Discover the Best 40 Things to Do in Ecuador and Galapagos

In this post, I’ve compiled a list of 40 things to do in Ecuador and Galapagos, plus our favourite activities, travel tips, and foods to try, in the hopes it will help you plan out the perfect trip.

I have to admit that when we started planning a trip to Ecuador & Galapagos I didn’t know much about the country, and what there was to see and do there. More than anything, I dreamed of swimming with sea lions and scuba diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos islands. But I figured we might as well check out mainland Ecuador if we were making the long trip down to South America.

We Joined a Contiki Holiday

When I asked around for things to do in Ecuador and Galapagos, only a few of my friends had been, and most hadn’t spent much time on the mainland. So to ease our travel planning we booked on a Contiki Holiday, which are group trips made for young travellers (18-35 years of age). All our hotels, transfers, some meals and activities were all prearranged with Contiki, so all we needed to do was book a flight, pack & show up! We ended up doing their 12-day tour which covered the highlights of Ecuador (Quito, Tena, Baños, and Guayaquil) and 3 Galápagos Islands (Isabela Island, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal). On top of this, we decided to stay 4 extra days to fit in some scuba diving and relax on our own.

*Interested in doing the same tour, use promo code: PPCAMBER to save yourself $100 off any Contiki trip*

Why Should You Visit Ecuador and Galapagos?

Overall, Ecuador is such a stunning country full of kind people, diverse scenery, and curious animals. Galapagos portion of our trip was incredible, and was without a doubt the highlight of our trip; however, mainland Ecuador also blew us away and I’m so glad we went. Every day held new surprises, and in the end, both Ben and I left Ecuador feeling like we experienced more than we came for.

If you’re planning a trip of your own or considering travelling to Ecuador, I’ve compiled a list of our favourite places and activities we did to help you out. Most of these were organized by Contiki, on this itinerary; however, these definitely can be done on your own too!

I’ve also written a packing guide here, as it’s a tricky country to pack for with all the activities and climate zones. So be sure to give that a read! Hopefully, these guides will help make your travel planning a breeze.

40 Things to Do in Ecuador and Galapagos

Top Things to Do on Mainland Ecuador 

#1. See the Equator

If you are travelling to Ecuador, you must visit the equator! Here you will find the “official site” with a large monument placehttps://www.getyourguide.com/quito-l504/historic-city-of-quito-and-the-middle-of-the-world-t220890/?partner_id=LO3BZ0Z&utm_medium=online_publisherd there in 1939. However, the “true equator” site found more accurately with GPS, which is located only 240 meters north. We made sure to visit the “true site” at The Intiñan Solar Museum where we got to try some experiments proving why this is the true equator line. If you only have time to see one, I would recommend seeing the true spot over the monument location. It was very interesting and made for some great photo ops!

Tip: Purchase your tickets ahead of time to skip the line. And even better, see Quito with a guide, and get round trip transfers to and from the city with this day trip.

#2. Craft Beer Tasting in Quito

If you are a beer lover, you need to visit these two craft breweries in Quito: Altar Cerveceria & Cerveceria Artisan. These are both located in old town within a couple blocks of one another.

#3. Visit Compañía de Jesus

Visit Compañía de Jesus, which is a church with walls covered in gold. Also, famous for its disturbing painting illustrating hell.

#4. Visit The Basilica of the National Vow

If you visit Quito you must visit the beautiful Basilica of the National Vow & climb to the top tower for magnificent views of the city.

#5. Shopping Artisan Markets in Quito

Apparently, most souvenirs are made in Quito and then shipped elsewhere in the country including Galapagos. Therefore, Quito is the cheapest place to buy your artisan gifts, shirts, backpacks, blankets, jewelry, etc.

#6. Enjoy a Coffee at Botanical Cafe in Quito

For all my cafe lovers out there, do yourself a favour and visit this bohemian cafe, that is half outdoors and indoors.

#7. Eat Empanadas in Quito

We found our favourite empanadas at a restaurant called Mi Cocina and they were mini Empanadas with cheese and sugar. In fact, they were so good we went back to the same restaurant at the end of our trip just to eat there again. (They also had delicious traditional Ecuadorian food).

#8. Walk around Quito and Enjoy the Street Art and Murals

#9 La Platea for Lunch or Dinner

A funky outdoor food truck plaza in Quito. Make sure to try one of the Passion Fruit Mojitos #yum!

#10. Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar in Quito

The Secret Garden Hostel has a great one with 2 for 1 happy hour 6-7. Surprisingly, you don’t have to stay there to drink on their rooftop.

#11. Go Up the TelefériQo Cable Car

Take the TelefériQo Cable Car up to the top to get epic views of Quito! And if you’re feeling adventurous you can hike or horseback ride the trails up there to see some beautiful mountains, and on a clear day, you might see Cotopaxi volcano.

Tip: Check online for hours of operation as they vary ever season

Entrance fee for Gondola: $8.50

#12. Ocho y Medio

A funky place to go have a coffee, drink & dessert. Additionally, it also has a small-attached theatre so you can watch movies or small plays. This was such a fun way to end the night!

#13. Visit the Sacha Waysa community in the Amazon

Visit the Sacha Waysa community in the Amazon to learn about their culture, traditions, food, etc.

#14. Canyoneering

For my adrenaline junkies out there need to try canyoneering in Ecuador. However, if you have never heard of canyoneering before, it is defined as “a type of mountaineering that involves travelling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming.” In other words, it is super fun and a great way to see the beautiful of the Amazon.

#15. Horseback ride up the Volcano in Banos or Quito

#16. Salsa lessons

It wouldn’t be a trip to Latin America without a little salsa! So take salsa lessons, or go to a bar and learn with the locals.

