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The 10 Best Private Tours in Ecuador, Ecuador
Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
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1. Private Trekking Full-Day Tour at Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It will be an unparalleled experience as it will be possible to observe a very diverse fauna, such as Andean condors, giant hummingbirds and coatis. Next to the park, the sanctuary of the Virgen del Cajas is a place of pilgrimage in the open air where they say the Virgin Mary appeared. The main activities practiced are photography, hiking and experiential fishing.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Driver, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Personal Expenses
Reviewed By daniellD4910OZ
Driver picked us up on time at hotel at 7am and informed us that main road to Cajas was closed due to a mudslide but no problem there's another way that is slightly longer(if you hear that consider not going) it ended up taking 6hrs to get there when normally takes 3hrs or less. Finally reached the park at 1pm to begin hike. Milton our guide met us there and did an awesome job of leading us on a hike. Milton was very engaging and informative and did an excellent job. Finished hike at 4:15 and was advised main road should be open but driver opted to take the alternate route (6hr drive back to Guayaquil arriving back to hotel at 10pm. Fortunately we brought a few snacks as driver never did stop and allow us to eat a meal(supposed to be included) 15hrs without eating can be rough so plan accordingly. Overall the hike part of the trip was awesome and would definitely do it again but like I said, if alternate route is mentioned consider opting out and trying a different day.
2. Quito City Tour Including Teleférico and Horse Ride in Pichincha Volcano
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Get to know this World Heritage UNESCO site on horseback, for a full-day tour riding for almost 3 miles in the Andes, with a great view of Quito surrounded by volcanoes.
Inclusions: All activities, Certified English/Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Admission fee Teleferico and La Compañia Church, Horses
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Tips
Reviewed By Bretekiel
We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.
3. Papallacta Thermals Pools (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Visit the village of Papallacta and spend the enjoying a number of customizable activities at one of the most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa in this area. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Andes Mountains on a hike and enjoy a relaxing time at the thermal water that have been certified for its medicinal properties that guarantee health benefits.
Inclusions: Private transportation, English speaking guide, English Speaking Driver/Guide for tours based from 1-3 passenguers, Bottle of water, Visits as mentioned above
Exclusions: Lunch (Available to purchase with addtional cost), Entrance fees (Available to purchase with additional cost 25 usd per person or it can be paid directly), Personal expenses
Reviewed By Tina S
We needed a rapid Covid test within 72 hours of our flight back to the US. Guanguiltagua Expeditions to the rescue!! Dennis and team helped Us get the test from a private lab that came to our condo in Cuenca and we Received results the very next day! Great experience and great service!
4. Small Group Guayaquil and Cocoa Farm Full-Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
This is a great combination for a 7-hour day trip of Guayaquil. In this private tour, travelers get to see the countryside of Ecuador and check out the city of Guayaquil in the same day. From 10am to 2pm you will visit a Cocoa farm and the countryside to learn and make chocolate, after you'll visit the highlights of downtown Guayaquil. Tour includes hotel pickup and drop off with a driver/guide and transportation in a private vehicle.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By Jared H
I was very fortunate to have Mario (the owner) as my guide, and he provided me with an exceptional experience today!!! Mario was nice, friendly and extremely knowledgeable in the local flora and fauna, and he made it very clear his primary interest was in my satisfaction with a memorable visit to Ecuador. First, we visited the Lara family farm where Mario and Alberto showed me how cocoa is made into dark chocolate bars and tasty hot chocolate beverages, and we even had an authentic home cooked Ecuadorian dish made by Ninfa Lara (who was also very friendly and welcoming, and an outstanding chef). After lunch, Mario and Jairo Lara took me to the protected forest of Churute for a small hike, where we found more than 12 howler monkeys, which was an amazing experience to hear them screaming and producing sounds so loud it makes them appear much larger than what they are!!! Then we also rented a motor boat and toured the mangrove forest preserve to look for exotic birds and crocodiles. I can say without a doubt you WILL NOT be disappointed with your experience by booking with this company!!!
