Ecuador Tours

1. The Galapagos Islands

A trip to Ecuador is incomplete without visiting the Galapagos, a stretch of 19 islands about 560 miles west of the mainland that are truly out of this world. The biodiversity you can find here is simply unparalleled, with more than 80 percent of all birds and 97 percent of all reptiles and land mammals endemic to the islands. Hike, swim, and kayak your way through these epic landscapes, the same ones that inspired Charles Darwin's evolutionary findings. Speak to your Tourlane Travel Expert to organize your visit, as it is mandatory to be part of a tour group in order to visit.

2. Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park was founded in 1975, and today is a protected nature reserve 31 miles southeast of capital Quito that is perfect for travelers who like to hike. The focal point is undoubtedly the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises to a marvelous 19,350 feet. On the hike up, discover diverse flora as you take in some of the astounding views to be admired here.

3. Mindo Valley

Mindo Valley is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 500 species roaming the landscape. Set in a valley within the Ecuadorian Andes Mountains, subtropical plants such as orchids and bromeliads make for a blooming environment full of captivating flora. Hike up magnificent waterfalls before tubing back down the rapids to the village.

4. Quilotoa Crater Lake

Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano of the Ecuadorian Andes, and this turquoise lake in a crater is truly an extraordinary sight. The lake’s distinctive colors come from the dissolved volcanic minerals of this inactive volcano. At the eastern edge, discover hot springs as you hike towards the center of this rock. For a true Andean experience, explore on horseback—you’ll see even more of this extraordinary landscape.

5. Yasuni National Park

Nature lovers should head to Yasuni National Park. Imagine how much unique wildlife there is at a national park located smack-dab in the middle between the Equator, the Andes, and the Amazon Rainforest. The Yasuni National Park hosts more than 200 mammalian species, 650 bird species, and 600 fish species. On top of that, its landscapes are epic and incredibly diverse. Take a walk on the wild side and see one of Ecuador’s finest parks. Less