Ecuador Small Group Tours
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10 best Ecuador small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- 7 Days Gay Small Group Trip Wellness Retreat
- 10 Days Andes and Pacific Coast Small Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Ecuador's Solo Female Traveler Group Tour
- Ecuador Highlights 10 Days Tour
- 10 Days Andes Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
- Full Day Otavalo Indigenous Market - Shared Group
- Full Day Mindo Cloudforest - Shared Group
- Galapagos Outdoor 9 Days Tour
- Galápagos Island Hopping (6 destinations)
LGBTIQ+ travelers, averaging 38 years old, share wellness experiences at Polylepis Lodge and spa treatments in Ibarra. Small group format ensures personalized attention during Cotopaxi horseback riding and Baños waterfall visits, with English and Spanish-speaking LGBT+ guides throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Ibarra, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$4,049
Small groups of 8-12 travelers ensure personal attention at sites like Quito's La Compañía church and Otavalo Market. The intimate size allows exclusive access to local experiences, including traditional cocktail-making classes and spiritual ceremonies at Peguche Waterfall.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca, Guayaquil Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,732
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Mindo Valley, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 26+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Authentic Ecuador From $4,927
4% Off- NZ$4,707You save $220
Ecuador Highlights 10 Days Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour to Ecuador was created with all the smallest details. We got a great impression of Ecuador, thank you very much!”
Fabian, traveled in September
Small groups of maximum 12 travelers receive personal attention at sites like Pailón del Diablo waterfall and Chimborazo Reserve. The intimate setting enables authentic cultural exchanges in Ahuano village and comfortable stays at boutique properties like Hotel Santa Lucia in Cuenca.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Papallacta, Tena, Banos, Riobamba, Ingapirca, Cuenca, El Cajas National Park, Guayaquil Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 3 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Ecuador Wonders From
4% Off- NZ$4,343
LGBT+ guides lead intimate groups through Ecuador's highlights, including Plaza Grande and La Compañía church in Quito. Like-minded travelers share cocktail-making classes and horseback rides through Cotopaxi.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Cuenca Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
4% Off- NZ$3,925
Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience in Cotopaxi! The wonderful time.”
Aissatou, traveled in August
Bilingual guides lead small groups of travelers 12+ years old through Ecuador's highlights. The intimate setting enhances horseback riding at Cotopaxi, with detailed explanations of volcanic formations and wildlife spotting at 3,900 meters altitude.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Responsible Travel South America From
4% Off- NZ$273
Highland adventures unfold in small shared groups through Ecuador's finest spots. Guests enjoy unhurried exploration of Otavalo's market stalls and 45 minutes in Cotacachi's leather shops, with bilingual guides providing cultural insights.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Otavalo Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
4% Off- NZ$141
Mindo's butterfly sanctuary and chocolate factory welcome small groups for personal attention. Bilingual guides ensure clear communication during canopy adventures and waterfall hikes.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Mindo Valley Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
4% Off- NZ$220
Galapagos Outdoor 9 Days Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful week at the Galapagos Islands. I couldn't believe how easy it was.”
Albert, traveled in December
Limited to 8-12 travelers, groups receive dedicated attention from bilingual naturalist guides at sites like Charles Darwin Research Station. Small boats provide intimate wildlife viewing at Los Túneles and Tintoreras Islet, with average age 47 fostering meaningful connections.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Bartolomé Island, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
4% Off- NZ$5,809+$1,215 local payments
Galápagos Island Hopping (6 destinations)
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour company was excellent. The itinerary was perfect.”
