The Ultimate Itinerary Guide for Ecuador

Discover the hidden treasures of Ecuador, a lesser-known gem in South America offering thrilling adventures! Explore the enchanting capital, Quito, nestled in the majestic Andes mountains. And don’t forget about Cuenca, a charming city known for its beautiful buildings. From the stunning Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest, Ecuador has diverse landscapes waiting for you. Make sure not to miss the highlight: the amazing Galapagos Islands. Here you’ll see unique animals and stunning natural beauty.

We have created the ultimate itinerary through Ecuador that will take you to all the highlights of the country.

How to Get Around Ecuador

Ecuador is a relatively small country in South America and distances between the popular destinations aren’t too large. There are several options to travel around Ecuador:

🚌 Public Transport: The public transport network is extensive, with buses going regularly between the main towns. Use 12GO to find your different options and book your bus tickets.

🚖 Taxis and Uber:  Uber is available in the major cities, making it easy to get around. In general, Uber is seen as the safer choice over taxis.

🚗 It is possible to rent a car in Ecuador, although we do recommend public transport. Distances in Ecuador are often large and the mountainous roads make it more convenient to have someone drive you around. However, you could easily book a car through Sunny Cars, our go-to car rental agency with 100% insurance.

Recommended Ecuador Itineraries

From the Amazon Rainforest, to the beautiful town of Cuenca and the exicting Galapagos islands, Ecuador is a very diverse country with lots of things to do. Below you will find the best places to visit with everything you need to go before you go.

Ecuador Itinerary 1 Week

If you only have one week in Ecuador, you’ll need to focus on either the Galapagos Islands or the mainland. Both offer very different experiences.

Option 1: The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos are a once-in-a-lifetime destination and should be on any traveler’s bucket list. With a week, you can combine multiple islands, such as San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. Regular ferries connect the main islands, making it fairly easy to island-hop.

Spend your days snorkeling, diving, and spotting unique wildlife like blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and playful sea lions. For divers, our Galapagos diving experience shares what it’s like underwater, and our Ecuador diving guide will help you to plan your trip.

Option 2: Quito, Cotopaxi and the Quilotoa Lagoon
If the Galapagos aren’t part of your trip, focus on Ecuador’s highlands. Start in the capital and explore with our Quito travel guide. Then continue to Cotopaxi National Park for volcanic landscapes and hiking. Finish at the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon, a turquoise crater lake perfect for day hikes and photography.

Ecuador Itinerary 2 Weeks

With two weeks in Ecuador, you have enough time to combine regions without rushing. Depending on your interests, you can either stay on the mainland, mix mainland and islands, or dedicate your full trip to the Galapagos.

Option 1: Continue exploring mainland Ecuador
After visiting Quito, Cotopaxi, and Quilotoa, head south to Baños for waterfalls and adventure sports, then continue to Riobamba and Cuenca for history, culture, and beautiful colonial towns.

Option 2: Combine Quito, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa with the Galapagos Islands
Split your time between the mainland and the islands. Spend the first week in Quito and the highlands, then fly to the Galapagos Islands. Popular bases include San Cristobal, where you can snorkel and dive with sharks and rays: see our San Cristobal guide for tips. If diving is a priority, don’t miss our Ecuador diving guide.

Option 3: Spend two weeks on the Galapagos Islands
Two full weeks in the Galapagos lets you explore both above and below water. A week-long liveaboard dive trip takes you to remote sites like Wolf and Darwin Islands for unforgettable encounters with hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. Read more about our Galapagos diving experience and learn more about life on a liveaboard in the Galapagos!

Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks

With three weeks in Ecuador, you can experience the country’s full diversity at a comfortable pace.

Week 1: Explore Quito and the Andean highlands, including Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and Baños.

Week 2: Travel south to Riobamba and Cuenca, then make your way to Guayaquil or the Pacific coast. Divers not heading to the Galapagos can enjoy sites at Isla de la Plata, detailed in our Ecuador diving guide.

Week 3: End your trip with the Galapagos Islands. Whether you choose island-hopping or a liveaboard, the mix of wildlife, snorkeling, and diving makes this a bucket-list finale.

The Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique destinations in the world, famous for their incredible wildlife both on land and underwater. You can spot giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and marine iguanas, often at just a few meters’ distance. The islands can be explored on day trips or by island-hopping between San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. If you want to dive or snorkel, you’ll find world-class sites like Kicker Rock and Gordon Rocks. For the most remote and spectacular dives, a liveaboard is the best option. We recommend booking your Galapagos trip in advance, as tours and ferries often sell out quickly.

