Day Trips & Excursions in Ecuador

Experience the incredible geography and scenery of Ecuador during this full-day trip covering Pululahua National Park and the country's 'Middle of the World' equator monument. Start your excursion by straddling both the north and south hemispheres at the 'Mitad del Mundo' site marking the earth's equator. Then head to Pululahua, a geo-botanical reserve inside a dormant volcano where you can observe more than 50 species of exotic plants and more than 20 different types of animals. This trip also covers a guide, activities, entrance fees, bottled water, round-trip hotel transport and an optional lunch.

Take a hike up the Sierra Negra Volcano on this 4-hour walking tour. The Sierra Negra is the oldest volcano on Isabela Island and experienced its last eruption in 2005. Walk along the rim of the crater and observe the local plant and animal life that has flourished in this rugged terrain. Learn about the geology of the area and the volcanic processes from your informative guide.

Discover Ecuador's vibrant cultural heritage, natural wonders, and Andean villages on this full-day tour from Quito. Admire traditional handicrafts at the legendary Otavalo Market, tour the Cayambe biscuit factory, visit the leather capital of Cotacachi, and marvel at Cuicocha Crater Lake. Lunch is included.

Relax and pamper yourself at the Papallacta Hot Springs (Termas Papallacta SPA) on this full-day trip from Quito. Enjoy the scenery surrounding the complex, in an Andean valley surrounded by jungle, and choose from thermal baths or upgrading to additional spa treatments. Travel with a small group of just 12 people, which ensures an intimate atmosphere and personalized attention from the guide. Round-trip transportation from Quito included.

Get a sense for the architecture, history and culture of Quito during this 9-hour trip visiting the city's top sights. Start with an exploration of the historic city center of this Ecuadorian capital, visiting its main Basilica, Independence Plaza and many more colonial-era sites. Then take a trip aboard the Telef erico to a peak more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above the city for sublime views, finishing your day at 'Mitad del Mundo,' a monument marking where the earth's equator splits the world into north and south. This Quito city trip includes entrance fees at select attractions, a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

This popular private tour hits all of Quito's top attractions. Follow your expert local guide through the capital city's historic district, stand on the equator and ride on the highest gondola in South America. This full-day experience is perfect for travelers who want to gain insight and understanding into the history and culture of Quito.

Don't let limited time in Ecuador stop you visiting the majestic Quilotoa Lagoon, an emerald crater lake surrounded by mountain landscapes. Reach the natural wonder the easy way on this full-day tour from Quito, ideal for nature lovers. Stop at a traditional craft market before arriving in Quilotoa National Park and opting to hike or ride a mule (own expense) to the rim of the dormant volcano. Lunch and transfers are included.

Tick off two of Ecuador's top attractions in one day during a full-day tour of Pululahua crater and the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) from Quito. Ascend to a lookout point above Pululahua crater, one of only two inhabited craters in the world, and spend the day exploring the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) complex, where the North and South Hemispheres collide. Your tour also includes access to the planetarium and the Equatorial Museum.

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most bio-diverse places on earth, but you don't have to take a pricey multi-day tour to experience Ecuador's wildlife haven. Discover Seymour North Island on this full-day tour from Santa Cruz and marvel at blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and other wildlife. Hotel pickup is included.

Experience the spectacular scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes on this full-day tour from Quito. Visit the traditional market towns of Saquisili and Pujili; enjoy a thrilling trek around the Quilotoa Crater Lagoon; and explore the indigenous villages of the Tigua community. Lunch is included.

Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs at an indigenous market and enjoy gorgeous scenery during this 8-hour trip to Otavalo Market from Quito. This fascinating market features a wealth of hand-made creations produced by local Andean communities, including textiles, leather goods and more. Enjoy sublime views of the Andes Mountains and San Pablo Lake during your drive to the site before hunting for souvenirs. On your way home, you can choose to visit Cotacachi, an artisan town famous for its leather goods, or Cuicocha Lake. Your shopping and scenery trip includes a guide, entrance fees, a snack, round-trip hotel transport and an upgrade with lunch.

Enjoy a Quito Day Trip of pampering and relaxation on a private tour of Papallacta Thermal Center and Spa Tour. Relax in your private ride as you wind through the Amazon jungle towards the quiet retreat center. Upon arrival, take a dip in thermal pools and choose from a diverse list of optional spa service or outdoor activities to round out your day of indulgence.

Combine culture with nature on a private full-day city and cocoa farm tour from Guayaquil. Designed for travelers passing through Guayaquil, this excursion takes you to a rural cocoa farm where you'll tour the plantation and make chocolate from scratch. Then, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Guayaquil city, home to attractions such as Las Penas neighborhood, Malecon 2000, and Parque Historico. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Get a closer look at indigenous Ecuadorian culture on this private full-day tour. Explore the regions north of Quito and visit the extensive Otavalo Market, the biggest indigenous market in South America, where you can peruse the stalls and purchase local handicrafts. Then head to the Cotacachi Volcano and its crater lake and take in the beautiful rural landscapes before heading back to Quito.

Journey to the majestic Quilotoa lagoon, exploring local Andean communities on the way, during this 10-hour day trip from Quito. Discover Ecuador like a local as you visit a range of indigenous communities en route to this famous lagoon. Depending on the day you might visit a local market or sit down and chat with a local Andean family. Then enjoy a 2-hour hiking trek to Quilotoa, eventually reaching the stunning body of water inside the crater of this now-dormant volcano. Your trip also includes a guide, lunch and round-trip transport from Quito.

Spend the day outside Quito, exploring the village of Papallacta. During the scenic ride, you'll pass through towns and small villages before ascending to a peak of over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) where you'll be able to catch views of mountains and glaciers. There, take a dip in the village's popular thermal baths.

Get a taste for the indigenous culture and amazing scenery of Ecuador during this 10-hour trip covering variety of cultural and natural sights. Stop at a viewpoint with views of Cayambe and Cotopaxi, then check out the 'Mitad del Mundo' monument located directly on the earth's equator. You'll also explore Cuicocha Crater Lake, visit a local biscuit factory and go shopping at the indigenous markets at Otavalo and Cotacachi. This Ecuador sightseeing trip also includes lunch, a guide and round-trip transport from Quito.

Journey to the beautiful Quilotoa volcano, driving through stunning mountain scenery and stopping to visit local Andean communities, during this 9-hour day trip. Travel along the spectacular 'Avenue of Volcanoes' passing beneath its towering peaks, eventually stopping at a village of the Paramos community, where you'll explore a local home and learn about their daily life. Finish your day with a trip to the lagoon inside Quilotoa volcano and a mule-riding adventure near its beautiful crater. This Quilotoa day trip includes a guide, entrance fees, round-trip hotel transport and an optional lunch upgrade.

Relax and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of Termas Papallacta Spa during this 8-hour day trip from Quito. Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the cloud forests near Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve during a 1.5-hour walk. Then soothe your aching muscles as you enjoy some pampering with a soak in the thermal pools of Papallacta Hot Springs. This trip to Termas Papallacta Spa, perfect for couples, also includes a guide, entrance fees, round-trip hotel transport.

Explore the town of Suchitoto and find out why it's considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. First, visit the must-see Museo Casa de Don Alejandro Cotto, followed by a walk around town, stopping at attractions such as the Santa Lucía Church. After lunch (which is not included), hop aboard a boat and enjoy a trip around Suchitlan Lake.