealth of knowledge to us.
Highlights were feeding hummingbirds, snorkelling with turtles, reef sharks and sealions and wild and beautiful beaches. Snorkelling equipment provided for the 3 snorkels was good quality and at no extra cost
Don't miss the opportunity to buy gifts in Otavalo market or elsewhere on the mainland as Galapagos is much more expensive for everything.
Hotels were all very good quality, clean and comfortable with good breakfasts. Everything mentioned in the notes was included - no "optional extras" costs.
We were disappointed with Parque Condor as notes said we would get up close to rescued Condors. The park is a bird of prey centre with the birds in cages and there were only 2 Condors in a cage. There was a flying display of three different birds, but was all in Spanish.
We were able to leave some items that we didn't need in the hotel in Tumbaco when we flew to Galapagos.
If taking US Dollars, take 20 dollar bills and smaller. 50 and 100 bills can be hard to change
Overall a fantastic trip, value for money and a privilege to be able to experience as much as we did.
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-02-09
Written on
Volcanoes and Galapagos

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