Top 10 Activities in Ecuador

Set sail in the wake of Darwin and The Beagle on a voyage to the Galapagos. An archipelago comprising 21 islands some 900 km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador, it’s a place you’ll likely visit just once so be sure to do it well. We’ll provide the best guides on board the finest vessels as you discover the islands and islets of this remarkable region. Geographically isolated for millennia, local wildlife has evolved along unique paths.

As you hike, snorkel, dive and kayak, we can pretty much guarantee that you are going to come face to face with creatures you’ve never seen before including giant tortoise, marine iguana and the Galapagos penguin, which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Any lover of underwater wildlife will find snorkelling around the Galapagos islands unforgettable. Crystalline waters invite you to jump right into the action as you wonder at rays and docile sharks, say hello to friendly sea lions and turtles and swim amongst schools of stunning reef fish and seahorse.

Whether from the shoreline or cruise boat we will arrange the right itinerary, with the best gear. If you are experienced, there is world-class diving available too

A fascinating way to spend an afternoon in Cuenca is to learn about the famous Panama Hat. Your guide will accompany you to the Homero Ortega factory. Here you can watch these iconic straw hats being woven by hand, followed by a visit to the Barrancos Panama Hat Museum where you delve deeper into the accessory’s intriguing history.

Find out why they are called Panama Hats but born in Ecuador!

The Amazon Rainforest covers almost half of Ecuador, lovingly protected by four national parks. From your luxurious forest home you will head out with expert naturalist guides, trekking through the forest or taking to the rivers in a dug-out canoe. Lush vegetation surrounds you, as does the Amazon’s wildlife.

Spot coppery tamarin monkey, giant otter and boa constrictor as macaws fly overhead, or, look out for monkeys and toucans from the highest branches of a giant kapok tree. Try creek paddling, rafting, and tree climbing, or simply sit still and watch the exotic birds.

Every perspective of Quilotoa Lake changes its breathtaking hues of blue and green as you hike around the edge of its volcanic crater. The 7.5 mile Quilotoa Loop trail comes with some challenging terrain but it is well worth the effort. Look up from your position atop Ecuador’s most westerly volcano and you will find yourself mesmerised by the breathtaking Andean landscape.

Look down and you’re gazing into one of the most spectacular lakes in the world and beyond, across a patchwork quilt of farmland, home to the indigenous Kichwa community.