Adventure Tours & Trips in Ecuador
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10 best Active Ecuador tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- 5 Days Adventure Trip in Galapagos
- 6 Days Galápagos Exploration: Nature's Wonderland Adventure
- Ecuador Adventure 14 Days Tour
- Quito & Galapagos Adventure Tour (7 Days)
- Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure
- 5-Day Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta Adventure
- Quito and Galapagos Wildlife Adventure 8 Days / 7 Nights
- 5-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: 3 Islands Adventure
- Ecuador Highland Family Adventure
- Tailor-Made 8-Day Ecuador Amazon Jungle Adventure, Daily Starts
Santa Cruz Island beckons with pristine dive sites teeming with hammerhead sharks and sea lions. Cyclists wind through Cerro Mesa's native forests, while kayakers paddle at Garrapatero Beach near Ecuador's largest sinkhole. Moderate-intensity adventure led by expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora Age Range 6 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,189
A 6-hour trek ascends Sierra Negra Volcano followed by snorkeling Los Tuneles' volcanic formations. The route leads from Baltra to Santa Cruz's highlands for giant tortoise encounters, with speedboat rides to Isabela Island's wildlife sanctuaries.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,137
Mountaineers ascend Cotopaxi's 16,000ft summit and circle Cuicocha Lake's 8-mile rim. Rapids await on Pastaza River's class III waters, while cyclists tour Baños' Avenue of Waterfalls. The journey reaches Chimborazo Volcano's basecamp before camping in Cajas National Park.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Puyo, Chimborazo Volcano, Alausi, Ingapirca, CuencaSee all destinations Age Range 20 to 65 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$4,839
Quito & Galapagos Adventure Tour (7 Days)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The personal services to make sure we are safe while on tour, the flexibility and the attentiveness to little details.”
Lissie, traveled in October
Quito's UNESCO center and El Panecillo viewpoint open this Galapagos adventure. Snorkelers explore Las Grietas, while kayakers paddle Tortuga Bay's waters before visiting Santa Fé Island's dramatic landscapes. Certified guides and snorkeling gear included for marine encounters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Santa Fé Island Age Range 5 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
- NZ$2,438
Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Every day was different; different species, different snorkling. We always got enough time to enjoy everything.”
Agneta, traveled in August
Marine life teems at Kicker Rock, where hammerhead sharks and rays glide beneath the surface. The path to El Junco crater lake reveals natural treasures, while giant tortoises roam at Cerro Colorado breeding center. Puerto Chino beach provides pristine waters for swimming with marine iguanas.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Fé Island, Baltra Island Age Range 6 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Latin Adventures From
- NZ$3,813
5-Day Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta Adventure
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The lodge staff were fantastic, and our guides were knowledgeable and really sharp eyed to spot the wildlife!”
Hannah, traveled in November
Cuyabeno Reserve reveals its secrets through night walks and traditional canoe adventures. Trails wind through primary forests rich in medicinal plants, while pink dolphins surface at Laguna Grande. Caiman-spotting expeditions led by top-rated guides (5.0/5) ensure memorable wildlife encounters.
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve, Papallacta Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Rebecca Adventure Travel From
- NZ$2,163
A 45-minute walk leads to Tortuga Bay's pristine beaches, followed by shark encounters at Bahía Pingüino and volcanic formations at Los Tuneles Cabo Rosa. Visitors traverse Santa Cruz's lava tunnels and spot blue-footed boobies at Roca La Union while staying at comfortable lodges.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Pinzón Island, Isabela Island Age Range 2 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
- NZ$3,636
Wildlife encounters abound with guided hikes at El Chato Ranch and snorkeling at Cabo Rosa's lava tunnels. Twin Craters' endemic forests harbor native species, while giant tortoises and marine life at Tintoreras Islet showcase natural diversity.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Santa Cruz Island Age Range 5 to 79 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Latin Adventures From
- NZ$2,652
Ecuador Highland Family Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The views were beautiful, and the before and after drinks were great.”
C., traveled in December
Ecuador's diverse terrains unfold from Rumiñahui volcano's slopes on horseback to high ropes courses at Hacienda El Porvenir. Adventurers reach Cotopaxi's climbing hut at 4,800m and tour Limpiopungo Lake's unique ecosystem with expert guides.
