What Adventure Activities Are There in Ecuador?
Ecuador was made for adventure activities. Looking for adrenaline? Try white water rafting in the Amazon. Want to discover new wildlife? Dive deep on a scubing diving tour. You can explore at a gentler pace on kayaking and snorkeling trips — Ecuador's thrilling landscape has something for every kind of traveler.
Ecuador has an impressive array of adventure activities. Rafting can be enjoyed near Quito and in the Amazon Basin around Tena. Mountain biking is especially good in the Andes, and you can sign up for horseback riding just about everywhere. In the Galápagos Islands, you can look forward to scuba diving, snorkelling, and ocean kayaking.
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See all questionsEcuador Snorkeling Tours
Whether wading off the shores of beautiful coastal towns like Puerto López or jumping right from a boat into the waters of the Galápagos Islands, snorkeling in Ecuador is first-class. Guides take you to the best coves, calmest waters, and most lively snorkeling spots. Swim right alongside sea lions or feast your eyes on colorful fish, plants, and animals. Guides will keep you safe and getting the most out of your underwater adventures. These tours are acceptable for both seasoned snorkelers and total beginners alike.
Cultural Tours and Activities in Ecuador
Exploring Ecuador's culture is fun and fascinating. You can stroll around colonial cities like Cuenca and Quito, tour high-quality museums, or shop for handicrafts at a local market. Cultural tours are led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who will teach you about the history and traditions of the places you visit. You'll walk away from these tours with a thorough understanding of Ecuadorian culture.
Amazon
Descending from the cool, high Sierra plains into the eastern side of Ecuador brings a dramatic change in surroundings—dense jungles and stifling humidity. A lesser known and remote part of Ecuador, visitors to the Amazon are quickly immersed in ancient rainforests, indigenous cultures and abundant wildlife.
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands straddle the equator roughly 600 miles (965 km) off the coast of Ecuador and are home to one of the world’s most unique and pristine ecosystems. This remote, volcanic archipelago is a hallmark of biodiversity—they support a wide variety of endemic marine and terrestrial species seen nowhere else on Earth. And without any natural predators, the wildlife here is not only unintimidated by humans, but it’s usually quite curious about them. While roaming these islands, a wide variety of bird, tortoise and iguana species can be seen. Jump into the crystal blue waters and watch sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks glide right in front of you. In other words, there’s a reason why the famous naturalist Charles Darwin was so inspired by the Galapagos, and it’s likely that you will be too.
Quito
Set an elevation of 9,350 ft (2,850 m), Quito is the highest capital city in the world. The population of this bustling city is a contrasting mix of Ecuadorians sporting sleek business suits and colorful indigenous clothing. These contrasts exemplify the mix of politics, history and culture that define Quito. Founded in the 16th century atop the ruins of an Inca city, Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a premier destination for those visiting Ecuador.
Tena
Nestled between lush hillsides and snaking rivers is the town of Tena, the whitewater capital of Ecuador. Many travelers come here just to raft or kayak on the many rivers that come raging down from the Sierras. For those looking for a drier experience, the surrounding wildlife and indigenous communities also offer a great way to spend your time.
