Outdoor Activities in Ecuador and the Galapagos

Ecuador offers a myriad of wondrous natural and cultural environments to be explored. Nowhere else in Latin America can you find such a diversity of landscapes, playscapes, climates, and cultures in such a compact and easily accessible area.

Between the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, coastal beaches, and mangrove forests, outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the incredible variety of adventures to choose from.

From late-night wildlife to people who have lived out in the wild for millennia, Ecuador is a great place to meet interesting folks in remarkable places.

Here are just a few of the many things to do in Ecuador:

With so many options, there is something for everyone in Ecuador and the Galapagos!

galapagos wildlife flamingo

Flamingo on Isla Isabela, Galapagos Islands, by Jason Halberstadt

Use EcuadorExplorer.com to plan your trip with one of these recommended tour operators:

Latin Adventures specializes in custom-designed trips with personalized all-inclusive itineraries to the Galapagos & Ecuador. They are an excellent option for planning trips for families and groups for everything from a single-day tour in Quito to an adventure trip in the Andes to a full Galapagos and Amazon adventure.

Via Natura Galápagos – offers excellent-value Galapagos cruises on the Monserrat yacht, stays at Casa Natura Galapagos Ecolodge in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, and a variety of trips to mainland Ecuador, the Amazon, and even Peru and Bolivia.

Latin Trails – operates some of the top-rated yachts cruising the Galapagos Islands like the Sea Star Journey and Seaman Journey, in addition to trips to mainland Ecuador’s Amazon, Quito, and even Peru.

Surtrek – has been helping adventurous travelers discover the best of Ecuador, the Galapagos, Peru, and nearly all of South America for over 25 years. Their unique itineraries uncover the experiences and destinations that few travelers get to see.

Gulliver Travel – based out of Quito is an excellent headquarters for all types of active adventures such as hiking, trekking, biking, horseback riding, and even 4×4 off-road trips exploring the best of Ecuador.

Adventure Life – specializes in cruises to the Galapagos Islands, tours of Ecuador, and trips that combine Ecuador’s Galapagos with Peru’s Machu Picchu.

Columbus Travel – is one of Ecuador’s leading tour operators with an excellent reputation dating back to the 1990s and offers a diverse selection of trips to the Galapagos and tours of Ecuador including the Amazon rainforest. They offer trips in all price ranges from economical to luxury tours that use top-shelf accommodation and guides.

Bertini Tours –  Bertini Tours offers mini-tours, tailor-made tours, city tours, and extra services like airport pick-up and drop-off. In addition to customized tour packages, Bertini Tours also offers spectacular Galapagos Cruise Tours on outstanding cruise ships and a wide selection of tours to the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador.

Adventurous kayaker taking the plunge Ecuadorian style.

Updated Nov 14, 2022