Duration 4 days Destinations Quito, Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range 4 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Tierra del Volcan From
- NZ$2,393
Rich wildlife trails crisscross Yasuni National Park's pristine Amazon basin. Motorized canoes navigate Napo River, while hikers explore MATAPALO and CHAGUAMANGO trails. Night walks reveal Ecuador's jungle after dark, with English-speaking guides leading each adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Coca Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$6,356
What people love about Active Tours in Ecuador
These have been some fantastic days filled with experiences I’ll never forget. Every day was different; different species, different snorkling. We always got enough time to enjoy everything. The guides on the boats were great. I liked staying on the islands to get a feeling for the towns and the people. Hope to come back!
Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure
Besides the great 6 day Galapagos Island Hopping I have been to an fantastic ecolodge in the Amazone. I went with 2 other guest in a private transortation. Again everything was well organized by the team of Rebecca in Quito. I ereally recommend to make a combination when you are planning to visit Ecuador with the Galapagos and the Amazone.
5-Day Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta Adventure
- Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps
The tour group was only 6 and we got on well. A great start. Saw almost everything we wanted to, including a group of Orcas on our personal boat going from Floreana to Isabell. Great snorkelling. So 6 people plus one experienced guide going around the Islands and staying on land every night - compared to being on the same boat with a 100 other people. No contest.
What our customers ask about Adventure Tours & Trips in Ecuador
When is the best time to go on an Adventure tour in Ecuador?
Each region of Ecuador offers distinct weather patterns for adventure activities. The Andes Mountains near Quito and Cotopaxi National Park see their driest period from June to September making it perfect for outdoor activities. The Amazon region around Tena and Puyo experiences less rain from July to September which creates better conditions for water sports. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather was perfect for our multisport adventure in July - clear skies for hiking Cotopaxi and ideal conditions for rafting the Jatunyacu River."
What type of accommodation can I expect on Ecuador Adventure tours?
Ecuador's adventure tours offer diverse lodging options. Cities feature modern hotels such as the Sheraton Quito while the Amazon provides stays at places like Itamandi EcoLodge. Many tours include nights at distinctive properties such as Termas Papallacta Spa Resort in the mountains and Casa de Luis in Baños. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The mix of accommodations was perfect - from the luxury of Papallacta Spa Resort to the authentic experience at the Amazon homestay."
What are the must-do adventure activities in Ecuador?
Ecuador's landscape provides numerous outdoor pursuits. Key activities include treks through Cotopaxi National Park rafting expeditions on the Jatunyacu River near Tena bike rides in the Llanganates cloud forest and waterfall adventures at Pailón del Diablo. The Termas de Papallacta hot springs serve as a popular spot for post-activity relaxation. A reviewer mentioned: "The variety was incredible - from biking down volcanoes to rafting in the Amazon. The canyoning near Baños at the Pimpilala waterfalls was a highlight."
How difficult is the hiking at high altitudes in Ecuador?
High-altitude hiking demands proper preparation and decent fitness levels. Trails in Cotopaxi National Park reach elevations of 16000 feet while Cuicocha Crater Lake paths sit at 11470 feet. Tour operators typically start with gentler hikes to help visitors adjust. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "The altitude was challenging at first but our guide Paul helped us pace ourselves during the Cotopaxi hike and made sure we were drinking plenty of water."
What's the best combination of regions for an Ecuador Adventure tour?
The most effective itineraries connect the Andes Mountains Amazon rainforest and cloud forest regions. This geographic mix lets travelers experience Ecuador's varied terrain and activities. The Ecuador Multisport tour shows this well combining "hiking in Cotopaxi rafting in the Amazon and mountain biking in the cloud forest of Llanganates." As a traveler noted: "The variety of ecosystems we experienced in just 8 days was incredible."
How many days should I plan for an Ecuador Adventure tour?
A complete Ecuador adventure requires 7-14 days. Amazon excursions need at least 4-5 days while Galapagos trips typically span 7-8 days. Tours that blend mainland and island experiences like the "14 Days Cultures Around the Equator" provide full country coverage. A TourRadar traveler at Nicky Lodge shared: "4 days was perfect to experience the Amazon though we wished we could have stayed longer to explore more trails."