Adventure flows naturally into Ecuador vacations, and the landscape here beckons to active travelers. Tell us your preferred activities so we can recommend destinations. And don’t be afraid to try something new — our guides will make you feel totally at ease on rafting, zip lining, surfing, and mountain biking tours.
PLANNING A ECUADOR ADVENTURE VACATION
You can explore any part of Ecuador on an adventure vacation. See the Andes on hikes and bike rides, and trek through the rainforest. Ecuador’s Pacific coast has some up-and-coming surf hotspots. We’re here to tell you about what options will work best for you and your group.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours from around the world. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
An Incan Adventure for One
Blaze your own trail on this safe solo adventure as you walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Explore the highlands and the valley, history and culture, and cuisine.
Ecuador
Chasing Family Adventure in Ecuador
Go on an unforgettable journey as you traverse the landscapes of Ecuador. Volcano tours, the city in the ‘middle of the world’, and cloud forests are just a few of the wonders.
Ecuador
From The Andes to The Amazons
If adventure, nature, and culture are at the top of your travel to-do list, then prepare for a trip that you won’t soon forget. Experience the rugged beauty of Ecuador.
Ecuador
Touch the Clouds, Trek The Amazons
Need a family adventure that will have everyone discovering the beauty of the world instead of looking at screens? You'll love this expertly crafted Ecuadorian getaway!
Ecuador
Ecuador—Pure Adventure
Need to blow off some steam with your friends? Then go on a once in a lifetime adventure with them when you explore Ecuador’s Galápagos islands and Amazon jungle.
Ecuador
Besties Explore The Amazons Better
Go on a trip with your friends that isn’t the usual travel cliche. Enjoy adventure, nature, and the chance to get unplugged. Take pictures, but live in the moment!
Ecuador
Two Weeks in Ecuador
Embark on a two‑week Ecuador adventure that juxtaposes bustling Andean capitals with remote volcanic islands, delivering a vivid contrast of urban energy and pristine nature. Traverse Quito’s historic streets, soar over the crater lake of Quilotoa, then island‑hop to the Galápagos for lava tunnels, Santa Cruz highlands, and sea‑lion encounters. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll taste traditional cuisine, hear indigenous stories, and return with a deep appreciation for Ecuador’s cultural richness and extraordinary biodiversity.
Ecuador
Friends Ecuador Adventure
Joyce explored Ecuador’s diverse landscapes on an adventure that combined highland culture and coastal wonders. She trekked from Quito’s historic center to Baños’ volcanic landscape, then sailed to the Galápagos for island tours of Lobo, León Dormido, and San Cristóbal. Guides shared indigenous stories, local cuisine, and conservation insights, leaving Joyce with a lasting appreciation for Ecuador’s vibrant ecosystems and warm hospitality.
Ecuador
Darwin’s Footsteps: A Solo Adventure
Take yourself through Ecuador’s islands, explore colonial cities, and enjoy delicious cuisine every step of the way. Check this 'Must See' destination off of your bucket.
Ecuador
Volcano and lake hikes
Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and El Cajas from Quito and Cuenca, and the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela. See all Ecuador hiking tours.
Cotopaxi Full-Day Tour
From $97Reaching an elevation of 19,388 feet (5,897 m) above sea level, Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. During this tour you'll visit the Cotopaxi National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Quilotoa Lake
From $97This full day tour starts at 7.00 hrs with a drive along 'Volcano Avenue' that will give you spectacular views of the Andean landscape.
El Cajas National Park
From $210Cajas National Park covers 70,000 acres (29,000 ha) of protected Ecuadorian wilderness, and is located a 30-minute drive outside of Cuenca. This park has 235 lakes, and is the largest reservoir in Ecuador.
The Sierra Negra volcano is one of five volcanos on the island of Isabela, and boasts the second largest volcanic caldera in the world- On the Sierra Negra Volcano Tour you hike to the rim of the six mile wide crater and then trek across an alien landscape of lava fields and fumaroles. The Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, with the last eruption in 2005. Though you probably won't see any lava flowing, you will have the opportunity to explore thermal vents and other fascinating geologic features before stopping for a snack near Volcan Chico. The vistas from this spot are among the most breathtaking in Isabela.
Tortuga Bay
From $230This nature walk takes you to a part of Santa Cruz where you can see some of the wildlife that’s unique to the Galápagos. You’ll cover beaches, lagoons, and the blustery coast of Santa Cruz Island.
Trekking Oyacachi - El Chaco
From $556This trek of between two and three days, takes us from the small Andean village of Oyacachi, located to the south of the Nevado Cayambe, at 3,200 meters above sea level, along the Oyacachi River, to the jungle village of The Chaco, at 1,600 meters of altitude. In Oyacachi there are hot springs with good infrastructure that are usually frequented mostly by visitors from Cayambe and Quito on weekends.
ADVENTURE TOURS
Mindo is one of Ecuador’s adventure activity hotspots. You’ll find this town in the Andes. From here you can go on tours that will take you on zip-lines and cable cars. You can go hiking past waterfalls and tubing down fast-moving rivers. Baños is another hub for active travelers — come here to go mountain biking and zip lining. Explore volcanic landscapes on a horseback riding tour.
MAKE A SPLASH
Ecuador is an excellent spot to go rafting. The Río Blanco near Quito and Río Napo near Tena are both have incredible rapids with challenging sections. Take advantage of the excellent surfing along Ecuador’s coast, in places like Montañitas and Mompiche .
TREK THE AMAZON
The towns of Puno and Tena offer visitors easy access to trekking and boating tours in the Amazon. Sign up for a guide to explain this area’s biodiversity.
PLAN WITH AN EXPERT
You can make the trip as active as you want — many travelers choose to space out their activities over the course of a week or so. With a little info, including your preferred activities, timeline, and budget, we'll create a customized adventure vacation just for you.
Recommended for adventure trips
Adventure Destinations
Ecuador is well suited to adventurous travelers. This landscape rewards intrepid hikers...
