Have you been dreaming about a fun filled tour in Ecuador? Would you like to have the opportunity to live the island life and see beautiful sights along the way in the Galapagos? Would you like to have an Ecuador tour experience while being guided by a professional and honest tour agency guide?
When you visit Ecuador, you will be taken aback by its beauty and friendliness. The country is mostly famous for the Galapagos Islands and the high quality goods that they export. While travelling in Ecuador, you can have the chance to visit the Galapagos by boat and explore all that it has to offer. You could also visit the capital city of Quito and learn vast amounts about the indigenous people of Ecuador. No matter where you decide to have an amazing tour, your trip will be well spent and you can expect to be taken on the adventure of a lifetime
After you decide on a tour in Ecuador, your next step is finding the best tour guide possible and this is not an easy task. Once you begin to look into different Ecuador tour companies, you will find out that you have a large list of options to choose from. Vetting and researching all of these choices is a large investment of your time and in the end, you may select a bad company and lose out on your time and money. We want your tour to be filled with adventure, fun, and no regrets!
We firmly believe that without proper research, you could inadvertently spend thousands of dollars on a lackluster tourist experience in Ecuador that will provide less than acceptable service at high rates. Due to these concerns, we have researched and put together the perfect guide that goes over the top 10 best tour operators in Ecuador out there!
Here is an unbiased list of the Top 10 most reputable Ecuador tour operators.
| Providers | Reviews |
| Quito Tour Bus | Trip Advisor – 3,009 reviews |
| Imagine Ecuador | Trip Advisor – 1,519 reviews |
| Free Walking Tour Ecuador | Trip Advisor – 1,375 reviews |
| Ivagatours | Trip Advisor – 1,001 reviews |
| Geotours Adventure & Fun | Trip Advisor – 960 reviews |
| CarpeDM Adventures | Trip Advisor – 857 reviews |
| Cuenca Bestours | Trip Advisor – 813 reviews |
| Polylepis Tours | Trip Advisor – 686 reviews |
| Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental | Trip Advisor – 683 reviews |
| Biking Dutchman | Trip Advisor – 626 reviews |
Table update Jan 9, 2024
Quito Tour Bus
Quito Tour Bus is the best and highest-reviewed tour operator in Ecuador. They run tour services on a daily basis and on a regular schedule. Started in 2011, they are the only company that provides double decker bus tours in Quito, Ecuador. The company caters to all types of customers and tourists and provides quality services and comfort. They have a team of highly trained professionals with many years of experience in the tourism field. Their mission is to continuously improve their quality and services so that tourists have an even more fun time touring around Ecuador. Let yourself on one of Quito Tour Bus’ many buses and tour all of the popular attractions of Quito!
Quito Tour Bus Best Ecuador Tour Packages
Quito Tour Bus provides a large number of tour packages and transportation services.
From short day tours to long multi-day tours, the company has you covered! For a unique experience of the capital city, you can choose the Quito at Night travel package. Visit Quito’s Historical Center, taste the famous wind pies and explore the narrow streets of poets, writers and bohemians on this tour.
One of their most popular tours is the tour to Los Ilinizas. You will be taken to the ecological reserve of Los Ilinizas where you will get an amazing view of the turquoise lagoon in the Quilotoa crater.
You can also visit the wonderful town of Papallacta, which is situated only 2 hours away from Quito. You can swim in their famous medicinal thermal waters and enjoy the exotic atmosphere of the Andes.
Quito Tour Bus Reviews
As one of Ecuador’s best travel agencies, Quito Tour Bus offer excellent services and hold their clients to a high standard of care. They have over 3000 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked top tours & activities providers in Quito. They also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their exceptionally good service. A satisfied customer wrote:
Did the Quilotoa Lake tour in December and it was truly worth it, despite the unpredictable weather! Irene, our guide, was fabulous, making everyone feel great… Cristina P
Read all reviews of Quito Tour Bus on TripAdvisor.
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Imagine Ecuador
Imagine Ecuador is one of the top-rated, leading tour and travel companies in Ecuador. The company specializes in an array of outdoor adventures and tailor-made tours, catering to individual travelers and groups. They organize exciting activities ranging from thrilling activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoning, and rock climbing to explorations in the Amazon Rainforest, Galapagos Islands, and more.
