Top 10 Day Trips from in Ecuador, Ecuador

December 12, 2021 Frederic Celentano

Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
Restaurants in Ecuador

1. Private Shuttle Cuenca to/from Guayaquil

Cuenca Bestours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Door-to-door private shuttle service between Guayaquil airport/hotel to and from Cuenca. A private shuttle means no stops and only your party is on board. Your schedule is our schedule! Anytime service

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, National Park fees, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private shuttle

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!

2. Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora

Galapagos a la Carte
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

The Day Tour to Bartholomew Island departs from Itabaca Canal, the sailing is about two hours, this island is located North West of Santa Cruz Island. Bartholomew has the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of the archipelago with the iconic pinnacle rock.

Inclusions: Lunch, Snorkel Gear, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit

Reviewed By italiabella9

We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!

3. Quito City Tour Including Teleférico and Horse Ride in Pichincha Volcano

Latin Adventures
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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.

4. Devil's Nose Hike and Ingapirca tour from Riobamba

Cuenca Bestours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy our Devil Nose hike tour from Riobamba. One of the finest and most daring feats of engineering that the world had seen. The train used to do switchbacks down rocky slopes connecting the Andes mountains to the coast. In this tour we at also visit Ingapirca Ruins, the most important remains from the Incas in Ecuador. The tours as two options, you can go back to Riobamba or you can end the tour in Cuenca.

Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Licensed tour guide/driver, Transportation, Lunch in a local restaurant, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Entrance fee to Ingapirca $2, 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!

5. Small Group Guayaquil and Cocoa Farm Full-Day Tour

My trip to Ecuador - Day Tours
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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. Papallacta Thermals Pools (PRIVATE Day Trip from Quito)

Ecuador Local Guide
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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!

7. Quilotoa Crater Lake Private Day Tour

Ecuador Best Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Don't waste time waiting for large group-tours, protect your family and avoid unnecessary crowds! Stop anywhere you want during your journey and make great pictures with unforgettable landscapes!! On this private cultural full day excursion have the opportunity to visit a local indian market, where you will see different cultural interactions, and very varied local products. Do a very nice downhill hike into a charming volcanic crater and enjoy a real lifetime experience!! Make your stay in Quito an unforgettable adventure with us!!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English speaking guide, Mentioned itinerary and visits, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Drinks, Mules or horses ride

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.

8.  Tour of the city to Isabela + Tintoreras from Santa Cruz

GalapagosBKtours
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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

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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!!!

9. Private Day Tour of Quito and Middle of the World

Let's Go to Ecuador
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Visit the first Unesco site in the World, with spring like weather is home of the largest, best preserved Colonial Architecture in the Americas, where people will welcome you with an smile. We will explore the Historic Center and its Churches, Basilica, Panecillo Hill and its Virgin. During this day you can ride a cable car up to 4,000 meters elevation, (Teleferico)  for amazing views of the Volcanoes, you can also visit the Middle of the World site the Monument or/ and the Intinan Museum. During this Custom Made Full Day Tour, you can add other sites from Farmer's or Artisanal Market to Interesting Museums and also  Culinary Experiences, you decide the sites to be visited, the time to spend on each site and the time you would like to get back at your Hotel.

Inclusions: Round Trip Private Transportation, English Speaking Guide, bottled water., Bottled water

Exclusions: Meals or drinks, Personal expenses

Reviewed By kitz-travellers

During our intensive planning of our trip to Ecuador last December and January 2021 we found very positive comments regarding the Canadian-Ecuadorian tourguide couple Angela and Jamie (Letsgotoecuador.com) which guiding private tours in Ecuador. We wrote our expectations at first for all together four day tours to Mindo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and so on. Just from the first replies of Angela we knew we are "on the right place" to plan our private tours. We are a couple from Austria who travels the world since 30 years and if we need a tourguide we prefer only private tours which are custom made with our expectations. We wrote to Angela and Jamie what´s our focus and what we would like to see in Ecuador and we got back a detailed, well organized tour plan, customized to our ideas. With many emails and What´s app messages we finished the details of our tour. Regarding the quick changes during the Covid pandemic we had chanced some parts of our journey, which ended in seven day tours with two overnight stays. Every day was very well organized, perfect selection of places to go, eat and visit. We traveled by Minibus with driver or with Angela and Jamies private car. Everyone was very safe driving, we felt very well and relexed. The preparing of every kind of circumstances was absolutely perfect, couldn´t be better. Angela organized PCR-Tests for us to be able to go to Galapagos islands, where the laboratory people came to our Hotel and did the test, Very comfortable! She reserved one test for us at Guayaquil airport after returning from Galapagos. Thats really tricky to get a test on carnival weekend in South America ! She made it possible ! After the cancellation of our Amazon trip (Covid again) from our travel agency in Europe Angela and Jamie booked a wonderful Lodge (Sacha Lodge) for us at the Amazon. And we did it !! At the end, we will say, it was the best decision to book the tours with Angela and Jamie. They are very well knowledgeable about their country, everything was perfect organized and absolutely safe. These couple is helpful far over you will expecting !! We absolutly recommend to book tours with Letsgotoecuador.com from Angela and Jamie ! They are doing a great job !! Thank you for everything !!!

10. Baños full day tour from Quito including all entrances and activities

Quito Tour Bus
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

In just one day you will visit the main attractions of Baños, you will be able to see the Devil´s Cuadrol waterfall, the swing at the end of the world and the amazing viewpoint of the Amazon. You will travel safely with expert guides who will let you know all the attractions like a local and will take you to try the best typical food in the area. It is an adventure tour with a lot of nature and outdoor activities

Inclusions: Confirtable tourist transportation, Bilingual guide (English and Spanish), Casa del árbol entrance, Devil´s Cauldron waterfall entrance

Exclusions: Tips, Details not specified, Food and drinks, Extreme activities

Reviewed By Don J

My wife and I were fortunate to be able to take a private tour while in Quito during COVID lockdown. Our itinerary included The Museo de Sitio Intinan, the Casa de Agave distillery and museum, lunch at Panorama, and a drive through the Quito Historico Centro and up to the Mirador de Panecillo. Our tour guide, Diana, was exceptional. She had a great command of the English language, was very personable, and very knowledgeable about every place we visited throughout the day. She went above and beyond to make the day a very personal and special one for us, including taking pictures of us and for us throughout the day. Our driver, Carlos, was also wonderful. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Quito!

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