Ecuador Adventures
Fancy yourself an adrenaline junkie? Ecuador is well suited to adventurous travelers. The landscape rewards intrepid hikers with truly memorable sights. Bring durable shoes for making your way through Amazonian jungles and over volcanoes. You'll want to be sure that you bring your binoculars too, because destinations like Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve are teeming with plants and animals you're sure to want to get a closer look at.
Not afraid to get a little wet? Then massive Ecuador adventures are waiting for you! If you're a fan of whitewater rafting, the country has rushing rivers that await your paddle. Miles of Pacific coast beckon to travelers equipped with surfboards, so don't be surprised if you find yourself in Montañita. Hiking the Andes takes some lung capacity, so take a few deep breaths, and remember — there's no rush, because this is an Ecuador adventure vacation.
7 Ecuador Adventures
The places our local insiders recommend most come first.
San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal is the fifth largest island in the Galápagos. This islands offers easy access to snorkeling and beach sites, and is also home to some of the best surfing in the Galápagos. Geologically, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. The main town here is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Destination
Mindo
With more birds than residents, the sleepy town of Mindo beckons travelers to come enjoy its picturesque cloud forest. Zip-lines and gondolas float through quiet, misty canopies, while a network of hiking trails on the ground lead visitors to roaring waterfalls.
Destination
Baños
Set at the base of the looming Tungurahua Volcano, the peaceful town of Baños gets its name from the many thermal spas that are scattered around the area. It’s an outdoor adventure hub as well, with whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain biking opportunities nearby.
Destination
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is an easily accessible part of the Amazon in eastern Ecuador. It is one of the few places in the world where you can find primary rainforest.
Destination
Montañita
As a rowdy backpacker hub, Montañita offers travelers a lively scene alongside white sand beaches and world-renowned surfing.
Destination
Puyo
Carved into the lush Amazon, this small town is a great place to join a tour and dive into the dense surrounding rainforest. The town itself isn't especially memorable, but it offers some comfortable accommodations right outside the wild of the jungle.
Destination
Esmeraldas
Esmeraldas is a major port city in northern Ecuador. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, this is where they first landed. According to legend, they found native people worshiping a large emerald – hence the city’s name. In the past century Esmeraldas’ port has attracted gritty, industrial infrastructure, and there isn’t much that tourists need to see. But while you’re here, take time to appreciate the beaches, and the musical and artistic heritage of the Afro-Ecuadorian population.
Destination
Ecuador Adventures itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Ecuador Adventures itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Browse other categories
- Ecuador's Best Places
- Ecuador Mountains
- Ecuador Coastal Cities
- Ecuador Nature Travel
- Ecuador Rest and Relaxation Destinations
- Ecuador Off The Beaten Track
- Ecuador Beaches
- Ecuador Rainforests
- Ecuador Cloud Forests
- Ecuador Volcanoes
- Ecuador Surfing Beaches
- Ecuador City Life
- Ecuador Nightlife
- Ecuador Colonial History
- Ecuador Rivers
- Islands of Ecuador
- Cultural Places in Ecuador