#17. Honey Cafe in Baños

Stop at Honey Cafe in Baños for a delicious and cozy coffee break.

#18 Extreme Zip Lining

This is more of an obstacle course, or alternatively you can do normal zip lining in Baños.

Note: Do NOT do the extreme zip lining if you are scared of heights, or if you have any injuries. I had to learn this the hard way.

#19. Swing at the End of the World

To visit the swing at the end of the world, I suggest leaving town as early as 8 am to avoid crowds and to get the best Insta-worthy photos. In my experience, the right swing gives you the better view.

We paid $20 for a driver to bring us there, wait for us, push us on the swing, drive us to Pailon del Diablo waterfall (see#20) and then drive us home. Some people took a bus that is apparently cheaper, but we were short on time. (See photo below)

#20 Waterfall in Baños – Pailon del Diablo

Prepare to get wet from the waterfall spray! Because of this, I suggest bringing a rain jacket or you can buy ponchos there. Entry fee is $2. Make sure to walk down the suspension bridges and all the way down for a unique viewpoint you don’t want to miss!

#21. Go to the Spa in Banos & Take a Mud Bath

If you love going to the spa then you have to try Banos’ version. It is such a unique experience!! I don’t want to give it away, but there is a whole ritual you do before you even start at the spa. Then you get covered in warm mud, do Zumba while you wait for it to dry, wash off the mud, and then proceed to a unique steam box that you alternate with cold baths and showers. Lastly, you end with a full body rock massage. This was so different than anything I ever experienced, and there were lots of giggles along the way. Overall it takes about 3 hours for only $60, and it was very memorable.

#22.Napolitano Apart & Hotel

If you go to Baños I recommend staying at Napolitano Apart & Hotel. This hotel not only has a pool (sauna and hot tub cost extra), but also offers amazing breakfast (fresh fruit, eggs, croissants, fresh juices & coffee), delicious wood oven pizzas for $5 that were so good that we ate them almost every day, laundry, avocado trees, mandarin trees on site, and to top it off is only a 5 minute walk into central town. Can’t recommend this place enough!

#23. Fresh juice & blended smoothies in Baños

In the Baños market you can order any fresh juice or blended smoothie you dream of.

#24. Whitewater Rafting in the Amazon

Experience an exhilarating full-day tour from Tena and immerse yourself in the excitement of a beginner-friendly whitewater trip on the Jatun Yacu River. Navigate through captivating class 3 rapids, while being captivated by the breathtaking Amazonian landscapes that surround you. Indulge in a delicious riverside lunch and bask in the refreshing atmosphere, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t worry, the river they take you on didn’t have any alligators or snakes, as far as we saw. 😉

Top Things to Do on the Galapagos Island 

#25. Visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre

Located on Isabela Island.

#26. Visit the Sunset Beach Bar at the Caleta Iguana on Isabela island.

This is also known or recognized as being the “pink house” on Isabela island. Great spot to grab a drink, bite to eat or just relax on the beach! Think hammocks, bean bag chairs, and beach volleyball.

#27. Explore the Isabella Wetlands

Walk through the wetlands in Isabella to see pink flamingos.

#28. Kayak & snorkel on Isabela island

We saw sea lions, penguins, seagoing iguanas, spotted eagle rays, and bright coloured fish and shellfish.

#29. Stay hydrated & drink coconut water straight from a fresh coconut

#30. Eat dinner at the street food fair on Santa Cruz.

They put tables all down along the Main Street and you can order food from any of the vendors. NOTE: bartering is allowed! We got a full lobster for $25 with sides that fed two people, and it was SO delicious!

#31. Darwin centre & wall of tears on Santa Cruz

This is similar to the tortoise breeding grounds in Isabella.

#32. Visit the beautiful Tortuga Bay beach on Santa Cruz.

#33. Snorkelling is a must in San Cristobal.

Try one or all of these locations: Mirador Cerro Tijeretas, Kicker Rock, or Playa Loberia.

#34. Scuba dive or Snorkel Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock is a globally famous dive site. Here you have a chance to swim with Galapagos sharks, stingrays, sea lions, turtles and hammerheads sharks.

#35. Hike to Mirador Cerro Tijeretas

Hike to this viewpoint to see the magnificent frigatebird and get a great view of kicker rock (San Cristobal). Bonus below is a fantastic snorkelling spot. NOTE: You can rent snorkel gear in town.

#36. Try some fresh ceviche or fresh seafood like lobster

#37. Visit La Casa del Ceibo

A tree house in San Cristobal that has a cafe below.

#38. Surf in Galapagos

Depending on conditions try your luck at surfing in Galapagos.

#39. Visit Golden Bay Hotel for Happy Hour

Enjoy happy hour drinks, ceviche and the sunset at Golden Bay Hotel (San Cristobal).

#40. Watch the sea lions sleep/ play at Playa Mann or Playa Punta Carola

This is also great beaches to watch the sunset. At Playa Mann stop and grab some street food as a snack – I recommend the sausage and corn on the cob with Parmesan cheese.

So, What’s Next: Things to Do in Ecuador and Galapagos

Now that you have a long list of things do in Ecuador and Galapagos, the next step in planning your trip is putting together a packing list for such a variety of activities and climate zones. Check out my packing guide here to get you started.

If you have any questions about our trip with Contiki, feel free ask them in the comments below. Lastly, if you are interested in travelling with Contiki in the future, don’t forget I have a special $100 discount code on any Contiki trip (7 days or longer). Just use the promotion code: PPCAMBER when booking online or over the phone.

Have you travelled to Ecuador before? Would love to hear your favourite things to do in Ecuador and Galapagos in the comments below!

Read Next:

Pin It: Top Things to do in Ecuador and Galapagos