Quito

A trip through Ecuador often starts in the capital: Quito. Join one of the free walking tours to get acquainted with the city. Make sure to climb to the top of the Basilica del Voto Nacional and take the teleférico to have the best city views. You can also take some trips outside of the city center to the equator and the Otovalo market. All you need to know about visiting Quito can be found in our Quito guide.

Cotopaxi National Park

The Cotopaxi National Park is home to the famous Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest volcanoes in the world, with the top at almost 6000 meters. The volcano is still active, but can be climbed in a daytrip. Be prepared that it can be cold on the mountain and snow storms are not uncommon. If you want to hike, we recommend to book a tour from Quito with transport and a guide included.

Another option with fantastic Cotopaxi views is the Secret Garden Cotopaxi. This hostel has the best views and offers different packages for stays and activities. This place really is in the middle of nowhere, but there are some great hikes in the area and they also offer summit hikes. You can arrange everything through their partner hostel in Quito with transportation included.

Travel time Quito-Cotopaxi (direction Latacunga): The bus from Quito to Latacunga will take around 1-2 hours, tell the driver to drop you off at the Cotopaxi National Park. From here, you can easily arrange a 4×4 to take you to the volcano.

Quilotoa Lagoon

Quilotoa Lagoon, tucked away in Ecuador’s Andean highlands, is a serene spot surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It’s formed inside the crater of a volcano, creating a mesmerizing blue-green lake that’s truly captivating. Taking a hike around the crater rim offers moderate difficulty but rewards you with breathtaking views of the landscape. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in one of the cozy lodges nearby.

Travel time Cotopaxi-Quilotoa: Take a bus to Lacatunga (about 2 hours) and leave your large luggage in one of the hostels before starting your hike(s). Lots of travellers take a bus from Terminal Terrestre Latacunga to Isinlivi, a 2 hour journey. Frome here you can do a 12.5 km hike to Chugchilán (4-6 hour), followed by another hike of 13 km to Quilotoa, the highlight of the loop is the rim of the Quilotoa crater lake. Alternatively you can take a bus to town. Book another night or take a bus back to Lacatunga to

Baños

Baños, a charming town nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes, is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by towering mountains, Baños offers a plethora of outdoor activities to indulge in. From exhilarating waterfall hikes to relaxing thermal baths, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to take a swing at the famous “Swing at the End of the World” for a thrilling experience with panoramic views.

Travel time Quilotoa – Baños: Take a 1-hour bus back from Quilotoa to Latacunga and take another bus that takes you to Baños in about 2 hours. Baños is a small town and most accommodation is in walking distance from the bus stations, take a taxi if you don’t feel like walking.

Riobamba

Riobamba, a city nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains, offers a blend of rich history and stunning natural landscapes. Explore its charming colonial streets, adorned with colorful buildings and bustling markets. Don’t miss the chance to hop on the Nariz del Diablo train, a historic railway journey offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby attractions like Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak, beckon with opportunities for hiking and adventure.

Travel time Baños – Riobamba: A bus will take you from Baños to Riobamba in about 2 hours.

Cuenca

Cuenca, a charming city nestled in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, is renowned for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture. Take a leisurely stroll through its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the beautifully preserved buildings and churches. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Pumapungo Archaeological Park, where you can learn about the rich indigenous history of the region. For nature lovers, the nearby Cajas National Park offers stunning hiking trails and pristine lakes amidst breathtaking scenery.

Travel time Riobamba – Cuenca: A bus from Riobamba to Cunca takes around 4.5 hours

Guayaquil

Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port, is a vibrant hub of culture and commerce located on the country’s Pacific coast. Explore its bustling Malecón 2000 boardwalk, lined with shops, restaurants, and parks overlooking the Guayas River. Take a stroll through the historic Las Peñas neighborhood, known for its colorful colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Parque Histórico, where you can learn about Ecuador’s history and wildlife. For those seeking relaxation, nearby beaches like Playas and Salinas offer sun, sand, and sea.

Travel time Cuenca – Guayaquil: A bus from Cuenca to Guayaquil takes around 4 hours. Alternatively you can also skip Riobamba and Cuenca and go straight to Guayaquil in about 6 hours.

Montañita

Montañita, a laid-back coastal town nestled along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, is renowned as a surfer’s paradise and a perfect destination to conclude your Ecuadorian adventure. Embrace the bohemian atmosphere as you spend your days soaking up the sun on its pristine beaches, where surfers catch waves and beachgoers relax with a cold drink in hand. In the evenings, the town comes alive with lively bars, restaurants, and music, offering a vibrant nightlife scene that lasts until the early hours.

Travel time Guayaquil – Montañita: A bus from Guayaquil to Montañita takes about 3 hours.