City: Ecuador
Top Things to do in Ecuador
Countries
Things to do in Ecuador, Ecuador: The Best Bus Tours
Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
Restaurants in Ecuador
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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!!!
4. Cultural Tour of Otavalo: Market and Cuicocha Lagoon visit all inclusive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
- All Inclusive: Professional Bilingual Guide, Lunch and Tourist Visits. - Tourist Transport from Quito - Otavalo - Quito - Trekking - Visit indigenous market - Visit Ponchos Square - Visit San Pablo Lake Viewpoint - Visit and hiking in the Cuicocha Lagoon - Visit to Cotacachi, known for the elaboration of leather goods - Professionalism and Quality of Service - Shared Tour: Every Tuesday and Saturday - Private Tour: Every day.
Inclusions: Professional Tourism Guide, Tourist visits, Lunch, Private transportation
Exclusions: Breakfast, Tickets, Personal expenses
Reviewed By Malejavr12
I had a very good hike with them. They took you from Baños to Chimborazo in a van, and from the first refuge you walk 50 minutes to get to the Condor Cocha Lagoon. The guide is very promptly and kind, he answered every question I had. The downhill was so good. The guide is near you in the van just in case. Highly recommended.
5. 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!!!
6. Charles Darwin Station & Tortuga Bay Beach Day Tour with Lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
- Private service - Certified Naturalist English/ Spanish speaking Guide - Menu lunch - Hotel pick up - Guided activities
Inclusions: Lunch, Certified Naturalist English/Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pick up, Activities, Entrance fee Charles Darwin Station, Bikes to visit Charles Darwin Station (optional)
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips
Reviewed By jersey272
This tour was everything we had hoped it would be. Even before we got there Dante, the owner, guided us in our decision process. He was flexible and patient. The adventure started right after we got off the plane and didn't stop until we left the last day. Each place we met courteous people that were so helpful and kind. The places we visited were educational and so enjoyable. Dante was great to work with and available for us the whole way. He and the people he had working with him took care of us throughout the journey. My 50th celebration to the Galapagos was truly a trip of a lifetime...thank you Dante and everyone we met!!!
7. The Giant Tortoise Experience | Lava Tubes + Los Gemelos (Shared Tour)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
In Santa Cruz Highlands visit Los Gemelos - amazing volcanic sink holes for an ecosystem introduction. Then stop at our private Giant Tortoise Reserve for un unique close wildlife encounter. Finish with an underground walk through a Lava Tube and explore Galapagos from the inside ! A 3 - hour tour starting in Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Is where you visit the most interesting attractions leaded by a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide • Spectacular views of Los Gemelos - Sink Holes and Lava Tubes • Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve - Natural encounters guaranteed ! • Learn about History, Geology and Ecology of the Galapagos Archipelago • Enjoy engaging and informative narration by our guides • Small-group tour limited to 15 people ensures a more personalized experience
Inclusions: Entrance fees,Transport by air-conditioned coach,Pickup and drop-off (1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters), Professional naturalist guide, Walking tour, Local taxes, Small-group tour, Entry tax
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Food and drinks,Souvenir photos (available to purchase),Gratuities (recommended), Gratuities
Reviewed By akash_us
Really enjoyed the virtual experience!! It was a lot of fun and a very informative talk. The guide was very friendly and passionate about the project. We learnt a lot about the Giant tortoises, and we are really inspired to visit Galapagos now!
8. Mindo Cloud Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Immerse yourself in a thick vegetation of plants, trees and wild flowers of the Cloud Forest which is located on the edge of the Andes Western Mountain Range. Mindo is 98 km away from the Quito city. This forest is the transition zone between the highlands and the coast. The altitude ranges from 2000m (6562 ft) above sea level and 1000m above sea level (3281 feet). This natural region is located in the Protector Forest Nambillo - Mindo. The reserve covers approximately 2000 hectares almost 2000 soccer fields. In addition, Mindo is part of the ecological corridor or hotspot so called Chocoan-Darien that crossing over Ecuador to reach out Colombia. This eco-route is one of the most biodiverse and endangered habitats. Hence, this bio-diversity region is within the 10 most important eco-regions in the world.
Inclusions: An English-speaking Certified Naturalist Guide-Chauffeur, Pick up from your centrally hotel in Quito, Activities and visits according to your preference
Exclusions: Travel Insurance, Entrance cost; Hummingbird Sanctuary $5 pp, Ziplining $ 20pp, Tarabita & Waterfall Santuary $ 5pp. , Mindo´s Chocolate Tour $8 pp, Mountain Cable Car $8 pp, Orchid Farm $3 pp, Tubing $6 pp (*min 4 pax)
Reviewed By valeriavH3917KD
This day was incredible to look many mountains from the highest part of the visit. The tour guide made the trip a lot of fun. I enjoyed every thing we did. 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. Full-Day Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca, Ecuador
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 35 reviews
Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, afterwards the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to exprore the unique Polylepis Forest. The park includes approximately 768 lakes in an area of 70,533 acres. It is one of the most important water sources in Cuenca and Ecuador
Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Naturalist Tour Guide, Transport by private vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch with trout option (If option selected)
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
