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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Ecuador

  1. Tuesday, November 7: Quito
    40 minutes (12.4 miles) from Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    Start your journey in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. In the morning, explore the historic center with its colonial architecture and visit the stunning Church of the Society of Jesus. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride up to the summit of Pichincha Volcano for breathtaking views. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian dinner at a local restaurant.

    • Church of the Society of Jesus: $5, 2 hours
    • Pichincha Volcano Cable Car: $8, 4 hours
    • Traditional Dinner: $10, 2 hours
  2. Wednesday, November 8: Otavalo
    2 hours (59.6 miles) from Quito

    Head to Otavalo, known for its vibrant indigenous market. Spend the morning exploring the market and shopping for unique handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Cuicocha Lake and enjoy a boat ride. In the evening, relax at a local café and indulge in some delicious Ecuadorian coffee.

    • Otavalo Indigenous Market: Free, 3 hours
    • Cuicocha Lake Boat Ride: $10, 2 hours
    • Ecuadorian Coffee: $3, 1 hour
  3. Thursday, November 9: Baños
    3 hours (113.7 miles) from Otavalo

    Travel to Baños, a picturesque town famous for its hot springs and stunning waterfalls. Start your day with a visit to the breathtaking Pailon del Diablo waterfall. In the afternoon, relax in one of the town's hot springs. In the evening, try some delicious local street food.

    • Pailon del Diablo Waterfall: $2, 2 hours
    • Baños Hot Springs: $5, 3 hours
    • Local Street Food: $5, 1 hour
  4. Friday, November 10: Quilotoa
    4 hours (122.2 miles) from Baños

    Embark on a day trip to Quilotoa, a stunning volcanic crater lake. Take a hike around the rim of the crater and marvel at the breathtaking views. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. In the evening, return to Baños and relax in the hot springs.

    • Quilotoa Crater Lake: $2, 4 hours
    • Picnic Lunch: $5, 1 hour
    • Baños Hot Springs: $5, 3 hours
  5. Saturday, November 11: Cuenca
    4 hours 30 minutes (189.2 miles) from Baños

    Make your way to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Spend the morning exploring the charming streets and visiting the beautiful Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In the afternoon, stroll along the Tomebamba River and visit the Museo Pumapungo. In the evening, try some delicious Ecuadorian cuisine at a local restaurant.

    • Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: Free, 2 hours
    • Museo Pumapungo: $4, 3 hours
    • Ecuadorian Cuisine: $10, 2 hours
  6. Sunday, November 12: Guayaquil
    3 hours 30 minutes (123.8 miles) from Cuenca

    Travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and main port. Start your day with a visit to Malecón 2000, a waterfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and art installations. In the afternoon, explore the historic neighborhood of Las Peñas and climb to the top of Santa Ana Hill for panoramic views. In the evening, indulge in some local seafood.

    • Malecón 2000: Free, 2 hours
    • Las Peñas: Free, 3 hours
    • Local Seafood: $15, 2 hours
  7. Monday, November 13: Galapagos Islands
    2 hours 30 minutes (176.8 miles) from Guayaquil

    Take a flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands and spend the day exploring the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of this unique archipelago. Choose from activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and visiting the famous giant tortoises. In the evening, enjoy a seaside dinner and reflect on your amazing adventure.

    • Galapagos Islands Tour: $100, Full day
    • Seaside Dinner: $20, 2 hours

Recommendations

Consider exploring the Mindo Cloud Forest for a day trip from Quito, where you can enjoy bird watching and hiking. To make the most of your budget, try local street food and stay in budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Cotopaxi National Park for breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi volcano. Book your hotel and flight through this link to find the best prices.

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