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 Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Enchanting Ecuador & Galapagos Expedition
- Ecuador & Galapagos Tour
- Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
- Jewels of Ecuador: Galapagos and Amazon
- Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
- 10 Days Andes and Pacific Coast Small Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Full Day Mindo Cloudforest - Shared Group
- Full Day Otavalo Indigenous Market - Shared Group
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 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,798
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 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,683
Local guides lead small groups through Ecuador's biodiversity, maintaining an easy-paced schedule perfect for all fitness levels. Daily activities include personal experiences like Mindo Cloud Forest hikes and Tortuga Bay beach visits. The intimate setting ensures quality time at Charles Darwin Station and Lobos Island.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $6,769
10% Off- NZ$6,092You save $677
Wildlife encounters flourish in small groups at Tortuga Bay and Lobos Island. Guests receive focused attention during snorkeling sessions at Kicker Rock and wildlife spotting with local naturalist guides in the Galapagos.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $10,066
15% Off- NZ$8,556You save $1,510
Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The highlights for me were the Galapagos Islands and Amazon jungle. What a contrast and what a treat.”
David, traveled in July
Small groups averaging 8-12 travelers provide perfect settings for close wildlife encounters at the Charles Darwin Station and tortoise ranches. The limited size allows easy exploration of hidden gems like Las Grietas and Tortuga Bay.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
15% Off- NZ$2,295
Small groups under 15 people allow close encounters with blue-footed boobies on Lobos Island and detailed guidance during Jatun Yacu River rafting. Local guides provide individual attention at sites like Kicker Rock Islet and Panecillo viewpoint.
Duration 11 days Destinations Quito, Tena, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil Age Range 2 to 89 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $6,039
15% Off- NZ$5,133You save $906
Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes National Geographic Journeys
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Travelling with Gaventures is for sure a guaranteed successful vacation. I really recommended touradar.”
Nathalie, traveled in February
Groups of 12-16 travelers share personal interactions during the Otavalo weaving demonstration and Amazon family visit. The intimate size ensures quality time with your CEO guide at Cotopaxi National Park and authentic cultural exchanges at the Kawsaymi Community.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Tena, Banos, Coca, Yasuni National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $3,199
20% Off- NZ$2,559You save $640
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 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$3,501
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 10 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$206
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 12 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- NZ$132
Reviews of Small Group tours to Ecuador
- Ecuador Multisport Once in a Life Time
The only downside is I was the only other person other than one couple...and the last 2 days it was only me.
Amazing experience in Cotopaxi! Another huge thank you to Rafael for the wonderful time!
Full Day Cotopaxi exploration on Horseback riding - Shared Group
- Galapagos Affordable 8 Days Tour
I had a wonderful trip on Galapagos. I saw everything what i wanted to see on this amazing islands. Even though Alejandro was not there with me everything was well organized and he stayed in contact with me to check if everything is good. I would definitely book GuidEcuador Travel again.
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