Discover the enchanting Galapagos Islands, conquer Ecuador’s mighty volcanoes, or trek through the Amazon jungle. This small South American country is packed with diversity, and finding the best Ecuador travel agency can help you bring your dream trip to life.
With countless options available, we’ve narrowed our list down to ten of the best Ecuador tour companies. Our selection criteria include the presence of local offices for immediate in-person assistance, a diverse range of Galapagos cruises and Amazon rainforest tours, and a strong commitment to eco-tourism and sustainability. These top Ecuador tour operators provide high-quality service, allowing you to bike through the countryside, trek through the cloud forests, and embark on Galapagos cruises without a single worry.
#10 Galapagos Insiders
Galapagos Insiders, led by a team of dedicated local experts, offers exceptional personalized planning services and competitive pricing for custom itineraries. Experience the Galapagos on eco-friendly motor-sailboats or brand-new single-hull yachts, available in 3, 4, or 5-star options, each accommodating up to 16 guests for a more intimate adventure. Alternatively, explore the islands by land, enjoying activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and snorkeling while staying in comfortable hotels and private cabins. For Amazon exploration, choose between staying in a lodge, embarking on a 4, 5, or 8-day river cruise, or joining an expedition to visit the remote Huaorani tribe deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the tribe's way of life and includes activities like jaguar tracking, caiman spotting, and piranha fishing.
#9 Happy Gringo
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Happy Gringo, where you can summit Ecuador’s volcanoes on an active backpacking trip, ride horses through the Andean cloud forests, or embark on wildlife expeditions in the Amazon with a bespoke itinerary. For the ultimate Galapagos adventure, charter your own cruise and explore the islands with just your family or friends, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and crew. Alternatively, choose from a variety of cruise options tailored to your budget, preferences, and comfort level—from budget-friendly vessels to luxurious modern catamarans, with cruises ranging from 4 to 15 days. Discover the Amazon by staying in cozy lodges, comfortable cruises, or thrilling activity tours that include kayaking and forest camping. As a leading Ecuador and Galapagos tour company, Happy Gringo also contributes to local charities, donating clothing and school supplies to underprivileged children in the Techo Propio community.
#8 GreenGo Travel
Emphasizing sustainable tourism, GreenGo Travel promotes carbon neutrality by offsetting your carbon footprint based on your chosen Galapagos Islands tour. In addition to day tours through mainland Ecuador, this leading Ecuador and Galapagos travel agency offers 4 to 15-day Galapagos cruises, categorized from basic to luxury. Each cruise accommodates no more than 16 passengers, ensuring an intimate experience. For an unforgettable diving adventure, explore remote locations and witness the rich biodiversity and marine life up close on a diving tour. GreenGo Travel also partners with superior, luxury, and first-class eco-friendly lodges in various Amazon regions, providing explorers with the utmost comfort. Opt for a cruise if you wish to access parts of the rainforest that are otherwise unreachable by staying in lodges.
#7 Nature Galapagos & Ecuador
Established in 2006, Nature Galapagos & Ecuador is committed to providing authentic and enriching travel experiences. They offer a range of standard itineraries that can be personalized to match your preferred accommodation style, physical activity level, and desired experience type. Delve into the pristine jungle on multi-day Amazon tours, participating in jungle walks, canoe rides, and birdwatching to discover the diverse ecosystem. With lodges situated in the Cuyabeno and Yasuni Reserves, there are ample opportunities to engage with and learn from the local community. Their Galapagos Land Tours enable travelers to explore different islands through daily guided excursions, with overnight stays in locally-owned hotels. For a more luxurious experience, opt for a 4 to 8-day cruise around the islands aboard yachts and sailing ships. For licensed scuba divers, they offer multi-day diving tours to explore the region’s marine life. Beginners can join the Discovery Diving Program, specifically designed for those new to the scuba scene.
#6 Ecuatraveling
Specializing in multi-day outdoor adventures, this premier Ecuador and Galapagos tour company excels at creating custom itineraries for the adventurous. For independent travelers, the agency offers active day trips, such as horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park and tours to Papallacta Lagoon for a rejuvenating soak in the hot springs. Experience the Galapagos in style with Ecuatraveling on a first-class or luxury cruise, featuring spacious suites and accommodating up to 16 guests on journeys lasting up to 8 days. Alternatively, explore the islands on a land tour for intimate encounters with its unique natural wonders. Delve deep into the Amazon to discover the rich biodiversity and flooded rainforests of Cuyabeno and Yasuni National Parks, ensuring an immersive and educational experience.