David, traveled in May
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $5,399
25% Off- NZ$4,049You save $1,350
Reviews of Small Group tours to Ecuador
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
A trip to The Galapagos is always going to be amazing because of the wonderful things you see! However, could this tour have been better? The answer is yes. The activities were great but a couple of the tour guides made the them less enjoyable. One of the tours had a guide called Billy, who didnt say much in English despite the fact he could speak English and it was an English speaking tour. We felt excludes from a lot om this particular tour and didnt really know where we were going or what we were doing! And one of our final guides was great at English but his style was to ask you questions that you didnt know the answer to, rather than actually inform you and share knowledge. Some of the guides in between were fantastic! In regards to the organisation from the hotel and the staff/drivers at Galapagos Dreams... The girls on the reception were great, always helpful and friendly. The guys organising it werent as good unfortunately. I think the general thing I would say is that for most people, a visit to the Galapagos is a once in a lifetime trip, and the organisers and staff could consider that more. They lack the customer service element and the enthusiasm that is generally expected in the tourism industry. That been said, this was one of the cheaper tours we saw so if we had paid more we may have got a higher level of service.
- Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions
This was an amazing trip! Gus our CEO was also amazing!
- 5-Day Luxury Galapagos
We had a lot of fun in the Galapagos on the Rebecca Adventure tour. This was different from tour groups in the past since one just follows the itinerary purchased and not necessarily in a big group. For example, the first three days of our 7 day tour overlapped with the 9 day tour, then on day 4 we traveled to a different island while the 9 dayers had one more day on Isabela. It felt like our private tour with others joining us for each excursion. The coordinators for each island were each top notch and met with us each evening to let us know what to expect the next day. Day guides and transportation were always on time. A no worry, no hassle vacation.
What our customers ask about Ecuador Small Group Tours
What's the typical accommodation experience on Ecuador small group tours?
Small group tours in Ecuador include stays at boutique hotels and local lodges that provide an authentic atmosphere larger groups often miss. Travelers can expect accommodations like Casa de Marita Hotel Boutique on Isabela Island or the mountain-nestled Llullu Llama Lodge in the Andes. Casa del Suizo Lodge in the Amazon offers riverside rooms with local character. Recent guest feedback highlights the personal touches these smaller properties provide with one TourRadar traveler noting "Alejandro chose unbelievable accommodations that were unique and memorable and he knew the business owners and locals everywhere we went!"
How does the cost of small group tours compare to larger group tours in Ecuador?
Small group tours in Ecuador generally run 20-30% higher than large group options with daily rates between USD 200-400 for comfort-level experiences. This price difference reflects the more personalized service and access to exclusive locations. An 8-day Galapagos adventure for example costs around USD 341 per day including stays at selected properties like Arena Blanca Hotel where travelers get dedicated naturalist guides and close-up wildlife encounters.
How do meal arrangements work on small group tours in Ecuador?
Daily breakfast comes standard on Ecuador small group tours along with select lunches and dinners at carefully chosen local establishments. Casa del Suizo Lodge serves regional Amazonian dishes while traditional Andean meals are available at local haciendas. According to a recent TourRadar review "The food and drinks were wonderful. Every day included something unique and local we never went hungry." Tour operators readily accommodate special diets including vegetarian vegan and gluten-free requirements.
What unique experiences are available on small group tours in Ecuador?
The intimate size of these tours allows for exclusive activities like private snorkeling at Kicker Rock close encounters with wildlife at the Charles Darwin Research Station and flexible hiking schedules at Sierra Negra Volcano. A TourRadar participant shared: "Having a small group meant we could easily change plans to spend extra time with sea lions at Isla Lobos and get detailed explanations from our guide about the unique Galapagos wildlife."
How experienced are the guides on small group tours in Ecuador?
These tours feature guides with extensive regional expertise and required certifications. Galapagos guides for instance must hold naturalist certification from the Galapagos National Park Authority. Guest reviews regularly mention standout guides like Jose and Sofia in San Cristobal with one noting how "their intimate knowledge and ability to give personal attention to each group member made the experience exceptional."
How much interaction is there with local communities on small group tours?
Local community engagement is central to these tours with opportunities ranging from exploring indigenous markets in Otavalo to spending time with Quichua families in the Amazon region. Visits to Floreana showcase community-based tourism initiatives. As one traveler observed "Being in a small group meant we could really connect with the local families and learn about their daily lives in a way that felt authentic and respectful."
More about Ecuador
Ecuador Travel Guide | All You Need to Know