It is probably best to do this as part of an organised tour, which can be booked with a number of local operators providing tailor-made itineraries and experienced guides. The presence of hundreds of waterways, many of which are tributaries of the great River Amazon , means that such tours invariably involve travelling by boat. Several indigenous communities living in the region have preserved their traditional lifestyles and are actively engaged in resisting the ongoing attempts by oil companies to develop and exploit the Ecuadorian rainforest. Several tour operators based in Banos, Ecuador's tourist mecca for adventure sports and trips to the rainforest, also offer climbing expeditions to the volcanoes. The amount of time visitors are allowed to stay on the islands is regulated by the Government.
Fishing is particularly good off the western coast.
Whitewater rafting is also popular in and around Ba os. Several of Ecuador's railway routes, particularly those in the Andes, pass through spectacular mountain scenery, often at dramatic altitudes. The Ecuadorian custom of riding on the roof of the train makes the views even more breathtaking. One of the most famous routes, whose climax is the precipitous 'Devil's Nose' passage, is from Riobamba down to the Pacific coast. Train schedules are fairly erratic and visitors should check locally prior to travelling.