#5 Eos Ecuador
Founded in 2008, Eos Ecuador specializes in top-quality custom tours with a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility. They collaborate with small, ethical business operators and donate a portion of profits to sustainable development projects. Their Galapagos cruises range from Tourist Superior Class to luxury yachts and catamarans, accommodating a maximum of 16 passengers. Alongside land-based tours of the islands, they offer 8-day diving yacht cruises for scuba enthusiasts. For Amazon exploration, choose between cozy jungle lodges or accessible rainforest tours near Quito. Outdoor adventurers can enjoy rafting, climbing, cycling, and birdwatching tours for an immersive experience.
#4 Ecuador Green Travel
Passionate about crafting tailor-made tours to every corner of the country, Quito-based Ecuador Green Travel offers a wide range of day and multi-day tours. Explore their pre-planned multi-day adventures that combine the best of the mainland and the Galapagos for inspiration, and personalize any itinerary to suit your preferences. In addition to land-based tours, their Galapagos cruises are categorized into five classes, from tourist to deluxe, accommodating 16 to over 90 guests depending on the vessel. Discover their selection of recommended Amazon lodges, thoughtfully categorized by regions such as Yasuni, Cuyabeno, and Upper Napo, ensuring a perfect fit for your adventure needs.
#3 Ecuador Best Tours
Based in Quito, this local tour operator is committed to sustainable tourism, incorporating indigenous communities and small-time artisans into their Ecuador tours for meaningful cultural exchanges. Their extensive selection of day trips around Quito and multi-day package tours across the country appeals to families, couples, groups, and solo travelers alike. As a leading Ecuador and Galapagos travel agency, they offer a variety of Amazon and Galapagos tours, including 3 to 5-day jungle getaways featuring hikes, adventure sports, and tubing down the Arajuno River. Their Galapagos offerings include an 8-day land tour and a 5-day family-friendly tour, which includes child-friendly activities such as wildlife spotting and light hikes to scenic summits. Ecuador Best Tours is dedicated to improving its local community, regularly donating food and school supplies to seniors and children.
#2 Original Ecuador
Founded in 2012, this Quito-based, British-Ecuadorian-owned tour operator specializes in Galapagos and Amazon tours, crafting tailor-made itineraries for active travelers who love venturing off the beaten path. Their website allows you to browse by theme—active tours, Galapagos tours, Amazon tours, and classic tours—or by destination. For those interested in day trips, they offer hikes to waterfalls, crater lakes, and volcanoes. For multi-day adventures, their high-quality land-based Galapagos tours range from 4 to 5 days and include activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. Their 4-day Amazon tours introduce travelers to top-notch rainforest lodges and include activities like canopy walking and community visits for an unforgettable experience.
Latin Discoveries is renowned for their huge choice of Galapagos cruises, specializing in small-group experiences aboard 30 top-quality small ships ranging from ultra-luxurious to superior class, accommodating up to 16 passengers per voyage. They offer a diverse array of tours catering to private, custom, honeymoon, family, and train travel interests across Ecuador. For those preferring land-based exploration, Latin Discoveries offers Galapagos land tours, where each day brings a new island adventure by yacht, returning nightly to a hotel in Santa Cruz. Dive into the enchanting Ecuadorian Amazon through high-quality river cruises or immersive rainforest lodge tours. Adventurous travelers can combine these experiences with journeys across up to five other South American countries for an unparalleled expedition. With local offices in Quito, Latin Discoveries ensures round-the-clock support during your travels. Moreover, 1% of their proceeds contribute to wildlife conservation efforts through their partnership with NGO Nature & Culture International, making your journey impactful beyond exploration.
To ensure an unforgettable journey in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, selecting the right travel agency is key. Reach out to a few Ecuador Travel Specialists today to explore their offerings and find the perfect Ecuador tour that resonates most with your interests and preferences. Discover hidden gems and create unique experiences tailored just for you. Contact a Galapagos & Ecuador Travel Specialist today to start planning your dream adventure.