The Best Hiking & Trekking Guided Tours in Ecuador
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries
Are you yearning for an escape into the beauty of nature? These curated hiking and trekking tours to Ecuador offer an immersive experience in some of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the region. Through meticulous analysis of various organized tours, hiking holiday packages, and hiking tour packages based on price, ratings, destinations, services, and activities, we've handpicked the best hiking tour options in Ecuador for adventure enthusiasts like you. We're confident that one of these amazing guided tours will be perfect for your next hiking trip, so let's get started.
The Best Hiking Tours through Ecuador
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does Ecuador appeal to hikers?
Ecuador is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering diverse trails through breathtaking landscapes and charming cultural areas. Ecuador's terrific trails and overall beauty make it an exciting and rewarding destination for hikers of all levels.
How much do hiking tours in Ecuador cost?
The average daily price of Hiking Tours in Ecuador is $271 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Hiking Tours in Ecuador here.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
Which Tour Companies Offer Hiking Tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer hiking and trekking tours in Ecuador. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.
See All Tours from Intrepid Travel
Adventure Journeys
Focusing on Ecuador, Adventure Journeys is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience.
See All Tours from Adventure Journeys
Gulliver Expeditions
Gulliver Expeditions is a smaller international tour company with tours to 3 countries, including Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.
See All Tours from Gulliver Expeditions
Exodus Adventure Travels
Exodus Adventure Travels is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Italy, France, Spain, and India. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, kayaking, island hopping, and cooking classes.
See All Tours from Exodus Adventure Travels
Hiking & Trekking Destinations in Ecuador
Wondering where hiking & trekking tours visit in Ecuador? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
A few of the most popular places visited by tours in Ecuador include Quito, Banos, Guayaquil, Machachi, and Cuenca.
Hiking Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're unsure whether to go with an organized tour or plan everything independently, think about the factors that set each experience apart.
Organized Tours
- Some hikes may not be well marked, so having a local guide is helpful for safety and accessibility.
- Local experts know the best trails and they understand the regional weather conditions. This allows them to offer the best experience for hikers.
- Stay on the best trails and hidden spots.
- All logistics like permits and equipment are handled.
- Guides provide first aid and emergency support.
- Travel with like-minded people for a social experience.
- Group dynamic fosters motivation during the hike.
- Discover places you might not find on your own.
- Larger groups may have a variety of skill levels so it can be hard to meet the needs of all hikers.
- Many group tours are limited on time, so some of the hiking may feel rushed or impersonal.
- Less solitude if you prefer to hike alone.
- May have to adjust to group preferences.
Independent Travel
- Independent travel allows you to move at your own pace, and choose trails that are appropriate for your skill level.
- For many, hiking is an activity that is best enjoyed in peace, which may not happen with a larger group.
- Flexibility is key when it comes to the weather and skill levels. Many guided tours have set itineraries and don't allow for much freedom or flexibility.
- Many hiking trails are located far from public transit, so unless you have your own vehicle, you may have trouble reaching some of the best places.
- Independent travelers may have to buy their own gear, some of which might be provided in guided tours.
- Requires more research to find the best routes.
- Risk of getting lost without proper navigation skills.
- Need to handle permits and bookings independently.
- You may miss out on local insights or tips.
- Safety concerns without a guide in case of emergency.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided hiking and trekking tours more expensive than independent travel? It depends. Tours typically bundle accommodations, transportation, meals, tickets, guides, and activities into one price, while independent travel requires paying for these elements separately. To understand the cost difference, compare the total price of a tour with the estimated cost of handling all arrangements yourself. Personal preferences, like staying in budget accommodations or dining at upscale restaurants, could tip the balance either way. Always check what's covered in the tour to make an informed comparison.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Historical Tours in Ecuador, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ecuador, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ecuador, The Best 3-Day Tours in Ecuador, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ecuador, The Best 3-Week Tours in Ecuador, The Best Bicycle Tours in Ecuador, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ecuador, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Ecuador, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Ecuador, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Ecuador, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Ecuador, The Best Cultural Tours in Ecuador, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Ecuador, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Ecuador, The Best Mountain Biking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Ecuador, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Ecuador, The Best Luxury Tours to Ecuador, The Best Budget Tours to Ecuador, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ecuador, The Best Contiki Tours to Ecuador, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Quito, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Quito, The Best 10-Day Tours from Quito, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Quito for more package tour options.
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