Mainland Ecuador Tours: Your Gateway to Nature’s Masterpiece

EMBARK ON A TAILORED JOURNEY FROM MOUNTAIN PEAKS TO THE AMAZON BASIN

Have you ever felt like there's a world of adventure out there waiting for you, but you're not quite sure where to start? South America is full of fascinating places—it can feel impossible to choose a country that combines your love for nature, wildlife, history, gastronomy, and architecture into one unforgettable journey.

Ecuador may have eluded your travel radar until now, but it's time for a revelation. Imagine a place where biodiversity meets colonial charm, where you can stroll on cobblestone streets one day and find yourself in a secluded Amazon Jungle lodge the next. The world of Ecuador awaits, and you've been missing out on its breathtaking landscapes.

Allow Quasar—a family-founded Ecuador tour & travel company—to reveal the hidden gems of our homeland. Whether you complement your Galapagos luxury cruise with a seamless Ecuador tour or plan a personalized mainland-only expedition, your adventure with Quasar promises an "aha" moment that's long overdue.

Map of Ecuador
Raise Your Bar for Adventure Travel With a Tailored Ecuador Tour Package
PASSIONS MEET PARADISE IN A COUNTRY THAT HAS IT ALL

Ecuador, often whispered as South America's best-kept secret, is where your adventurous spirit meets paradise. Tucked between the equator and the Andes Mountains, this biodiverse country is surprisingly accessible. But what truly sets Ecuador tours apart is how easy it is to personalize your journey to perfection, with local Guides to help you explore your way.

Pick Your Perfect Path Through Mainland Ecuador
TRAVEL WITH MORE DEPTH ON AN ECUADOR ADVENTURE TOUR BEFORE OR AFTER YOU GALAPAGOS CRUISE

Adventure enthusiast, we see you. We know you’re searching for the next meaningful travel experience that takes you off the beaten path into authentic culture, memorable meals, and rare wildlife. A cookie-cutter trip won’t do.

Look no further than our most popular Ecuador travel itineraries, designed for travelers like you who want to experience life, not escape it.

Let Quasar Host Your in Mainland Ecuador.

Essence of Quito: A Journey Through History and Charm
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS FROM QUITO

Begin your journey in the heart of Quito's historic center, the very first UNESCO World Heritage site. Condé Nast even hails it as "Latin America's Best Preserved Colonial City." On a private luxury tour, stay in authentic Spanish-style colonial hotels nestled amidst the old town's charm. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re in Europe—without the jet lag!

Wind your way through cobblestone streets and hilly lanes, passing centuries-old Spanish-style residences adorned with garden courtyards. Marvel at the opulent golden altar of La Compañia Church and savor a chocolate-tasting session featuring the finest cacao in the world. Colonial Quito is the perfect base for other day tours in the region, including Otavalo and the Andes Highlands.

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Quito & Beyond: Immersive Adventures in the Heart of Ecuador
DAY TRIPS & MULTI-DAY TOURS FROM QUITO

From Colonial Quito, embark on multi-day guided adventures to explore Ecuador's pristine national parks, colonial haciendas, and lush cloud forests like Cotopaxi and the mystical Mashpi.

Ecuador boasts pristine national parks, stunning colonial haciendas, and unspoiled cloud forests. For a taste of Ecuadorian country life, rustic mountain-side Haciendas preserve their essence while providing unique comfort and service. And if you seek unique wildlife encounters in the Central Andes Highlands, our Glamping experiences offer active exploration, gourmet cuisine, and unparalleled immersion in nature's wonders.

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Amazon Wildlife Safari: From Quito’s Heights to the Amazon’s Depths
SEAMLESS RAINFOREST ADVENTURE DEPARTING FROM QUITO

Combine an Amazon Adventure with your Galapagos Cruise or Mainland Ecuador tour for the ultimate wildlife safari in the Western Hemisphere. It’s surprisingly easy to journey from the high-elevation Colonial city to a luxury lodge in the Amazon Jungle.

Ecuador's headwaters offer prime habitat, exceptional wildlife viewing, and immersive river cruises in the Amazon basin. Extending your stay in the Amazon is the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore the Earth's largest tropical forest. A quick 30-minute flight from Quito takes you to Coca on the Napo River, followed by a scenic 2-hour motorized launch up the river to your lodge or river cruise. Here, you'll encounter Pygmy Marmosets (the world's smallest monkey species), blue morpho butterflies, and a rich variety of birds, from Toucans to Scarlet Macaws, in one of the planet's last truly wild frontiers.

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Southern Ecuador Discovery: Guayaquil, Colonial Cuenca & Beyond
MULTI-DAY LUXURY TOURS ACROSS DIVERSE TERRAIN

Most consider Cuenca the country’s most beautiful city, a step back in time reminiscent of Europe! We also call this vibrant urban hub Ecuador’s ‘city of rivers’. Cuenca is made for walking, a city that has preserved its cobblestone streets and whimsical feel. Modern shops and cafés mix with the Spanish-style mansions of old, with a slew of museums, churches, and squares to revel in. It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and indulge in fine dining.

