Tour guides Ecuador

5 ideas for guided tours in Ecuador

• Quito

  

  At nearly 2,800 meters above sea level, Quito stretches along a valley surrounded by volcanoes. The city preserves a UNESCO-listed historic center, where baroque churches stand beside lively squares and colorful façades. At times, it feels as though time has paused here.

  On Plaza Grande, daily life unfolds around the cathedral and the government palace. A little higher up, the Basílica del Voto Nacional dominates the old town with its neo-Gothic silhouette, its towers rising over the historic center. Cobblestone streets draw the eye, and every corner seems to carry a fragment of history.

  The TelefériQo climbs toward the Rucu Pichincha volcano. Up there, above 4,000 meters, the silence is as striking as the sweeping views of peaks and valleys. The contrast with the bustle of the city center is sharp, almost disorienting.

• Baños

  

  In the Andean valley, Baños draws visitors with its lush setting, waterfalls, and hot springs. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the town is an ideal base to combine relaxation with adventure.

  The Virgin’s Waterfall, or Pailón del Diablo, is one of the most striking sights. The roar of the water, the suspension bridge swaying gently underfoot—everything makes the experience unforgettable. Spray dampens your face, a reminder of nature’s raw power.

  Nearby, Sangay National Park stretches across miles of untouched landscapes. Trails wind through dense vegetation, sometimes opening up to views of volcanoes. Hiking, biking, or climbing let you explore the terrain at your own pace and energy.

• Otavalo

  

  In northern Ecuador, Otavalo is best known for its market on the Plaza de los Ponchos. Stalls burst with color—handwoven textiles, ponchos, hats, jewelry. Craftsmanship is alive here, and every piece tells a story of traditions still passed down today.

  A few kilometers away, Lake San Pablo offers a soothing backdrop. Its waters mirror the surrounding mountains, and a boat ride lets you enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you naturally pause, take in the landscape, and savor the silence.

  The Peguche community welcomes visitors who want to learn about the art of weaving. Artisans still work their looms, creating patterns handed down for generations. Meeting them adds a new dimension to the objects sold at the market.

  Not far from there, the Peguche waterfalls attract hikers. The trail winds through dense vegetation before revealing an 18-meter drop, striking both for its power and the cool mist it casts. Otavalo brings together tradition and landscape in a single journey.

• Quilotoa

  

  In the Ecuadorian Andes, Quilotoa strikes visitors with the sheer power of its landscape. The volcanic crater forms a vast circle of colorful walls, their shades shifting with the light of the day. At its center lies a turquoise lagoon that captures your gaze from the very first step on the trail.

  Walking along the rim of the crater gives a dizzying sensation. The slopes change from deep green to copper red, while the horizon seems to stretch endlessly. The descent to the lagoon takes some effort, but the reward is well worth it.

  Down by the water, kayaks wait for those eager to get closer to the heart of the volcano. The silence is broken only by the sound of paddles, and the striking contrast between the lagoon’s brilliant blue and the rugged crater walls lingers in memory.

  To extend the adventure, several trails invite you to explore the surroundings. The Rondador route and the Mirador trail offer fresh perspectives, where Andean mountains and villages reveal themselves along the ridges.

• Galapagos Islands

  

  Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands form a unique archipelago where wildlife has found refuge. Each island reveals a different face, from pristine beaches to still-active volcanoes and deep waters teeming with marine life. It is a place with a timeless atmosphere, almost set apart from the world.

  On Santa Cruz, the walk leads to Tortuga Bay and its white sandy beaches. Giant tortoises move slowly through the El Chato Reserve, while the Charles Darwin Research Center highlights the archipelago’s connection to groundbreaking discoveries in natural science. The island blends observation with learning.

  Isabela, the largest island, impresses with the Sierra Negra volcano and its stark volcanic landscapes. Lower down, marine iguanas bask on black lava rocks, and the waters of Los Túneles provide unforgettable encounters with turtles and sea lions. The contrast between rock and ocean here is striking.

  The island of Fernandina, still young and wild, surprises with its abundant wildlife, while San Cristobal offers relaxation on Tijeretas Beach or underwater adventures around Kicker Rock. Each stop in the Galápagos leaves a different impression, but all remain unforgettable.