They are focused on offering unparalleled quality, comfort and value. Renowned for their creativity, safety measures, professionalism, and attention to detail, Imagine Ecuador’s commitment to distinctive travel experiences holds the highest standards in the Ecuadorian community. They are experts in adventure travel and they would like to showcase you the beauty of Ecuador’s natural wonders and geographical diversity.
Imagine Ecuador Best Ecuador Tour Packages
The teams at Imagine Ecuador are leaders in the Ecuador tourism industry and their list of tour packages is nothing short of impressive. If you are an adventure lover, you are sure to love the 2-day camping expedition on Cerro Punay. Travel to Cerro Punay, the longest stepped pyramid in the world, and enjoy the absolutely breathtaking views from atop!
For nature lovers, Ecuador has a lot of potential for bird-watching so you should not miss out on bird-watching on the Andes and Galapagos Islands. The local biodiversity is stunning to see in real life!
Lastly, don’t miss out on Ecuador’s most popular attraction, the Galapagos Islands. You can go island-hopping on the Galapagos Islands while snorkeling with rays, sea lions and iguanas or just take a moment to admire the beauty of the islands themselves.
Imagine Ecuador Reviews
Imagine Ecuador is one of the highest-reviewed Ecuadorian tour operators, whose tours are loved by many domestic and international tourists. Their tour packages are amazing for every age and group. They have 1,519 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #1 of 72 Tours & Activities in Banos. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their highly specialized service. A past customer of theirs wrote:
Good atention because you have many options and they give you a good introduction of all of it. Good people… Cristhian B
Read all reviews of Imagine Ecuador on TripAdvisor.
Free Walking Tour Ecuador
Free Walking Tour Ecuador is a popular and well-known tour operator in Ecuador that provides tourists with immersive walking tours around Quito, Ecuador. As a part of the Community Travel Group, they are dedicated to catering to their customers with the highest standards of care and respect. The team of tour guides at Free Walking Tour is exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable about their hometown and country and they have a deep passion to share this knowledge with all tourists. Their walking tours are completely free and tourists can tip their tour guide as per their satisfaction. Join Free Walking Tour Ecuador so you can get fully immersed into the country’s rich history and culture!
Free Walking Tour Ecuador Best Ecuador Tour Packages
Free Walking Tour Ecuador provides walking tours and food tours in Quito and other nearby places.
Join them on their Free Walking Tour that takes place every Monday through Saturday. You will be accompanied by a professional guide at all times. In this tour, you will see the main plaza of Old Town Quito, colonial churches and local attractions in La Ronda.
At a very reasonable cost, you can also join them on their Friday Foodie Walking Tour. The tour takes place every Friday where you will be able to enjoy the local cuisine and traditional Ecuadorian foods.
Free Walking Tour Ecuador Reviews
Free Walking Tour Ecuador is one of the highest-reviewed travel agencies in Ecuador and their services have been claimed as exceptionally good. With over 1,200 positive reviews on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #5 of 77 Food & Drink in Quito. They have also earned the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their quality service. A past customer recently said this about them:
Myriam was a fantastic tour guide – she was very knowledgeable about Quito – the walking tour was wonderful! A must do in Quito… Eve G
Read all reviews of Free Walking Tour Ecuador on TripAdvisor.
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Ivagatours
Ivagatours is the best local Ecuadorian travel company that aims to promote local and national tourism. The company was established a decade ago in Banos de Aguasanta, Ecuador. They specialize in providing tours and excursions to lesser-known destinations around Ecuador. Their team is made up of local professionals that are trained to keep up with international travel standards. Additionally, they strive to create jobs in underserved communities overlooked by the government, aiming to improve their quality of life.
At Ivagatours, traveling is seen as something very passionate. They believe in spreading the passion they have for tourism to all tourists, domestic and international. You can join them for an unforgettable experience touring the natural landscapes of Ecuador.
Ivagatours Best Ecuador Tour Packages
Ivagatours offers a large variety of travel and tour packages ranging from day trips and excursions to sightseeing and boat tours.
If you are an adventure-lover, you can join Ivagatours on a trek to Chimborazo Volcano. On this full day trip, you can admire the beautiful snowy weather and also observe the local flora and fauna.
Also, you can go on a rail trail to see the Devil’s Nose in Alausi. You will be taken through winding rail tracks in the Andes where you can admire the beauty of the mountains.
