City: Ecuador
Top Things to do in Ecuador
The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Ecuador, Ecuador
Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
Restaurants in Ecuador
1. El Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,364 reviews
Known for its more than 275 Andean lakes and many waterfalls, this national park is a popular destination for trout fishing, rugged hiking and camping.
Reviewed By Elias_Rovielo - Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil
As this is my last Andean country, I seriously thought if this tour would be worthwhile, the time spent to see the Andes mountains, bush (park) and lakes. I'm glad I didn't hear my mind! The tour has incredible trails around a lagoon with birds and flowers, then we go further up the high mountains to see high altitude lagoons with the reflection of the sky in them, unique high altitude forests and a lot of history. 1) First pond and complete lap around it; 2) The highest top of the park; 3) Another lagoon with a walk in the only high altitude forest; 4) Restaurant with lunch included; This shared tour was contracted with the great travel agency, Deep Ecuador Travel (Cuenca) with the fantastic guide Andrés León.
2. Centro Ecuestre Bellavista
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 306 reviews
Centro Ecuestre Bellavista is located 8 kilometers outside of Cuenca. We offer the best Horseback Riding for children and adults on trails in the Ecuadorian Andes. Horses and trails are selected to match your riding skills. Experience the natural beauty of the Andes; the unique wildlife and vegetation.Participate in outdoor activities.
3. Guiding Galapagos Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 423 reviews
We are a local agency in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz and offer customized island hopping tours and cruises to the Galapagos Islands. A different and authentic way to discover the famous archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. All itineraries are designed by a naturalist guide who was born on the islands and has been living and working here ever since.
4. Pro Bici
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 323 reviews
We offer excursions to Chimborazo and other snowpeaks, mountain lakes, thermal pools, rain and cloud forests and indigenous, historic and cultural sites that reveal unimagined natural and cultural wonders hidden to the common tourist.
Reviewed By AlexHesse1111
An all round amazing trip, cannot recommend enough! From the knowledge of the guides to the quality of the equipment. All the guides were extremely friendly and supportive throughout the 12 hour trip, tending to the needs and skill levels of each member of the group. They shared their vast comprehensive knowledge of the plants and different terrains we covered as well as explaining the history and spiritual aspects of Chimborazo. The bikes and safety equipment were all extremely well maintained and the advice given to deal with being at such high altitude was comprehensive and helpful!
5. Quito Street Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 234 reviews
Quito Street Tour will get you in touch with the lifestyle of locals. Dive into the most iconic barrios in Quito! Explore the food, art, graffiti, community, nature and history of Quito's hidden gems.
6. Caveman Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Caveman is made up of a team of friends, adventure enthusiasts, who are proud to offer you fun, safe and very professional tours. For a pleasant stay, we have a beautiful cozy cabin, which combine peace, comfort and authenticity, with an excellent service.
7. Yumbos Chocolate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
A small artesanal chocolate factory using fine ecuadorean cacao. We welcome visitors 7 days a week to tour of the factory and learn the secrets of fine dark chocolate making. Tours include a full demonstration and a tasting of our favourite chocolate products.
8. Laguna Quilotoa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,194 reviews
Reviewed By nowshiva - Lismore, Australia
We hired a car, from Quito. Much better than dealing with buses etc. The roads are really good. Signs are non-existent - have your maps on your phone to guide you. Also, a tip, download a map from Maps.me for offline use, of Quilotoa. Ok, so you arrive in the town, park, and then you have some choices. You can wander around a little, you can go down to the water - hire a kayak, or just hang out. Its a steep walk back up that hill, but I believe you may be able to hire a donkey to take you back up. We chose to hike around the crater. 11km. Its almost 4,000m, so be aware thats its really hard work. Worth carrying a cannister of oxygen, which you can buy in Quito for $30. The winds are REALLY strong. So you need something to cover your ears. Hiking we warmed up, but you need clothes at the ready. It took us 6 hours, with some breaks and lunch. Bring your food and water - nothing on the route. We took the advice and went counter clockwise. There some hills to climb - a lot, and one is up and up. The path is dusty, scrabble. Very narrow in places (like, 1m), with steep cliffs falling steeply away on either side. Not for the faint hearted! It was a fantastic experience. But extremely tiring - its like walking twice the distance at sea level. Worth doing, but be prepared for an intense time. The wind was very strong, the whole day. There are some choices - at times, you can go exactly up the ride. Other times, you can go around the sides of the hills, either on the outside or inside. We started at 10am. You wouldnt want to start much later than that, if you are going to do the whole loop. We met one guy who does it regularly, who claims he can do it in 4 hours, but thats serious power walking, and knowing what you are doing. The alternative is that you might walk for say 2 hours, and then retrace your steps. I am quite fit, but by the end, I felt a little dizzy. Very satsifying though.
9. Ecuador Freedom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 531 reviews
Don't be fooled by pretenders! Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental gets true adventure seekers like you off the beaten track and deep into the country’s dramatic and varied scenery and beautiful places. Since 2009, we’ve helped travelers of all price points live their dreams. Thousands of clients have trusted us for our award-winning customer service, authentic tours, and knowledgeable and friendly staff. Choose from mountain bike, motorcycle, and 4x4 rentals, self-guided adventures, all-inclusive guided motorcycle tours, or create your own getaway, and Ecuador Freedom will help make it happen.
10. Imagine Ecuador
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,006 reviews
Imagine Ecuador is an Ecuadorian Eco-Tour Operator with Ecuadorian management. Founded in 2012, we pride ourselves in providing great value in our programs ranging from: whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoning, rock climbing, paragliding, ziplining, biking, trekking, mountain climbing, bridge jumping and horseback riding. They also arrange amazon tours to the Cuyabeno Reserve in Guacamayo Lodge; owned and operated by Imagine Ecuador, Yasuni National Park, Tena or Puyo in the secondary forest. The expert team organize Galapagos tours and cruises, island hopping, flights and tailor-made tours, honeymoon trips, wedding planner, bachelor party, family vacations for individual travelers or groups according to your special needs.
