Kickstart your adventure in Ecuador by exploring the capital city, Quito. Start with a visit to the historic Old Town and the famous Plaza Grande. You can then take the TeleferiQo cable car up to Pichincha Volcano for a great view of the city. End your day by indulging in some delicious Ecuadorian cuisine at a local restaurant.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature at the Mindo Cloud Forest. Take a canopy tour or hike to see the beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation. For the adrenaline junkies, try white-water rafting or tubing in the nearby rivers.
Head south to the small town of Baños, known as the adventure capital of Ecuador. Visit the Pailon del Diablo waterfall and take a dip in one of the many hot springs in the area. For the thrill-seekers, try bungee jumping, zip-lining or canyoning in the nearby mountains.
Explore the stunning Cotopaxi National Park, home to the Cotopaxi volcano, the second highest volcano in Ecuador. You can hike around the park and take in the breathtaking landscapes or bike down the downhill track. If you're lucky, you might even see some llamas or wild horses.
Located in the Amazon Basin, Tena offers a unique opportunity to experience the rainforest. Take a guided tour to spot wildlife, try kayaking or rafting in the Napo River, or visit nearby indigenous communities to learn about their culture and traditions.
Take a short flight from Quito to the famous Galapagos Islands. Explore the unique flora and fauna of the islands by taking a guided tour, snorkeling or scuba diving. You might spot sea lions, sharks, turtles, penguins and many more species.
Head to Isabela Island to see the largest active volcano in the Galapagos, Sierra Negra. Hike to the top for an incredible view of the island or take a boat tour to see the penguins, sea turtles and marine iguanas that call this island home.
End your adventure in the Galapagos by exploring the charming town of Puerto Ayora. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and see the giant tortoises. You can also take a boat tour to see more of the unique wildlife of the islands before heading back to Quito.
Most of the destinations on this itinerary can be reached by bus, but for some locations, like the Galapagos Islands, flights or boat tours are required. Plan to book flights in advance to save money, and consider taking overnight buses to save time and money on accommodations. It is also recommended to pre-book tours in advance for a better deal and availability.
If you have more time, consider spending a few extra days in each location to truly immerse yourself in each destination. If you have less time, you can cut out a few destinations like Tena or Isabela Island to shorten the itinerary. Keep in mind that the Galapagos Islands can be quite expensive, so plan accordingly.
The main international airport in Ecuador is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), located in Quito, 18 km from the city center. Another popular airport for international flights is Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil, located 5 km from downtown. Seymour Airport (GPS) in the Galapagos Islands is a domestic airport with flights from Quito or Guayaquil.