Similarly, you can also choose to go canyoning in Chamana. Only a short ride from Banos, this package is easy-going and well-suited for beginners. You can have a fun time and at the same time, admire the natural beauty of the area.
Ivagatours Reviews
As one of the top-rated tour operators in Ecuador, Ivagatours have held an admirable position when it comes to customer care and service. They have 1,001 reviews on TripAdvisor and they were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. They are also ranked as #2 of 72 Tours & Activities in Banos. A satisfied customer wrote:
Mateo and the whole company are true professionals. They will help you the entire way and safety is their number one priority! I recommend this tour to anyone considering… Rohan M
Read all reviews of Ivagatours on TripAdvisor.
Geotours Adventure & Fun
Geotours is a well-reviewed Ecuadorian travel agency that has committed itself to serving tourists in Ecuador since a long time. First established in Baños in 1991, the company has a history of providing personalized service to their clients. They specialize in extreme sports and outdoor activities while ensuring safety and comfort to all tourists that tour with them.
At Geotours, they value professionalism, creativity and fostering a passion for the outdoors. Their team consists of 25 professional, certified bilingual guides that will cater to your every need so that you can have the most wonderful experience of your life as you travel through Ecuador.
Geotours Adventure & Fun Best Ecuador Tour Packages
Geotours is an active tour operator that is constantly updating their travel itineraries based on their customers’ demands. For 2 hours, you can enjoy a horseback riding tour near Banos. On this trip, you will see the breathtaking sights of the Tungurahua Volcano on the back of a horse. The company will also supply an experienced guide for your ease and comfort.
One of the must see sights in Ecuador is the Yasuni National Park. On this 4 day tour to Yasuni National Park, you will get to see one of the richest biodiversity on the planet and also see unique indigenous tribes of the Amazon.
Also, go on a trek to Quilotoa and experience its magical surroundings. On this trip, you will see the magnificent views of the turquoise crater of Quilotoa and know about its history through a professional bilingual guide.
Geotours Adventure & Fun Reviews
Geotours is one of the best Ecuadorian tour operators that provide only the best packages and services to their customers. They have 9622 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #3 of 72 Tours & Activities in Banos. They also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A customer that toured with them in the past wrote:
canyoning was so much fun! Lots of thrill but still very safe and fun. Guides are awesome! Recommend using this company… Davidwinterstein
Read all reviews of Geotours Adventure & Fun on TripAdvisor.
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CarpeDM Adventures
CarpeDM Adventures is an award-winning travel company in Ecuador whose key focus is on sustainable tourism. They are an eco-tourism company that also contributes to the local communities through their tours and excursions. Established in 2007, their vision centers on enriching the lives of locals through authentic experiences for global travelers. They believe in “Slow Travel”, where you travel slowly and are unbothered by time schedules so that you can enjoy every moment of your journey in full.
CarpeDM’s core values revolve around transforming lives, accountability, sustainability, community welfare, and growth opportunities. They invite travelers to take the “Travel Better” pledge, committing to conserving nature, supporting communities and respecting wildlife. Tour Ecuador in a sustainable and eco-friendly way with CarpeDM Adventures!
CarpeDM Adventures Best Ecuador Tour Packages
CarpeDM Adventures offers a wide variety of tour packages all across Ecuador. For a luxury trip, you can book one of their luxury yachts, the Cormorant Catamaran, and tour the Galapagos Islands in full comfort. The catamaran features a bar, Jacuzzi and kayaks so that your trip to the Galapagos is as luxurious as it can be!
Also, you can visit the Napo Wildlife Center if you want to explore the Amazon Rainforest and see all of its endemic wildlife. This package offers a complete tour of the Amazon with all meals accounted for and a professional tour guide included! For a longer trip, you can tour the Andes on this “Sierra Centro” tour package. For 5 days and 4 nights, you will get to discover the beauty of the Andes and observe its indigenous culture up close.
CarpeDM Adventures Reviews
CarpeDM Adventures is a leading Ecuadorian travel agency that has set one of the highest standards in the tourism sector of Ecuador. With over 800 positive reviews on TripAdvisor, they are one of the best tour operators in the country. It should come as no surprise then that they are also ranked as #3 of 273 Outdoor Activities in Quito. Additionally, they earned the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their excellent service. A past customer wrote:
My guide, Alejandro was amazing!! 10/10. My whole family had a blast and saw so many beautiful things. I would highly recommend… Andy P
Read all reviews of CarpeDM Adventures on TripAdvisor.
