Looking for the best things to do in Ecuador with teens? Look no further.
We’ve embarked on our own family adventure to Ecuador, with our teenager, and it’s safe to say that Ecuador has secured a special place in our hearts as one of our favorite South American countries.
From its remarkable biodiversity to its rich cultural heritage and thrilling outdoor activities, Ecuador offers an array of experiences perfectly tailored to captivate and engage teenagers.
As we explored this diverse country, we discovered so many unforgettable adventures.
From the Galapagos Islands, where teenagers can have unforgettable wildlife encounters, to the adventurous Highlands with their towering volcanoes and challenging hikes, Ecuador boasts a range of activities that will leave teens enthralled.
We love this country so much we put it on our list of best places to visit in South America with teens.
In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand experiences and insights into the best things to do in Ecuador with teenagers, ensuring that your family’s journey to this South American gem will be filled with excitement, education, and unforgettable memories.
1. Have a Wildlife Encounter in the Galapagos Islands
A visit to the Galapagos Islands is an unforgettable experience for teenagers.
The Galapagos Islands are a bucket list location for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you can swim alongside playful sea lions, observe giant tortoises, and marvel at unique bird species like the blue-footed boobies.
Traveling to the Galapagos is easier than you might expect from mainland Ecuador. We have traveled to the islands twice, the first time on an organized land-based tour. The second time we DIY’d our own Galapagos tour.
Our DIY itinerary has you flying into San Cristobal Island and out of Santa Cruz. But if you have less time, you can choose one island to focus on.
Exploring the islands on our own had definite pros and cons. We had to do all the leg work to book amazing day tours, but we saved a TON of money.
Families that are on luxury family vacations might opt for a cruise-based itinerary instead. The two best companies for Galapagos cruises for families are Disney Cruise Line and National Geographic Expeditions.
Having you travel to the islands, the Galapagos are an educational and awe-inspiring adventure that will leave a lasting impression on teenagers.
2. Snorkel Kicker Rocker
One of the highlights of any trip to the Galapagos Islands is snorkeling at Kicker Rock.
This iconic rock formation is a snorkeler’s paradise and can be explored as part of the 360 Island Tour departing from San Cristobal Island.
What makes this adventure even more thrilling is that there’s a 50% chance of encountering hammerhead sharks during your snorkeling expedition.
Even if you don’t see hammerheads, you will encounter some of the most beautiful sea life on the islands.
We have snorkeled Kicker Rock twice and our second time, we were literally surrounded by nearly a dozen sea turtles. We felt suspended in time and it was absolutely magical.
3. Hike Cotopaxi
One of our greatest tips to engage teenagers in your travel is to plan for some adventures.
For one of those challenging and adventurous experiences, consider hiking Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
While the hike can be physically demanding, the reward is absolutely worth it.
From the summit, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. And don’t miss signing the flag from your home country.
When preparing for this excursion, make sure to pack appropriately for the unpredictable weather conditions.
Surprisingly, even in a place like Ecuador, the weather might surprise you. We laughed when our guide put on ski googles, but it was no joke due to the freezing winds at higher altitudes.
If you are of average physical health and want a challenge consider hiking Cotopaxi.
You can hike from Cotopaxi without a guide, but we appreciate the expertise of our local driver and guide and the advice of how to be a responsible traveler in this important Ecuadorian region.
We also appreciated not having to rent a car to drive ourselves.
We hiked the volcano as a part of a large Highlands tour. You can also book a day trip from Quito.
If you want more adventure, you can add horseback riding to your day trip to hike Cotopaxi.
Tours are very popular during high season, mid-June through early September and mid-December through early January. Plan to book in advance.
Hiking Cotopaxi an opportunity for teenagers to push their limits and conquer a remarkable natural wonder.
4. Zip Line in Mindo
In Mindo, Ecuador’s cloud forest region, teenagers can get their adrenaline pumping by embarking on a thrilling zip-lining adventure.
Soar through the lush canopy, experiencing the unique sensation of flying amidst the rich biodiversity of this area.
If Ziplining is your teen’s thing, book a 5-star day tour to Mindo that includes a cable car ride above the cloud forest.
For teenagers with a passion for wildlife and ecology, Mindo is a dream come true. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot vibrant toucans, colorful tanagers, and elusive hummingbirds.
The town’s butterfly farms offer a captivating opportunity to witness these delicate creatures up close, while the nearby serpentarium introduces visitors to some of the Amazon’s most intriguing reptiles.
If you can’t make it to the adventure capital of Baños or the wildlife of the Amazon, Mindo is a great day trip from Quito.
5. Get Your Adventure On in Baños
Known as the adventure capital of Ecuador, Baños offers a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities for teenagers.
The town derives its name from the numerous hot springs in the area, which provide a perfect way to relax after a day of adventure.
One of our favorite experiences in Baños is the Puntzan Canopy, featuring the exhilarating Circuito Aventura. This zip-line circuit takes you on a journey through the scenic landscape, offering heart-pounding excitement and stunning vistas.
Another great stop is Cascada El Pailon, a magnificent waterfall just waiting to be explored.
Be aware that Baños is known for its nightlife. If you are traveling with older teens, the drinking age in Ecuador is 18 so be sure to discuss expectations in advance.
6. Explore the Amazon Rainforest
For an unforgettable Amazonian adventure, Tena, Ecuador, serves as the perfect launchpad. This vibrant town offers an array of thrilling activities and opportunities to explore the Amazon rainforest.
