Tours in Ecuador
Services for all tour extensions in Ecuador are provided through a partnership with “Ecuador Unique”, a tour company formed as a strategic alliance between two companies with vast experience in Galapagos and mainland services. The owners or Ecuador Unique use their expertise gained through decades of product knowledge gained in the field guiding and behind a desk. The result is creatively designed tours with high level guides and improved quality. We offer the most popular tours here. In order to browse additional tour options, click on the button below, or request a custom quote.
Tours from Quito
Quito and the Northern Andes
Ecuador’s Andean capital sits almost upon the equator, yet at such a high altitude (almost twice as high as Denver), its climate is superb – warm days, cool nights – all in a setting few cities in the world can match. Climb Cerro Panecillo to see the striking panoramas: an emerald valley punctuated by whitewashed houses topped with red-tiled roofs and encircled by a ring of snowcapped volcanic cones. Walk the steep and winding cobbled streets of the old town with its rich colonial architecture, churches, monasteries and museums. A host of treasures rim the majestic Plaza de la Independencia including the 19th-century Cathedral and Presidential Palace. Built in 1605, the church of La Compañia with its ornate baroque facades is a stunning display of art and architecture – both inside and out. And don’t miss the Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man), the former home and private museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, a legend of Ecuadorian art, paintings, sculpture and jewelry, on permanent exhibit.
Otavalo Market and the Northern Highlands
Otavalo full day tour (8 hours) We depart Quito early for a two hour drive North to Otavalo, the finest and most well known fair on the continent.Pass through beautiful valleys and fields including Cayambe volcano at 18,997 feet. In the market, shop for textiles, tapastries and handicrafts, sweaters, blankets and rugs. Bargain with the colorful and industrious natives. Also stop at the small towns of Peguche, a weaving village or Calderon for bread dough figures. Lunch is at the exquities La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa located in Cotacachi, known for quality leather goods. Return to Quito for overnight. We depart for a two hour drive north along the Pan American Highway through mountain scenery. We stop en route at the small town of Calderon, famous for their bread-dough figures and ornaments. Lunch, dinner and overnight included. The next morning, we arrive early to the Otavalo market, the finest and most well known fair in South America. For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. In contrast to other markets, the Otavalenos barter in silence. They wear blue ponchos, white pants and have long braided hair. The colorful local markets are famous for their fine handicrafts. At the central plaza and along side streets, you will find weavings, sweaters, belts, blankets and rugs. Lunch is provided at La Mirage Hotel & Spa located in the town of Cotacachi known for quality leather goods. Return to Quito for overnight
Avenue of the Volcanoes and Central Markets
Discover the spectacular scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where 11 massive, brooding, snow-covered peaks overlook brooks and rivers, small villages and terraced farmlands. You can visit a market nearly every day of the week where natives dressed in colorful ponchos come from miles around to trade their livestock, handicrafts and gossip. Or go hiking or biking in the park, named after the highest active volcano in the world. Cotopaxi, with its perfectly shaped cone is home to such high altitude birds as the Punta hawk and even the Andean condor. Discover what in 1802 the German scientist Alexander Von Humboldt called the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. The route is surrounded by snowcapped summits and the mystical beauty that, in times past, nourished the mythology of early cultures and later provided incentive to the conquering Spanish to settle here. Brooks and rivers run down from the mountains past small villages of adobe houses and terraced farmlands. Andean markets lie along the central route of 11 snowy peaks framing the Latacunga-Ambato valley. There is nearly a market for every day of the week and the spectacular Andean scenery makes getting there half the fun. Dressed in colorful ponchos and hats native to each region, natives come from miles around to trade their livestock, produce, handicrafts and gossip. Hiking Cotopaxi Volcano National Park Drive through the scenic Andean countryside to reach the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano named for the 19,700-foot peak that dominates the area. The National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares surrounding the highest active volcano in the world. You’ll have time to do some hiking explore the National Park, home to high altitude birds such as the Puna Hawk, Carunculated Caracara and with some luck, the Andean Condor.Lunch is at Hosteria LA CIENEGA, built in the 1600’s. La Cienega is located in the valley at the foot of the volcano and belongs to the descendants of its original owner, the Marquis of Maenza, dating back to the 17th century. The Manor House was built in 1838 and is accessed via an avenue flanked by fragrant eucalyptus trees. It’s mighty stone walls have witnessed important events in Ecuador’s history. Return to Quito in the late afternoon SAQUISILI MARKET (Thursday), this is the largest market of the Cotopaxi province, sprawled over five separate plazas offering visitors samples of the featured food, animals and handicrafts typical of the high Ecuadorian sierra. LATACUNGA MARKET (Tuesdays) Seas of red blue and purple ponchos and regional hats. Displays of fruits and vegetables offer a photographic treat. PUJILI MARKET (Wednesdays and Sundays) a small Indian village, food is the main trading business and native social gathering. Ceramics here are considered a very fine folk art. Visit La Victoria where the ceramics are made.
