What Are the Top Activities in Ecuador?
Top Ecuador activities invite you to explore the outdoors, from the snow-covered mountains to the colorful underwater world of Galápagos dive sites. Pack for adventure and get ready to hike, bike, swim, and snorkel.
In the Galápagos Islands, travelers will have ample opportunities for snorkeling, marine mammal observation, scuba diving, and bird watching. Boat tours and cruises often include many of these activities, and there are also opportunities to go sport fishing along the coast.
Finally, butterfly tours are a popular activity in Ecuador's Sierra regions.
Related Questions
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Ecuador Sport Fishing Tours
Even the complete novice is certain to reel in a whopper during a sport fishing tour in Ecuador. One of the world’s most overlooked fishing destinations, Ecuador is not yet overfished, and the biodiversity of the marine life here can produce treasures at the end of a line. Some of the catchable fish here are shockingly massive, including the giant marlin. With the best-equipped fishing boats and most-seasoned guides, sport fishing tours can be as brief as half a day or as long as a week.
Ecuador 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.
Ecuador Museum Tours
The wonderful thing about touring museums in Ecuador, besides having your experience of this historically rich country curated by local experts, is that many Ecuadorian museums are incorporated right into historical sites. Explore Old Town Quito for living history, slipping seamlessly into the museums that explain it all. Stroll the botanical gardens that boast ancient Andean plants and grains as you are guided through the Ecuadorian Museum of Natural Science. Hear the legends of Ecuador at Azuay Folklore Institute, and carry these stories with you throughout your travels. Museum tours provide travelers with an excellent introduction to the history, culture, and traditions of Ecuador.
Ecuador Bird Watching Tours
From the peaks of the Andes to the lush branches of the Amazon rainforest, Ecuador has a tremendous amount of avian biodiversity. Though cruise tours in the Galápagos Islands are an obvious must when seeking unique bird sightings, Ecuador has other exotic birding opportunities as well. Birding tours include treks to find tropical birds on the scenic slopes of the Pichincha Volcano outside Quito; an adventure up the mountains to spot the highest-dwelling birds of the Andes; and adventures deep into the Amazon to see colorful toucans and chatty parrots.
Pacific Coast
The mesmerizing hues of blue that line Ecuador’s Pacific shoreline attract many travelers from the country’s mountainous regions. The arid coastline offers visitors beautiful beaches, a great diversity of marine life, and fresh seafood.
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.
Ecuador Marine Mammal Observation Tours
Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands are among the best places in the world to see marine mammals. The protected islands host the adorable – and sometimes noisy – Galápagos sea lions and fur seals, and whales and dolphins are easy to spot most of the year. Whether taking a cruise through the islands for premium whale watching or a land tour of Isabela Island to swim with the playful sea lions, spending time with and learning about these special island inhabitants is a great choice for families.
Northern Sierra
Atop these high northern Andean plains is the cultural heart of Ecuador. The Northern Sierra’s landscape, people and food truly embody Ecuador. Situated at nearly 0 degrees latitude, the Northern Sierra is located on the namesake of Ecuador, the equator. Connecting the northern cities is the Pan-American Highway, which winds through the high plains and valleys for roughly 150 miles (241 km) from Quito to the Ecuador-Colombia border. Flying into the capital city of Quito is the entry point for most visitors to Ecuador—and a great one at that, being a primary center for Ecuadorian history, industry and government.
