Top 10 Best Things to Do in Ecuador
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Ecuador

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  • Tortuga Bay Beachtop_1
    󰺂7.0
    Puerto Ayora
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Cool Water Escapes in Ecuador
    Highlights:
    󰀆Turtle nesting season spectacle
    󱓊Hike 1.9-mile trail to Turtle Bay
    4.5/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Arriving at Turtle Bay on a new moon night, the beach shimmered with a cold, silvery phosphorescence under the moonlight. Following the tracks left by the ranger's red flashlight, we suddenly saw leatherback turtles emerge from the waves like prehistoric warships—their eyes brimming with the salt of the Pacific Ocean, using their flippers to dig the holy grail of life in the sand. The moment the first egg fell into the nest, everyone present held their breath, with only the sound of the tide providing accompaniment to this ritual that had continued for hundreds of millions of years. At dawn, the hatchlings broke through the sand, trudging towards the indigo dawn on the horizon, instantly filling the beach with the trails of miniature galaxies. The ranger whispered, "The pattern on the shell of each returning mother turtle is a unique star map." And in my hand, I found a drop of warm, salty incubation water that had drifted in with the sea breeze.

  • Parque Seminariotop_2
    󰺂6.7
    Guayaquil.Centro de Guayaquil
    Highlights:
    󱓊Close encounter with gentle reptiles
    󰋄See colorful, art-like lizards
    5.0/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Walking through the tree fern corridor of the lizard park felt like stepping into the prelude to a Jurassic era. Green iguanas, frozen like emerald sculptures on branches, only stirred with amber eyes when I crushed the fallen leaves. As I counted the seventh chameleon at the observation deck, a small crested lizard suddenly leaped from the overhead vines into the pond, its webbed feet creating ripples reminiscent of Swan Lake. The most delightful surprise was at the feeding area—bearing dragons gently rolled mango slices with their barbed tongues, while children's hands trembled slightly as they held up lettuce leaves, as if performing an ancient ritual. As dusk warmed the red rocks like a fireplace, hundreds of lizards simultaneously turned towards the sunset, the rustling of their scales whispering, "We were survivors of the dinosaur era; now it's your countdown's turn."

  • Basílica del Voto Nacionaltop_3
    󰺂5.8
    Quito
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2024 Global 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱓊Baroque style religious architecture
    󱨜Panoramic Quito view from summit
    󱨠36% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    韭娄韭娄

    The National Vow Church is called "Basilica" by the locals. It is 151 meters tall and can be seen from any side of the city. It is indeed tall enough. Inside, it is very simple and there are not many things. There is an additional fee to climb to the top, which is not expensive. We were tired and did not go up. Other churches in Quito are much more luxurious than this one.

  • Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
    4
    󰺂5.0
    Quito
    Highlights:
    󰀆Panoramic view from clock tower
    󰋄Near Quito's Old Town & Independence Square
    4.5/5
    翱翔的大鲨鱼翱翔的大鲨鱼

    It is located on one side of the Independence Square in Quito. It is a typical Latin American Baroque-style building. The exterior is very simple and the interior is also very simple. There are many tourists, most of whom are clergy and believers.

  • Malecon 2000
    5
    󰺂4.8
    Guayaquil.Centro de Guayaquil
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Ecuador
    Highlights:
    󰀆360° view of Guayaquil
    󰀆Art exhibitions & photography regularly
    󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.9/5
    乖小咪乖小咪

    The Malecon 2000 riverside promenade in Guayaquil is a very lively and romantic pedestrian street. The lights here are bright at night, and the warm river breeze blows on your face, which is very comfortable. It is definitely worth a walk here.

  • El Faro de Guayaquil
    6
    󰺂4.5
    Guayaquil.Las Penas
    Highlights:
    Lighthouse Top Floor Panoramic City View
    󱨜Nightly light show bringing the city to life
    4.8/5
    乖小咪乖小咪

    This is the most beautiful place in Guayaquil, Lighthouse Hill, which is located on the seashore. Its landmark building is a blue and white lighthouse. The terrain here is very high, and you can overlook the entire surrounding scenery and the beautiful sea view from afar. This is also where tourists gather in Guayaquil. It is very lively and must not be missed.

  • Calle La Ronda
    7
    󰺂4.5
    Quito
    Highlights:
    󰋄Discover Ronda's rich history & culture
    󱨜Near Independence Square & St. Francisco Church
    4.7/5
    翱翔的大鲨鱼翱翔的大鲨鱼

    La Ronda is known as Quito's bohemian street. The short streets are lined with colorful buildings and hung with small colorful flags. The atmosphere is joyful and energetic, which is completely different from the historical city. Since the colonial period, this place has been a gathering place for artists, literati, poets, politicians, etc. Many celebrities in Ecuador have visited. There are still many coffee shops, youth shops and restaurants, all of which are local.

  • Charles Darwin Research Station
    8
    󰺂4.4
    Puerto Ayora
    Highlights:
    Wildlife watching in mangrove wetlands
    󱓊Birthplace of Darwin's evolution theory
    5.0/5
    3ade3ade

    The institute has a small range of unique species such as giant tortoises and land iguanas, as well as introductions to these species. Several exhibition houses mainly introduce Darwin's history and achievements. It is best to go to the Darwin Institute with a guide and listen to the explanations, otherwise the experience will be low. We went around by ourselves and couldn't understand many things.

  • San Cristóbal Island
    9
    󰺂4.3
    San Cristobal Island
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Ecuador
    Highlights:
    󱓊Snorkel & explore marine life
    󱨜360° view of Galapagos Islands
    4.7/5
    乖小咪乖小咪

    San Cristóbal Island is an isolated island in the Galapagos Province. The water around here is very clear and the underwater flora and fauna are rich. It is also an ideal diving site. You can swim with posters and various colored sea fishes. It is really lovely to watch their agile postures under the sea.

Best things to do in Ecuador (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Ecuador? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Ecuador offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Ecuador

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Ecuador experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Tortuga Bay Beach

• Puerto Ayora | undefined

• : Turtle nesting season spectacle,Hike 1.9-mile trail to Turtle Bay

Parque Seminario

• Guayaquil.Centro de Guayaquil | undefined

• : Close encounter with gentle reptiles,See colorful, art-like lizards

Basílica del Voto Nacional

• Quito | undefined

• : Baroque style religious architecture,Panoramic Quito view from summit

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Ecuador

If you want to explore attractions just outside Ecuador, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Ecuador, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Ecuador special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Ecuador

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Ecuador

Ready to explore the best of Ecuador? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Ecuador?
These are all Best Things to Do in Ecuador:Tortuga Bay Beach, Parque Seminario, Basílica del Voto Nacional, Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, Malecon 2000
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Ecuador?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Ecuador include:Tortuga Bay Beach:4.5, Parque Seminario:5.0, Basílica del Voto Nacional:4.3, Basilica and Convent of San Francisco:4.5, Malecon 2000:4.9
At what locations in Ecuador can Best Things to Do in Ecuador be found?
The Best Things to Do in Ecuador are mainly located in:Tortuga Bay Beach:Puerto Ayora, Parque Seminario:Guayaquil, Basílica del Voto Nacional:Quito, Basilica and Convent of San Francisco:Quito, Malecon 2000:Guayaquil
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