Cuenca Bestours
Cuenca Bestours is a leading travel and tour operator in Ecuador that organizes cultural and adventure tours. They cater to all groups of tourists ranging from solo travelers to families. With over 10 years of experience, they are dedicated to bringing you the best experiences in Ecuador. They work towards redefining the definition of travel and they want to change your perspective of what is possible on vacations.
Through their highly personalized care and friendly approach, they provide you a wonderful experience in Ecuador. The team at Cuenca Bestours is skillful at handling every detail of your trip so that you can have the most amazing experience on your journey.
Cuenca Bestours Best Ecuador Tour Packages
Cuenca Bestours offers highly personalized and custom tour packages so that your vacation goes exactly the way you want it to!
One of their most popular tours in Cuenca is the tour of Ingapirca Ruins. As one of the largest archaeological sites of the Inca in Ecuador, you will be able to truly immerse yourself into the history of the country and you’ll even get to see how Panama Hats are woven!
Also, spend some time in the immersive environment of the Sacha Lodge. You will get to see the true natural beauty and wonder of the Amazon from this place. You can go canoeing or go see the endemic animals and birds on this amazing journey.
For an immersive cultural experience, you can book the Gualaceo and Chordeleg Half-Day Tour. In this trip, you can check out the local handicrafts and jewelry at Chordeleg and travel through bustling markets in Gualaceo.
Cuenca Bestours Reviews
Praised by many for their remarkable service and attention to detail, Cuenca Bestours has risen to be one of the best tour companies in Ecuador. They have 813 reviews on TripAdvisor, most of which are 5-star ratings. They are also ranked as #1 of 56 Tours & Activities in Cuenca. A customer satisfied with their services wrote:
Great experience! From the quick response to our initial request to the guide/driver going the extra mile to make us discover local specialties, they provided excellent service… Caroline M
Read all reviews of Cuenca Bestours on TripAdvisor.
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Polylepis Tours
Polylepis Tours is a local Ecuadorian tour company that wants to offer you the best tours of their country. The company was established by a group of travel professionals in 2011. Since then, they have made efforts to preserve the local culture and environment through sustainable eco-tourism. The name “Polylepis” translates to “Paper Tree”, an endangered tree species in Ecuador. By choosing this name, the company aims to strengthen their efforts for nature preservation. The chief founder, Edison Juca, values safety and authenticity above all. With Polylepis Tours, you will be able to experience the wonderful diversity of their country while making long-lasting memories.
Polylepis Tours Best Ecuador Tour Packages
At Polylepis Tours, you can choose from their impressive and diverse list of tour packages.
If you are looking for a long and exciting trip, you can travel across the entirety of Northern Ecuador in 9 days. You will be taken to all of the popular attractions of the country including cities, volcanoes and magical landscapes of breathtaking beauty.
For nature lovers, Polylepis Tours provides a unique package for bird-watching where you will get to see One Hundred Birds in One Day! Taking place in the El Cajas National Park, you will see exotic species of birds like the Mountain Toucan, Andean Guan, Horned Screamer and many more!
Also, get on board their Xavier III yacht and sail across the Galapagos Islands. You will be able to visit all the islands from San Cristobal to Isabela while being accompanied by an expert naturalist guide!
Polylepis Tours Reviews
Polylepis Tours are renowned for their detailed travel itineraries which has earned them the position of being one of the best tour operators in Ecuador. They have 686 reviews on TripAdvisor and most of them are 5-star ratings. They are also ranked as a solid #1 of 40 Outdoor Activities in Cuenca. A customer that recently toured with them wrote:
Eddie was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. A good was to spend the day and see the beautiful scenery along the way to the site… Todd V
Read all reviews of Polylepis Tours on TripAdvisor.
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental has emerged as one of the leading adventure motorcycle touring company in Ecuador. The company was founded in 2009 by Court Rand and Sylvain Gallea. Evolving from a small shop to a thriving enterprise, they’ve expanded their fleet, employed dedicated staff, and built a headquarters for maintenance. Their success comes from a deep commitment to guests and the local community. The company is focused on giving back to Ecuador and they actively engage in activities that benefit schools and remote communities.