For guests who want to avoid elevation in Quito and the Andes, Guayaquil on the Pacific coast is an excellent option. Guayaquil is the perfect place to see the surrounding fantastic haciendas and try the best chocolate in the world. The stunning beaches of Ecuador are yours to explore!

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Galapagos Islands R&R: Post-Cruise Extensions
SANTA CRUZ OR SAN CRISTOBAL ISLANDS

After an unforgettable Galapagos Yacht Safari, don’t forget to sit back and reminisce. The Galapagos Islands are also home to beautiful beaches with soft white sand providing a feeling of paradise that deserves a few extra days to soak up the sun and relax.

For those seeking a luxury island tour, our carefully selected accommodations on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands offer a tranquil haven where you can extend your Galapagos experience. Immerse yourself in the gentle rhythms of island life, take leisurely strolls along pristine shores, or simply savor the feeling of absolute relaxation as you indulge in spa treatments. The magic of Galapagos awaits.

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Hear What Past Guests Are Saying
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Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Mainland Ecuador

EASE TRIP PLANNING WITH OUR 38 YEARS OF ECUADOR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Ecuador's equatorial location makes it a year-round destination with a remarkably diverse climate. Whether you're drawn to the lush rainforests, the highland cities, or the coastal regions, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the mild weather and low humidity in many parts of the country.

For exploring the Andean highlands and cities like Quito and Cuenca, the dry season from June to September is often considered the ideal time. During this period, you can enjoy crisp, sunny days and cooler evenings, making it perfect for outdoor adventures and city explorations.

For those interested in experiencing an Ecuador Amazon tour, the months from November to February offer fewer rain showers, making it easier to explore the lush jungle and its incredible biodiversity.

Ecuador's diverse climate means there's no wrong time to visit, but your choice should align with your specific interests and activities. Whether you prefer the Andes, the Galapagos, or the Amazon, Ecuador has something extraordinary to offer year-round.

Ecuador is an adventure enthusiast's paradise for several compelling reasons. Its geographical diversity means you can experience high-altitude trekking in the Andean mountains, thrilling jungle expeditions in the Amazon rainforest, and world-class snorkeling and diving in the Galapagos Islands—all within a relatively compact area.

This accessibility allows you to pack a remarkable variety of outdoor activities into a single trip. Additionally, Ecuador offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and adrenaline-pumping experiences. You can hike ancient Inca trails, raft down exhilarating rivers, mountain bike through scenic landscapes, and witness unique wildlife in their natural habitats. With passionate local guides and diverse ecosystems, Ecuador beckons adventure travelers seeking unforgettable experiences in a setting that's as breathtaking as it is exhilarating.

Traveling to Ecuador from the U.S. or Canada is exceptionally convenient. One of the key factors contributing to this ease is Ecuador's use of the U.S. dollar as its official currency. For American travelers, this eliminates the need for currency exchange and the associated hassles, allowing for a seamless transition.

As far as logistics go, both the U.S. and Canada have well-established flight routes to Ecuador, with major airlines offering direct flights to major cities like Quito and Guayaquil. These flights make access to Ecuador's incredible landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse cultures remarkably straightforward. Whether you're planning a Galapagos adventure, an exploration of the Andes, or an Amazon rainforest expedition, getting to Ecuador is the first step toward a journey filled with unparalleled experiences. And rest assured: Quasar’s team of destination specialists will seamlessly plan and coordinate every detail, so you can focus on enjoying your time in Ecuador!

Our Mainland Ecuador tour packages offer a treasure trove of wildlife experiences. In the Andean highlands, you can spot Andean condors majestically soaring through the skies. In the mystical Cloud Forests, you might encounter the vibrant plumage of the quetzal or the elusive spectacled bear, the only bear species native to South America. The Amazon rainforest reveals a stunning array of biodiversity, from playful river otters to vibrantly colored macaws. And, on the Pacific coast, humpback whales migrate to Ecuadoran waters, offering thrilling whale-watching opportunities.

Ecuador's mainland boasts over 1,600 bird species, making it one of the world's premier bird watching destinations. With the extraordinary range of ecosystems within Mainland Ecuador, you'll witness the captivating richness of life on Earth.

Adding a Mainland Ecuador tour to your Galapagos luxury cruise is a breeze with Quasar. Our Expedition Designers specialize in crafting personalized journeys to match your unique interests and preferences.

Simply reach out to us, share your travel passions, and leave the rest to us. Whether you're passionate about exploring the Andean highlands, immersing yourself in vibrant indigenous cultures, embarking on thrilling hikes, or indulging in culinary adventures, we'll design a seamless and unforgettable experience that seamlessly complements your Galapagos cruise.

Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation, and from there, we'll curate the perfect adventure, ensuring you get the most out of your Ecuador luxury tour.

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