Things to Do in Ecuador

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Although the country’s image isn’t strongly associated with beaches and seaside holidays, Ecuador’s Pacific coast has several locally renowned resorts. The best-known include Atacames, Manta, Esmeraldas, and Bahia de Caraquez.

For now, even though these spots attract visitors in season, they’re far from what you’d find in some other countries like Mexico. There are no all-inclusive resorts or mass international tourism here—just small-scale operations catering mainly to local visitors, along with some nearly untouched locations. However, be cautious of currents, which can be dangerous for swimming in certain areas.

Water Activities

Fishing: Three spots stand out for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts: Salinas and Manta on the mainland, plus the area around San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. Year-round, and especially between July and October, you can expect to catch marlin, swordfish, and tuna for the big catches.

Diving: While the mainland Pacific coast has few sites, the Galapagos archipelago is packed with diving and snorkeling spots, making it a world-class destination and an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts.

Surfing: This is the main water activity along the coast. Less famous than Hawaii or other surfing hotspots, Ecuador’s shoreline still offers great waves, particularly around the town of Manta.

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

The best options are logically in the Andean region (between July and September) and, to a lesser extent, organized treks in the Amazon (from December to February). The areas around Baños, Latacunga, Mindo, Riobamba, and Vilcabamba are particularly rich in hiking opportunities.

That said, the Quilotoa Loop stands out as the most rewarding trek—a 3- to 4-day journey from village to village, ending at a turquoise lagoon nestled in a volcanic crater nearly 4,000 meters high. It’s considered the best balance of duration, difficulty, altitude, and natural and cultural discovery.

Cycling

For thrill-seekers, two must-do rides are the descents from Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, starting at around 5,000 meters. For a more relaxed experience, the Waterfall Route between Baños and Puyo offers about 20 kilometers along gorges and past cascades.

For long-distance cyclists, the "Trans-Ecuador" covers over 1,000 km on dirt roads and secondary routes, crossing the Andes via the "Avenue of Volcanoes." Flatter and coastal, the "Via del Pacifico" lets you explore fishing villages and surf spots over several days.

Horseback Riding

Mostly found in Andean haciendas, where you can take rides of varying lengths and difficulty.

Climbing and Mountaineering

The Andean range offers excellent opportunities for trekking, climbing, and ascents of all levels. Ecuador is one of the world’s top destinations for mountaineering and high-altitude treks. The relatively easier and less technical routes, wide variety of sites, straightforward access requirements, reasonable costs, and qualified local guides mean hundreds of visitors tackle the country’s highest peaks each year, including Chimborazo at 6,268 meters.

Other Outdoor Activities

Whatever nature or adventure sports you’re looking for, if they exist in Ecuador, you’ll find them—or at least the best conditions for them—around Baños, at the gateway to the Amazon. This small town is Ecuador’s capital of adventure sports, even considered Latin America’s by some. Activities include rafting, canyoning, canoeing, bungee jumping, paragliding, canopy tours, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Beyond that, other Amazonian towns like Tena or Puyo also offer good opportunities, though with fewer options.

Cultural Life and Activities

While Ecuador has few pre-Columbian ruins aside from the Ingapirca site, colonial-era landmarks are relatively abundant, especially in cities like Quito and Cuenca. Beyond this heritage, the traditions and daily life of the country’s diverse populations are often the main cultural draw for visitors.

Nightlife and Going Out

It’s true that nightlife isn’t Ecuador’s main image or the reason tourists visit. Still, where there’s surfing on the coast, there’s usually some nightlife, as there is in Baños, the "outdoor capital." Other nightlife options can be found in the capital, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.