Pet-Friendly Travel in Ecuador: Best Day Trips with Your Dog

Traveling through Ecuador with our dog, Jack, has been a joy since he joined our family in December 2021.
He isn’t just a pet—he’s part of our family.
We love finding places that greet him warmly and treat him like he belongs.
Many restaurants, hotels, and parks now offer spaces where he can run, play, and enjoy the day.
It’s amazing to explore a country that welcomes wagging tails with open arms.

IMPORTANT

When traveling with our furry friends, it’s important to always be responsible. Keep your pup on a leash in public places, where there are other dogs or persons, and remember to pick up after them, and make sure they feel safe and comfortable. By being considerate and caring for our puppies, we not only protect them but also show respect to the places and people we visit. After all, good pet parents are good citizens of the world.

Ecuador Welcomes Your Fur Baby

Our travels have shown that Ecuador is becoming more pet-friendly each year.
Jack joins us for city walks, mountain hikes, and café stops.
We’ve discovered wonderful stays, delicious food, and fun activities that welcome pets.

Combine your visit with other activities in Quito for a complete experience.
You can find great ideas here: Top 7 Things to Do in Quito.

If you are in South America I would love to see your pictures.

Pet-Friendly Highlights by City (Alphabetical Order)

Ambato

• Relax in beautiful parks that welcome dogs on leash.

Cuenca

One of the charms of this colonial city is that you can easily explore it on foot.

• Stay at cozy Nass Hotels where they know that our pets are part of the family.

• Hop onto the pet-friendly Tranvía and explore the city.

• Stop at Molino del Puente near Cajas National Park for fresh air and views.

• Wander Monasterio San Luis and its charming restaurants.

• Enjoy food and a stunning view at Café Negroni overlooking the main square and new Cathedral.

• Head up to Turi Lookout for a skyline full of red rooftops.

• Visit Hell’s Restaurant for lunch, drinks, and a laid-back vibe.

• Enjoy delicious cheese dishes, fondue, and more at Quesotesirvadeexperiencia.

• Stroll La Calle Larga and Las Escalinatas for UNESCO heritage charm.

• Relax at Casa Barranco and sip coffee with river views from the top café.

• Savor traditional meat dishes at María Asunción in San Joaquín.

• See more Cuenca pet-friendly moments on this TikTok video.

Ibarra

• Unwind with glamping at PermaSalud Glamping, calm and pet-friendly (for small breeds).

• Stay in tiny houses by Lake Yahuarcocha at pet-friendly Finca Sommerwind and enjoy German food, lake views, and a welcoming atmosphere for your pet.

Mindo

• Taste chocolate, or enjoy a chocolate tour that even includes a facemask for you, on the Mindo Maya Chocolate tour.

• Try coffee and more at Café Frajares near Nanegalito amid nature.

Nono (near Quito)

• Enjoy steaks and nature at La Estancia de la Campiña with your pup.

Riobamba On the Way Quito → Cuenca

(Here are all our tips for a memorable road trip from Quito to Cuenca)

• Pause at Wanderlot Hotel for a pet-friendly rest on your route.

• Stroll through the charming streets of Riobamba

Quito

• Glamp sustainably, eat organic, and support green causes at Urkuwayku Glamping.

• Shop with pets at Plaza de las Américas, CC El Bosque, Quicentro, and Paseo San Francisco.

• Hike and refresh at Santa Rita Eco Reserve by volcanic springs.

• Enjoy sweeping city views and pet-friendly vibes at Café Mosaico.

• Dine seafood-style at Casa Altea—they offer water or ice cream for pets.

• Lunch with pets at Ilaló Garden Hotel in Tumbaco.

• Start mornings at Ceres with your pet by your side.

• Savor burgers at Chios Burgers with a cute pet menu.

• If you make a reservation to visit La rinconada de Rolando Vera in Pululahua geobotanical reserve, this is the only place that is pet friendly.

Where to Find More Pet-Friendly Stays

• Airbnb offers many listings for traveling with pets.

• BringFido shares reviews and recommendations for pet owners.

• Booking.com lets you filter for pet-friendly options.

PIN IT FOR LATER

If you want more in-depth information and also a guide that you can bring along during your trip, I recommend the travel guide Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands.

This is a great source of information and tips, maps, and all you need if you plan on visiting Ecuador. I personally like the option of having a hard copy version where I can take notes and have it at hand.

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