14 Adventurous Things To Do in Ecuador, South America’s Adventure Sports Capital
The tiny South American country of Ecuador is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Colombia and Peru. However, the ultra-diverse Ecuador is a treasure trove for adventure seekers, offering a range of thrilling experiences amidst stunning natural landscapes. Read on for some of the most incredible things to do in Ecuador for adventure-seekers.
Hike Pichincha Volcano via the Teleférico de Quito
Ascend the slopes of Pichincha, one of Ecuador’s iconic stratovolcanoes, aboard the Teleférico de Quito. This incredible cable car takes visitors up the side of the volcano to provide an easier start to the hikes at the top, though true hiking enthusiasts can start the hike from the bottom if they want. Even those who aren’t looking to summit the slopes will enjoy the views from the top; on clear days, visitors can spot up to five snow-capped volcanoes in the distance.
Climb Cotopaxi Volcano
Standing at over 19,000 feet, Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Located just outside of Quito, Cotopaxi is one of the most popular day trip destinations from the city. Bike down its slopes or climb to the refuge near the volcano’s glacier line if you just have one day. Climbing Cotopaxi is a challenging but rewarding experience that involves spending one night at the refuge before setting out towards the summit before dawn.
Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Brazil might be most famous for holding the majority share of the Amazon Rainforest, but along the border between Ecuador and Brazil sit some of the most biodiverse areas in the entire rainforest. Visitors can go on guided jungle treks, wildlife spotting tours, canoeing expeditions, and even stay in eco-lodges deep in the rainforest.
Go Whitewater Rafting
Ecuador boasts some of the best whitewater rafting in South America, particularly on the rivers around the town of Tena, near the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, there are routes suitable for all levels of expertise. Or, try river tubing in Mindo for an even more tranquil experience.
Surf in Montañita
Montañita is a popular backpacker town on the coast of Ecuador known for its party scene, but it’s also known for its excellent surfing conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Montañita offers waves for all skill levels, and great local surf schools.
Go Mountain Biking on the Avenue of the Volcanoes
The so-called Avenue of the Volcanoes is a scenic route that passes by several of Ecuador’s highest peaks down the center of the country and through some of the highest parts of the Andes Mountains. You can take on this route – whether in full or in part – on a mountain bike, enjoying stunning views of snow-capped volcanoes as you ride through some of the most gorgeous parts of the Andes.
Scuba Dive in the Galápagos Islands
For an underwater adventure, head to the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for having unmatched biodiversity that served as the inspiration for Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Dive with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, and other unique marine species in the crystal-clear waters of the Galápagos.
Paraglide in Baños
Baños, a town nestled in the Andean foothills, is arguably the most popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts in all of Ecuador. Here you’ll find almost every type of adventure sport in Ecuador; the town’s unique position between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest makes it perfectly placed for tons of adventurous things to do. Experience the thrill of paragliding as you soar over lush valleys and cascading waterfalls that Baños is known for.
Bungee Jump in Baños
Bungee jumping is another one of the most popular things to do in Baños. Leap off a platform high above the Pastaza River gorge, free-falling before being caught by the bungee cord. It’s a popular stop on the Ruta de las Cascadas mountain biking route that encircles Baños.
Go Ziplining in Mindo
The tiny town of Mindo, Ecuador is nestled in the cloud forest of Ecuador and is among one of the most popular destinations for adventurous things to do in Ecuador. Mindo offers thrilling activities like ziplining experiences through the forest canopy – local companies offer a variety of options for ziplining, including routes with three lines and ten lines.
Go Canyoning in Mindo
Several locations in Ecuador offer the opportunity to rappel down cascading waterfalls, including Baños and Mindo. Descend down sheer rock faces amidst the spray of the waterfall for an exhilarating adventure; it’s surprisingly easier than you’d expect, with trained guides helping even beginners get the hang of this adventure sport.
Swing at the End of the World
One of the most popular things to do near Baños, the Swing at the End of the World is an incredible attraction that has gone viral hundreds of times over. This swing hanging from a treehouse is perched on a cliff overlooking a dramatic landscape, making swing out over the abyss an unforgettable and adventurous experience.
Climb to the Top of Basilica de Quito
The bustling Ecuadorian capital of Quito isn’t devoid of its own adventurous things to do. When visiting Quito, challenge yourself with a climb to the top of the Basilica del Voto Nacional near the city’s Old Town. Navigate climb steep stairs to reach the dizzying heights of the basilica’s spire, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city. If you have a fear of heights, beware; the final portion of the climb resembles a basic ladder suspended multiple stories above the ground below.
Descend into Quilotoa Volcano
Once a soaring volcano, Quilotoa is now a water-filled caldera in one of the most remote, mountainous corners of Ecuador. Descend down the crater’s steep slopes to reach the turquoise lake at the bottom, where you can kayak. Then, challenge yourself with the ascent back up to the crater rim; with the incredible altitude at Quilotoa, this challenge is greater than you might think. Thankfully, enterprising locals offer donkeys for visitors who would rather enjoy the scenery on the way back up than test their strength.
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.