Sports and leisure activities Ecuador

Budget & Tips

If you're a jogger, Quito's parks and gardens are the perfect place to indulge in your favorite sport! If you prefer mountain hiking, the Quilotoa loop is also a must. Expect to pay around US$500 for a 4-day trek in the foothills of Chimborazo and around US$400 to discover the Altar and its high-altitude lakes in 2 or 3 days.

And if you like swimming, there's no need for a pool in most parts of the country. The beaches of the Pacific are immense, the lagoons in Amazonia with their very fresh water are very pleasant and the thermal springs all over the Andes replace them advantageously and free of charge. Many municipal spas, such as the one in Papallacta, welcome you for a modest entrance fee of around US$10 for the day, but always check beforehand, as some thermal establishments can be prohibitively expensive.

What's very local

Have you heard of Ecuavoley? It's a 6-a-side sport played by two teams of 3 players, strongly inspired by volleyball and invented in Ecuador in the 40s. It's played with a soccer ball. As you travel around the country, you'll be surprised to see so many volleyball courts in a country where soccer is king. Numerous local and national Ecuavoley tournaments are organized, making it a truly popular national sport.

Your documents please

Divers know that if you want to discover the superb underwater world of the Galapagos, or even from the coast, it's best to bring your diving logbook and a medical certificate stating that you are fit for diving.

To be booked

Diving and boat trips, whether on the coast or in the Galapagos, must be booked in advance, but generally speaking, most activities are accessible without booking in advance. Reservations are essential if you're keen to attend a soccer match.

Main events

On Sundays, many of Quito's streets, mainly in the historic center and Mariscal, are reserved for cyclists. It's an opportunity to tour the city with the locals, in complete freedom and safety.