Day Trips in Ecuador: 5 Weighed Up on Cost and Hours

1.Amazon Tour in Ecuador: Puyo Day Trip from Baños

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 8 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Travel from Baños into the Puyo area for a full day of jungle walks, a 30-minute dugout canoe ride, a waterfall swim, Quechua culture, cacao making, and lunch. The small group is capped at 12. Carlos has guided in excellent English, while Christian has driven the route.

“We had a fantastic day! Our driver and guide were incredibly knowledgeable about local plants, chocolate, and medicinal plants. Their passion and insights made the experience unforgettable. Highly recommend this tour!”

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2.Cotopaxi Volcano Tour from Quito – Day Trip to the Andes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $150

Spend about eight hours with a private guide from Real Dreams Tour exploring Cotopaxi National Park. Hike from 4,600 meters toward Refugio Padre Ribas, stop for a hot drink, walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and eat lunch near San Juan de Pastocalle. Guides such as Pedro, Carlos, Marcelo, and Andrés lead the outing.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable. Cotopaxi was beautiful and worth the trip.”

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3.Baños and Upper Amazon Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $157

Leave Quito at 7:30 a.m. for Baños with a private bilingual guide such as Ximena, Carlos, Miriam, Freddy, or Wilson. Visit the Virgin of Agua Santa, ride a cable car over the Pastaza canyon, walk to Manto de la Novia and Pailón del Diablo, then return by about 6:45 p.m. Lunch and zip lining cost extra.

“Andres was a great tour guide and knew a lot about the area. It was a fun-filled day. There is a lot to do in the Banos area. We did the trip in a single day from Quito, which meant a 3 hour drive each way.”

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4.Day Trip Churute Howler Monkey Observation and Chocolate Making

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $276

Travel from Guayaquil with guides Yamil and Simon to Reserva Ecológica Manglares Churute, where you may spot howler monkeys and other wildlife. Then visit Hacienda Cacao y Mango for a farm lunch and hands-on chocolate making, from cocoa pod to personalized bar. Hotel pickup, private transport, water, and lunch are included.

“Higly recommended tour. I participated with a group of friends, we really enjoyed the experience. All the guides are really knowledgeable and happy to respond to all questions and doubts. We spotted many animals and the tour at the cocoa farm was simply amazing. We learned a lot about the process and everyones was really nice. The food was also great! Really nice experience!!”

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5.Puyo Jungle Tour in 1 Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $35Best value

Spend about 11 hours traveling from Baños into Pastaza on a budget-friendly jungle day trip. You’ll visit Mira Mera, hike to Hola Vida waterfall, eat lunch, canoe down the Puyo River, meet the Cotococha Kichwa community, visit Indichuris viewpoint, and make Amazonian chocolate. English service should be confirmed before booking.

“I loved it. The group was amazing and friendly and I loved the places we went to. The face paint was so beautiful and I didn't want to take it off.”

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