Ecuador
The Andes (Sierra)
Quito's Historic Charm
- Discover UNESCO-listed colonial architecture, including Plaza Grande, La Compañía Church, and San Francisco Church.
- Ride the Teleférico for stunning city views and visit the Equator at Mitad del Mundo.
- Explore the historic La Ronda street.
Cuenca's Cultural Heart
- Experience the elegance of Cuenca, with its impressive Cathedral, panoramic Turi viewpoint, and the Tomebamba River.
- Discover traditional Panama Hat factories.
Otavalo's Vibrant Market
- Immerse yourself in the famous Plaza de Ponchos indigenous market.
- Explore the stunning Laguna de Cuicocha crater lake and the Peguche Waterfall.
Mindo's Cloud Forest Wonders
- Explore the lush cloud forest, perfect for birdwatching and waterfall hikes.
- Visit butterfly farms and enjoy adventure sports like ziplining and canyoning.
Quilotoa's Crater Lake
- Witness the breathtaking turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake.
- Hike the scenic Quilotoa Loop and explore local Andean villages.
Baños: Adventure Hub
- Embark on the Ruta de las Cascadas, see the Pailón del Diablo waterfall, swing at the Casa del Árbol, and relax in the Termas hot springs.
- Enjoy many adventure sports here.
Cotopaxi's Volcanic Majesty
- Explore the stunning landscape of Cotopaxi National Park, with Laguna Limpiopungo, Ruminahui Volcano and Cotopaxi Volcano base camp.
- Enjoy hiking and horseback riding.
Chimborazo's High Peaks
- Visit the highest point on earth measured from the earth's center.
- Spot vicuñas and enjoy high altitude hiking.
Vilcabamba: Valley of Longevity
- Discover the "Valley of Longevity," Vilcabamba.
- Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, relaxation, local markets, and the Rio Vilcabamba.
- Explore Podocarpus National Park.
The Coast (Costa)
Ayampe/Las Tunas
- Quiet beaches, relaxed atmosphere.
- Surfing, yoga retreats.
Montañita
- World-class surfing.
- Lively nightlife, beach parties.
- Nearby beaches like Olón.
Mompiche
- Black sand beaches.
- Surfing, Afro-Ecuadorian culture.
- Mangrove tours.
Puerto López
- Isla de la Plata.
- Whale watching (June-September).
- Machalilla NP, Los Frailes Beach.
Guayaquil
- Malecón 2000 boardwalk.
- Las Peñas historic neighborhood.
- Parque de las Iguanas, Historical Park.
The Amazon (Oriente)
Yasuni National Park
- Biodiverse exploration.
- Spot monkeys, birds, jaguars.
- Indigenous communities.
- Jungle lodges, guided tours.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
- Lagoons, flooded forests.
- Caimans, anacondas, dolphins.
- Birdwatching (macaws, toucans).
- Overnight jungle, canoe trips.
Tena
- Whitewater rafting.
- Jungle treks, waterfalls.
- Indigenous culture.
- Cave exploration.
Puyo
- Orchid gardens.
- Animal rescue centers.
- Beautiful waterfalls.
Galapagos
Santa Cruz Island
- Charles Darwin Research Station.
- Explore Tortuga Bay.
- Giant tortoises in highlands.
- Snorkel in Academy Bay.
Isabela Island
- Hike Sierra Negra Volcano.
- Explore Los Tuneles.
- Snorkel at Tintoreras.
- Penguins, marine iguanas.
San Cristobal Island
- Visit Kicker Rock.
- Snorkel at Lobos Island.
- Interpretation Center.
- Hike Cerro Tijeretas.
Floreana Island
- Visit Post Office Bay.
- Flamingos at Punta Cormorant.
- Snorkel at Devil's Crown.
- Explore Loberia.
Bartolomé Island
- See Pinnacle Rock.
- Snorkel with penguins.
- Volcanic landscapes.
Suggested Travel Itinerary
Ecuador Mainland - 6 Weeks
Days 1-3: Quito
- Arrive in Quito.
- Explore Historic Center (Plaza Grande, churches, La Ronda).
- Teleférico for views.
- Visit Mitad del Mundo.
Days 4-7: Mindo
- Travel to Mindo, explore the cloud forest, birdwatching.
- Hike to the 3 waterfalls, check out the butterfly farms, and adventure activities.
Days 8-13: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
- Travel to a starting point for Cuyabeno tours (e.g., Lago Agrio).
- Spend 5 days exploring Cuyabeno:
- Wildlife spotting (monkeys, caimans, birds).
- Canoe trips through the flooded forests.
- Overnight stays in jungle lodges.
- Indigenous community visits.
- Travel back to the Andes.
Days 14-17: Quilotoa Loop
- Travel to Quilotoa.
- Hike the Quilotoa Loop (3 days).
Days 18-21: Cotopaxi National Park
- Travel to Cotopaxi National Park.
- Hike to the Cotopaxi glacier and refuge from the car park.
- Hike Ruminahui, horseback riding, explore the park.
Days 22-26: Baños
- Travel to Baños.
- Experience adventure sports (rafting, ziplining).
- Visit the Pailón del Diablo waterfall.
- Swing at the end of the world.
- Relax in the hot springs.
Days 27-30: Cuenca
- Explore Cuenca's colonial architecture.
Days 31-33: Montañita
- Travel to Montañita.
- Enjoy surfing, beaches, and nightlife.
Days 34-39: Puerto López & Ayampe
- Travel to Puerto López and Ayampe.
- Enjoy Isla de la Plata tours, whale watching, surfing, and relaxation.
Day 40: Departure
- Depart from either Guayaquil, or fly from Manta.
Galapagos - 2 Weeks
Days 1-3: San Cristobal
- Arrive SCY.
- Kicker Rock.
- Lobos Island (sea lions).
- Interpretation Center.
- Cerro Tijeretas hike.
Days 4-7: Santa Cruz
- Travel Santa Cruz.
- Darwin Research Station.
- Tortuga Bay.
- Highland tortoises.
- Academy Bay snorkel.
Days 8-10: Isabela
- Travel Isabela.
- Sierra Negra hike.
- Los Tuneles.
- Tintoreras snorkel.
- Penguins, iguanas.
Days 11-13: Floreana
- Travel Floreana.
- Post Office Bay.
- Punta Cormorant flamingos.
- Devil's Crown snorkel.
- Loberia explore.
Day 14: Departure
- Depart Baltra (GPS).