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental emphasizes safety, community engagement, and enriching travel experiences. If you are looking for an exciting and thrilling ride across Ecuador on a bike then there is no better alternative than Ecuador Freedom!
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental Best Ecuador Tour Packages
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental provides both guided and unguided motorcycle tour packages across Ecuador.
Join them on their Cloudforest, Coast and Craters Guided Motorycle Tour where you’ll experience a thrilling ride through tropical plains, grasslands and dry forests. The tour will last for 7 days and all expenses including meals and gas are covered.
Similarly, you can purchase their Inca Royal Roads Guided Tour package. On this trip, you will travel through natural terrains of Ecuador and stay in safe, comfortable hotels along the way. You will travel on paved roads in your very own motorcycle provided by the company!
If you have the experience, you can go on a self-guided tour of the Quilotoa Loop. Travel on your motorcycle that has been fitted with GPS navigation of the route. You will explore the Andean plains and eventually, the Quilotoa crater on this thrilling ride.
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental Reviews
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental has consistently delivered high-quality tours on motorcycles. They are considered one of the best adventure travel companies in Ecuador. They have over 650 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and they were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2023 for their wonderful service. They are ranked as #5 of 273 Outdoor Activities in Quito. A satisfied customer wrote:
Best tour operator in South America!! I’ve had the pleasure of going on several tours and they were all incredible!… andy
Read all reviews of Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental on TripAdvisor.
Biking Dutchman
Biking Dutchman is the best biking tour operator in Ecuador, being the first ones to pioneer mountain-biking all the way back in 1991. Since then, the company has steadily risen to the top through its excellent delivery and customer service. They are constantly striving for innovation and quality so that their customers have a wonderful time touring in Ecuador. The company was first started by Dutchman Jan and his wife. It was then handed over to Dutch entrepreneur Eric van Maasdijk in April of 2023.
At Biking Dutchman, they value safety above all and provide safety measures for each and every tour they offer. They also support the local communities through charity work. Let Biking Dutchman take you on a thrilling ride across landscapes of unparalleled beauty in Ecuador.
Biking Dutchman Best Ecuador Tour Packages
Biking Dutchman offers exciting mountain biking adventure packages while guaranteeing your safety. You can choose to go on the Cotopaxi 1 day biking tour, the very tour that made them famous. In this package, you will be taken to the peak of Cotopaxi and you’ll bike down the volcanic slopes in an amazing adrenaline-filled ride!
Similarly, you can also go on a 2 day biking trip to Mindo and see the cloud forest of the Andes. Explore all that nature has to offer as you travel from hummingbird sanctuaries to the breathtaking waterfalls of Mindo. Also, cover all of the popular natural attractions in a 5 day biking trip. You will start from Quito and Cotopaxi and slowly make your way to Chimborazo, Banos and Papallacta. Veteran bilingual guides as well as a support vehicle will be present at all times to ensure your utmost safety.
Biking Dutchman Reviews
As one of the best Ecuadorian biking tour operators, Biking Dutchman has provided top-notch Ecuador tours in a professional, affordable, and fun way. They have 626 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #1 of 41 Nature & Parks in Quito. They also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their safe yet exciting travel packages. A customer that recently toured with them wrote:
We had an amazing time biking down Cotopaxi and in Banos. Eric and his team provide an exceptional level of customer service. Would highly recommend… Sunshine31286162342
Read all reviews of Biking Dutchman on TripAdvisor.
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FAQs
The best time to visit Ecuador is through the months of June through September. During this time, there will mostly be dry season and sunny days which serves as a great time to enjoy Ecuador’s panoramic and scenic beauty.
If you are of mind to see the most popular attractions in Ecuador like the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon Rainforest, then your trip could range from 4 to 7 days. However, for a complete tour of all of Ecuador, it will take significantly longer.
It is relatively cheap to travel from place to place in Ecuador. However, a boat tour in the Galapagos Islands may be pricier than most other tours since the boat tours are customized for luxury and comfort.
The local delicacies of Ecuador are the Bolon de Verde (also the national dish of the country), Ceviche, Cuy Asado, Encocado de Pescado, Locro de Papa and Seco de Chivo.
The most visited city in Ecuador is the capital city, Quito. The contrast in culture and sight between the New Town and Old Town and the colonial history and buildings make Quito a popular travel destination.