5. Tour of the city to Isabela + Tintoreras from Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
One day visit to the best of the city of Isabela plus a private tour to Tintoreras islet, ideal for short people without the opportunity to stay a couple of nights in Isabela and who want to know Isabela Island and see Galapagos penguins. Guaranteed way.
Inclusions: Ferry back and forth, In local restaurant, Naturalist Guide, Snacks, Snorkeling equipment
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Sylvie L
Our guide was determined to show us everything, and we did! Blue footed Boobies mating, sea horses, tons of white fin reef sharks, black fin reef sharks, turtles, colourful fish. At the beginning we went for a land mini tour on top of the tunnels so good shoes or beach shoes are a must. The boat ride there included a quick stop a rock with wildlife. Very small bag lunch is included so bring snacks and water just in case. Afterwards the guide downloaded incredible pictures he took and we could get a copy on our USB for free! What a souvenir!!!
6. Private Day Tour of Quito and Middle of the World
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Visit the first Unesco site in the World, with spring like weather is home of the largest, best preserved Colonial Architecture in the Americas, where people will welcome you with an smile. We will explore the Historic Center and its Churches, Basilica, Panecillo Hill and its Virgin. During this day you can ride a cable car up to 4,000 meters elevation, (Teleferico) for amazing views of the Volcanoes, you can also visit the Middle of the World site the Monument or/ and the Intinan Museum. During this Custom Made Full Day Tour, you can add other sites from Farmer's or Artisanal Market to Interesting Museums and also Culinary Experiences, you decide the sites to be visited, the time to spend on each site and the time you would like to get back at your Hotel.
Inclusions: Round Trip Private Transportation, English Speaking Guide, bottled water., Bottled water
Exclusions: Meals or drinks, Personal expenses
Reviewed By kitz-travellers
During our intensive planning of our trip to Ecuador last December and January 2021 we found very positive comments regarding the Canadian-Ecuadorian tourguide couple Angela and Jamie (Letsgotoecuador.com) which guiding private tours in Ecuador. We wrote our expectations at first for all together four day tours to Mindo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and so on. Just from the first replies of Angela we knew we are "on the right place" to plan our private tours. We are a couple from Austria who travels the world since 30 years and if we need a tourguide we prefer only private tours which are custom made with our expectations. We wrote to Angela and Jamie what´s our focus and what we would like to see in Ecuador and we got back a detailed, well organized tour plan, customized to our ideas. With many emails and What´s app messages we finished the details of our tour. Regarding the quick changes during the Covid pandemic we had chanced some parts of our journey, which ended in seven day tours with two overnight stays. Every day was very well organized, perfect selection of places to go, eat and visit. We traveled by Minibus with driver or with Angela and Jamies private car. Everyone was very safe driving, we felt very well and relexed. The preparing of every kind of circumstances was absolutely perfect, couldn´t be better. Angela organized PCR-Tests for us to be able to go to Galapagos islands, where the laboratory people came to our Hotel and did the test, Very comfortable! She reserved one test for us at Guayaquil airport after returning from Galapagos. Thats really tricky to get a test on carnival weekend in South America ! She made it possible ! After the cancellation of our Amazon trip (Covid again) from our travel agency in Europe Angela and Jamie booked a wonderful Lodge (Sacha Lodge) for us at the Amazon. And we did it !! At the end, we will say, it was the best decision to book the tours with Angela and Jamie. They are very well knowledgeable about their country, everything was perfect organized and absolutely safe. These couple is helpful far over you will expecting !! We absolutly recommend to book tours with Letsgotoecuador.com from Angela and Jamie ! They are doing a great job !! Thank you for everything !!!
7. Self-Guided Quilotoa Loop Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Although gaining in popularity, the Quilotoa Loop is still a destination for travellers seeking adventure off the beaten track. The self-guided tour route takes you through small indigenous villages, spectacular mountain views, lush valleys and across roaring rivers. The route will bring you to the spectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake, indigenous markets and give you insight into how native Ecuadorians have lived for centuries. You will spend the night in a working organic farm bed and breakfast. Vehicle, lodging, dinner and breakfast included.
Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Breakfast, Dinner, GPS, Vehicle Rental 48 hours, Helmet, Gloves, Luggage Storage, Locker Usage, VIP Lounge Access, Jacuzzi, Shower
Exclusions: The listed price does not include fuel, A refundable security deposit using a major credit card is required
Reviewed By TheSeanFlaherty
Did the Pacific Discovery tour, 7-day motorcycle trip. This operation is unbelievable. They have thought of every detail from the rural farm, cocoa forests and fruit plantation stops where we got some hands-on learning from passionate, local experts to the small, super-friendly accommodations nestled in the rainforests with waterfalls and rope-swings. I was blown away at every turn. Ask for "Andy" >> the super-charismatic wonder guide who is so easy-going, caring, and authentic, that he makes you feel like his lifelong best friend after the first evening. This was the best boys trip I've ever been on. (And I have been on a lot of them!) 7 days of adrenalin pumping experience. You will be pleasantly exhausted every night and you will not be let down.
8. Free time in Quito? Lets go to Papallacta's Volcanic Termal Springs!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Openminded local tour guide, good music, good conversation, car in perfect conditions. Not many people know this place, nor the properties that these waters have, so it is the best option for a short stay in the city or a relaxing time with your nearby people. Some places/activities' availability may vary. Better to go during weekdays to avoid conglomeration. Keeping all biosafety standards, Covid free service. We take care of each other. 420 friendly.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees
Exclusions: Entrance ticket , Lunch, Tips
Reviewed By alexandraj706
The car was safe and secure, great price, nice conversations and Daniel is wonderful and informative guide! 100% recommended
9. Baños and Upper Amazon Day Trip
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Have lots of fun on this flexible private day trip from Quito to Baños, considered one of the most outstanding Ecuadorian highlights, escorted by professional and knowledgeable local tour guides! Have a great taste of the Andes and the Tropical Rainforest from the comfort of a this fabulous excursion! Enjoy during this life experience amazing landscapes, towering waterfalls, safe adventure sports, friendly walks, and especially unforgettable memories protecting your family avoiding unnecessary crowds..!
Inclusions: Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Bilingual Tour Guide
Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Extra expenses
Reviewed By JeannePlantation
I had only one afternoon in Quito to sightsee. I contacted Ecuador's Best Tour with late notice by email and Luis replied right away. Luis has a great laid back, no worries attitude and assured me he would take care of everything and pick me up at my hotel. He arrived early to pick me up. I was thrilled to visit the beautiful Church la Compania. Luis was very knowledgeable about the history of the church and architecture. Next we visited a beautiful view of the city with the statue Virgin of El Panecillo. I only had a few hours to visit and Ecuador's Best Tours really helped me make the most of my visit. I highly recommend booking this with this company and you will be lucky if Luis is your guide. His English is extraordinary and he's just a pleasant guide to be around. I have toured many places around the would and I would say Luis was one of the best guides I have encountered. I got some great photos from my visit and hope to return someday. I would certainly use Ecuador's Best Tours again.
10. City Tour in Guayaquil - Parque de las Iguanas - Malecon 2000 - Las Peñas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
City Tour in Guayaquil, English and Spanish. We travel through the most tourist places of Guayaquil. such as: Iguana Park (Seminar Park) Malecon 2000, San Francisco Square, Guayaquil Administration Palace and Las Peñas. Tour in Guayaquil of excellent quality but cheap in price. We don't do Guided Monologues! We are a professional team, lovers of Guayaquil, we are passionate about tourist guidance and meet friends from all over the world. We will be your friend accompanying you, while we show you the best of the city of Guayaquil.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch, Breakfast
Reviewed By DrJessicaPierce
We had a great downtown tour with Javeth. We walked around downtown while he told us about the rich history. The tour was around 2 hours which was just what we were looking for. We felt very safe.
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