Ecuador is a vibrant and colorful country that is one of the biggest reasons people travel to South America in the first place. With so much to see here, from the Galapagos Islands to the Andes mountains, it’s best to get to know Ecuador on a tour. A tour of Ecuador will give you the opportunity to see all the amazing geological wonders and cultural relics that the country has to offer. Best of all, you won’t need to worry about getting around or where you’ll rest your head every night after a busy day sightseeing. Your tour will do that all for you.
Tours of Ecuador typically start and end in Quito or Guayaquil. From Guayaquil, you can easily get to the Galapagos Islands, and from Quito, you can get to all the sights and other big cities. You can choose to do a tour of just Ecuador, or, you can combine your trip with a tour of Peru or other countries in South America.
Vamos! It’s time to go to Ecuador!
Ecuador Tour Destinations
There is something for everyone in Ecuador, whether you prefer to spend time in nature or enjoy life in the big city. You can go the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, relax on the beach, hang out on an island, or grab your jacket for a tour of the volcanoes and national parks.
Many people initially come to Ecuador to see the Galapagos Islands. You can do a specialized tour that will take you to all the best parts, and the tour will help you with all the logistics. A licensed guide from the Galápagos National Park Service will take you to sections of the islands that you can’t see without a guide. Though people tend to do a Galapagos trip separate from the mainland, there’s enough to see in Ecuador without visiting the Galapagos. That’s all up to you!
So, for those who rather experience jungle than beach (or both), don’t miss out on all the authentic Amazonian experiences available. Your tour will provide you with a unique, community-based accommodation in the rainforest, as well as a chance to have exclusive interaction with indigenous Amazonian tribes. While you’re there, get a wildlife guide to show you the non-human side of the jungle, and perhaps say goodnight to the rainforest in a once-in-a-lifetime jungle canopy accommodation.
When it’s time to return to civilization, head to Quito, Guayaquil, or Cuenca, to get a taste of life in an Ecuadorian city. Your guide can take you to all the best sights, like El Mitad del Mundo (the Equator), or a little outside of Quito to Otavalo, where you can shop for handicrafts made by the indigenous tribes.
Of course, many of Ecuador’s cities are either surrounded by, or just a short ride away from amazing volcanoes, lakes, and mountains. Book a tour that will take you out of the city to do an incredible hike in places like Baños de Agua Santa, where you can soak in hot springs and experience exciting outdoor adventure activities. When you get hungry, try the Ecuadorian national dish, Cuy, (if your stomach can handle it!).
Don’t wait! Look at the different tours of Ecuador to see what’s calling your name. And, don’t forget that a trip to Ecuador can also take you to Peru and other neighboring countries in South America.
Facts About Ecuador
If you want to be prepared when you arrive here, then show your tour guide what you already know! Here are some awesome facts about Ecuador, from real tour guides:
- Have you ever seen the famous “Panama Hat,” worn by workers on the Panama canal? Guess what…those aren’t Panamanian at all! They were made in Ecuador!
- Ecuador is known for producing and exporting other unique things, like clothing made from alpaca fur, Ecuadorian roses, and bananas!
- Don’t miss out on the Mama Negra Festival, an exciting event which celebrates the rich cultures of the various indigenous tribes of Ecuador. It takes place in Latacunga in September and November.
- Believe it or not, Spanish is not the only language spoken in Ecuador. The indigenous tribes have held onto their language. One of the most widely-spoken languages is Quechua, but there are up to ten others you can hear on your tour.
- The Galapagos Islands are where Charles Darwin discovered the Theory of Natural Selection and Evolution. It’s also where you can find the Galapagos Giant Tortoise and the Blue-Footed Booby!
- Singer Christina Aguilera is half-Ecuadorian from her father.
- Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, seeked asylum in Ecuador and is living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Though, the Ecuadorian government didn’t look too favorably upon him.
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
