Most people visiting Quito, Baños, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Cotopaxi, and Guamote spend about 15 days in Ecuador, which usually includes time for more stops as well. For travelers wanting to visit Quito, Baños, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Cotopaxi, and Guamote exclusively, plan eight to 10 days for a well-paced trip. Read on for the best itineraries.
Even with the tourism boom in Ecuador, there are still plenty of enticing destinations that remain under the radar, offering travelers the chance to explore architectural gems, surf off gorgeous beaches, visit wildlife-rich reserves, and much more. Here are a few suggestions for escaping the crowds.
The Avenue of the Volcanoes. The Roof of the World. For centuries, natives and travelers alike have found inspiration in the chain of immense volcanoes that form the Ecuadorian Andes. With rich Andean culture and awe-inspiring views, you’ll learn what is so special about mountain life along the equator.
It might be cool and wet when you arrive in Quito this month, but in Ecuador's varied climate several zones are still ideal for visiting. On the desert coastal strip, high season is beginning, with plenty of warmth and sun. Warm weather and gentler water makes for a good Galapagos voyage, while warm dry weather in the Amazon means great opportunities to venture into the depths of the jungle on foot.
High season finally reaches the Ecuadorian Highlands in June, along with cooler, drier, sunnier weather that's perfect for hiking. On the now overcast coast, it's whale-watching season, while cooler, clear weather on the Galapagos is preferred by divers, those who want to hike and boat tours. Over in the jungle, it's still very wet: a good month for seeing birds, monkeys, sloths and sometimes pink river dolphins.
Most travelers will find that 11 to 14 days is perfect for a well-paced Ecuador trip with stops in Guayaquil, Puerto Ayora, Isla San Cristóbal, and Puerto Villamil. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in nine or 10 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of Ecuador's mainland. Get inspired with our trip ideas below.
Ecuador makes for a superb honeymoon destination that combines romance and adventure: canoe in Amazon jungle and then enjoy a spa treatment, go wildlife watching and then stargaze in the Galapagos, climb a volcano and then dip in thermal baths. Use this guide to kick off your marriage in a country of astounding biodiversity, diverse landscapes and unique culture.
Even if you have just 24 hours, your time in the Ecuadorian capital will be special. On this thrilling one-day itinerary, you'll take a trip on one of the most magical cable cars on the planet, wander through some of South America's best museums, and indulge in Ecuador's famous coffee and chocolate.
Ecuador's colonial towns and cities are undeniably alluring, but the countryside is worth planning a whole trip around. Breathtakingly diverse, it encompasses 11 national parks, beaches, cloud forest, and active volcanoes. Discover a variety of landscapes with this handy guide to the best of the Ecuadorian countryside.
Most travelers will find that 10 to 13 days is perfect for a well-paced Ecuador trip with stops in Quito, Puerto Ayora, Isla San Cristóbal, and Puerto Villamil. It's also possible to hit the highlights in eight or nine days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Baños, Cotopaxi, and Yasuni National Park. See more ideas for Quito, Puerto Ayora, Isla San Cristóbal, and Puerto Villamil itineraries below.