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).