Tena is renowned as the kayaking and whitewater rafting capital of Ecuador, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Paddle down the Napo River, you and your teen will navigate through exhilarating rapids. Whether you’re an experienced rafter or a beginner seeking an adrenaline rush, Tena’s waterways cater to all levels of adventure.
For a deeper immersion into the Amazon, Tena is your gateway to a network of eco lodges nestled within the rainforest’s embrace.
One of the best Amazonian lodges near Tema is Rema Amazon Lodge.
The lodge provides a unique opportunity to live in harmony with nature while enjoying comfortable accommodations.
Wake up to the calls of exotic birds, explore the jungle with experienced guides, and discover the secrets of the rainforest’s flora and fauna.
It’s a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the pristine wilderness.
7. Hike the Quilotoa Loop
One of our favorite experiences in the Ecuadorian Highlands. The view of the Quilotoa is stunning and the color seems to change all day.
The hike is steep. We had hiked Cotopaxi the day before so we only hiked halfway down.
But if you are coming in with fresh legs on a day trip from Quito, you can absolutely make the loop. Or you can hike down and pay a few dollars to take a donkey back up.
Or you can hike as far as you want, enjoy the view, and even take a photo with an alpaca.
If you do make it to the bottom, you can rent kayaks and explore the caldron.
8. Straddle the Ecuador
One of the most unique experiences in Ecuador is the chance to straddle the Equator line.
Located just 26 km (16 miles) north of Quito, Ecuador’s capital, the Mitad del Mundo monument marks this significant geographical point.
Teenagers can literally stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere straddling the equatorial line.
The experience makes for an excellent photo opportunity and a fun way to learn about Earth’s geography.
If you have a rental car, you can make your way on your own. Or avoid the stress of driving and book a Mitad del Mundo day tour that includes all your entrance fees and a Teleferico ride.
9. Swing At the End of the World
Back in the charming town of Baños, you’ll find the famous swing at the end of the world.
This swing hangs from a treehouse overlooking a stunning abyss and offers a thrilling experience.
Swinging out into the open air with a backdrop of lush mountains is sure to be a highlight for adventurous teenagers seeking an adrenaline rush.
10. Appreciate Quito’s Historic Downtown
Quito’s historic downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exploring it is like stepping back in time.
Teenagers can appreciate the rich history and architecture of the city as they wander through cobblestone streets, visit the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, one of the most important religious sites in all of Ecuador, and learn about the colonial past of Ecuador’s capital city.
If you choose street food as a way to save money on food when traveling, the historic downtown has great choices.
Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of some of the city’s historic basilicas for panoramic views.
11. Enjoy the Highlands
Venture away from the city and head into Ecuador’s more rural areas for a 3-day adventure.
We took this exact tour and can not recommend it more highly.
We planned our own trip to the Galapagos so we really appreciated that this tour allowed us to avoid the hassle of planning and booking several hotels and activities
Your teenager will love seeing the volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park, learning about indigenous culture in Tigua, hiking the Quilotoa loop, swinging over the Toachi Canyon, ziplining over a river, and much more over the course of the tour.
The tour is fairly inexpensive and was absolutely worth every cent.
12. Surf Montañita’s
Ecuador’s coastline offers some excellent surf spots, and Montañita is a standout destination for riding the waves.
Montañita is a lovely beach town about 3 hours from Guayaquail. Buses run daily from Guayaquil to Montañita or you can take a private shuttle.
Whether your teenagers are seasoned surfers or beginners looking to learn, Montañita’s beaches provide a fantastic backdrop for a memorable surf experience.
Surf schools and rental shops are readily available.
13. Shop Otavalo
Otavalo, known for its vibrant indigenous market, is a shopping haven. Teenagers can browse and shop for colorful textiles, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs while engaging with the local culture.
The market is an excellent opportunity for them to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of Ecuador’s indigenous communities.
The best days to experience the market are Wednesdays and Saturday mornings.
The market is about 60 miles from Quito. You can travel by bus. Traveling by public transit is one of the ways we save big while traveling.
The trip by bus from Quito to Otavalo is fairly simple. You just grab a bus at Quito’s Terminal Norte, aka Terminal Carcelé. Buses leave every half hour. The trip takes just under 2 hours.
You can also rent a car. If you want to skip the stress of navigating Quito streets on your own, a tour of Otavalo is 100% the way to go.
Is Ecuador Safe?
Ecuador is generally safe for tourists, especially high tourist areas like the Galapagos. However, like any destination, it’s essential to exercise caution. While most areas are safe, it’s advisable to be vigilant in crowded places and watch for petty theft.
Is Ecuador family-friendly?
Yes, Ecuador is family-friendly. Ecuador family travel allows for a wide range of family-oriented activities, from wildlife encounters in the Galapagos to cultural experiences in indigenous communities.
Ecuadorians are known for their warm hospitality towards children, and the country’s diverse landscapes and educational opportunities make it an ideal destination for family adventures with teenagers.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Ecuador with Teens
Ecuador is a small country, but a world of adventure and discovery for families traveling with teenagers.
Our own journey through this breathtaking country affirmed that Ecuador truly offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling experiences that are bound to captivate the hearts and minds of young travelers.
Ecuador’s warm communities, its dedication to conservation, and its commitment to sustainable tourism make it an ideal destination for families seeking an authentic and enriching travel experience.
We hope our guide has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration for your own journey to Ecuador with teenagers, where memories and adventures await.