Mindo Cloud Forest Hummingbird Tour (8 hours) with private lunch
This former farm is now a reserve encompassing 700 hectares in the buffer zone of the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest. At an elevation of 1650 to 2350 meters, you find plunging valleys and tall tress proliferating with orchids and bromeliads. The private home of Tony Nunnery is the perfect place to discover the beauty of the cloud forest located in the Tandayapa Valley. 10 km of trails lead through primary and secondary forest, and to hidden waterfalls. This is hummingbird paradise. Expect to find 10-15 species on most days. Along the forest trails, you may see the Toucan Barbet and tanagers.
Tours from Guayaquil
Private Airport transfer to hotel with guide
Upon arrival, our English speaking guide and private car with driver meet you at the airport for transportation to your selected hotel.
Guayaquil City Tour (3 hours) with guide
Ecuador’s largest city and seaport has been revitalized and its crown jewel is the Malecon 2000, a two mile pedestrian walkway along the Guayas River with botanical gardens, art museums, cafes and shops. Stop at Las Penas, Guayaquil’s oldest “barrio” where restored centuries old houses line narrow streets with cafes and art galleries. Visit Simon Bolivar Park, La Rotonda, Clock Tower, City Hall, artesans market and Iguanas park.
Guayaquil city tour & Historical Park (5 hours)
The Historical Park recreates Guayaquil’s past through its history and culture. Here you will find a wildlife park with the flora and fauna that once populated the area. A historic zone recreates architecture and traditions from the early 1900s and celebrates the indigenous cultures. Closed Monday.
Cacao Farm & Chocolate Factory Tour (7 hours)
Located just one hour from Guayaquil, this beautiful property has 600 acres of land, “ El Castillo” is a tropical working farm and 600 acre plantation that produces aromatic cacao processed in their own chocolate factory. In addition, there is production of coffee and mango, as well as an extension of tropical dry forest with varieties of indigenous and endemic trees; Kapoks, Holy Wood, Balsa and Guayacan, ideal for bird watching and walking. Lunch is included. Enjoy traditional dishes from the coast, such as ceviche and exotic tropical fruits.
Airport transfers, city tour & Dinner (6 hours)
Ideal for those departing on a late night flight from Guayaquil while on layover between arrival from Galapagos on Sunday until check in time. Dinner is at a local restaurant. All private tours depart and end from your hotel of choice and include: private car, driver and English speaking guide. All full day tours include lunch, usually at a charming country inn. Overnight tours include hotel accommodation and all meals (unless noted differently). The rates quoted are for two people traveling together. Please inquire for a custom quote for larger groups or singles.
Terms & Conditions
Deposits Required for groups only, varies depending on services, please inquire. Final Payment Due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations (FIT) For cancellation made within 59 days prior to the first day of the tour, there will be no refund for hotel and land tours. For cancellations made 60 days or more prior to arrival, the full amount will be refunded less a service charge of $50 per person. Cancellations (Groups) Cancellations must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure for hotels and day tours and 90 days prior for overnight tours. Responsibility Ecoventura and its agents act only as agents for the various companies over whose line tickets are issued and where facilities are sold. Ecoventura and its agents assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of transportation so provided. Ecoventura and its agents will not be responsible for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, schedule change, delay or cancellation or any irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, including but not limited to air or ground transportation or for any hotel accommodation, or for any other persons engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sold contract between the airline and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. The passenger will look solely to the respective owners or operators of such services for any damages that may arise. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well being of passengers or for any reason whatsoever, to alter itineraries or arrangements, such alterations will be without penalty to the operators. Additional expenses, if any shall be borne by the passengers; conversely, refund will be made to the passengers if any savings is affected thereby. The right is reserved to withdraw any and all tours should conditions warrant, also to decline to accept or retain any passengers as members of the tours. In such instances, full or equitable amount will be refunded.
