Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

14-Day Ultimate Ecuador Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 152 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Quito, Ecuador

10:00AM

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and check into your hotel in the historic district.
Tax or shuttle service from airport to hotel.
USD150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at El Ventanal

Enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch with a beautiful view of the city.
5-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Historic Center

Visit Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, and see the stunning architecture.
Walking tour of approximately 1 hour.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Ronda

Savor dinner in one of the charming restaurants of La Ronda street.
Short walk from the historical center.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Quito

Day 2: Relax and Adventure in Quito

Quito, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panaderia San Jorge

Start your day with fresh bread and coffee at this local bakery.
Walking distance from hotel.
USD5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Teleférico

Take the cable car for spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains.
15-minute taxi ride to the base.
USD8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Gangotena

Indulge in a gourmet meal in this luxurious restaurant inside a historic mansion.
Return tax ride to the historic district.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Mitad del Mundo

Visit the equator monument and learn about the significance of being in two hemispheres.
30-minute taxi ride from downtown.
USD5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Pizarra

Enjoy a fusion dinner with locals watching in an artsy vibe.
Taxi back to Quito City.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Quito

Day 3: Cotopaxi National Park Adventure

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick filling breakfast to fuel the day's adventure.
On site.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Cotopaxi National Park

Travel to the park for an exhilarating day of hiking and exploring.
Private transfer or bus, approximately 1.5 hours.
USD50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hiking in the Park

Hike to the refuge and enjoy breath-taking views of the Cotopaxi Volcano.
Guided trekking.
USD15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Salitre

Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by stunning Andean scenery.
Brought with you or organized by tour guide.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Continue Hiking or Horseback Riding

Further explore the park with either more hiking or a horse riding session.
Organized through local guide.
USD25, 3 hours

6:00PM

Travel to Baños

Transfer to Baños to settle into your accommodation upon arrival.
Taxi transfer, approximately 1.5 hours.
USD40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Cafe de la Virgen

Enjoy a cozy meal famous for its Ecuadorian comfort dishes.
Short walk to cafe.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cotopaxi

Day 4: Explore Baños

Baños, Ecuador

7:30AM

Breakfast at Casa Hood

Start with an organic breakfast in this charming atmosphere.
Walking to the cafe.
USD7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Pailón del Diablo

Marvel at one of the largest waterfalls in Ecuador, a must-see attraction.
20-minute taxi ride.
USD5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Casa del Árbol

Taste the local flavors while enjoying views of the mountains.
Return taxi ride to town.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Adventure Sports

Opt for zip-lining or canyoning for that adrenaline rush.
Organized through local adventure company.
USD50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Hot Springs

Unwind at one of the local thermal hot springs after a day of adventure.
Short taxi ride.
USD10, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Swiss Bistro

Enjoy fondue in a cozy ambiance, a perfect way to end the evening.
Walk from hot springs.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Baños

Day 5: More Adventure in Baños

Baños, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Opera

Delight in a coffee and fresh pastry before your activities.
Walking distance from hotel.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit to Rutas de las Cascadas

Cycle through the stunning waterfalls along the path; bikes can be rented locally.
15-minute taxi ride to route starting point.
USD15, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe del Cielo

Enjoy a meal with a view after cycling.
Return to town.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Town Market

Experience local culture and shop for handmade crafts in Baños’ market.
Short walk from lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Las Tres Banderas

Dine on local dishes, including cuy (guinea pig).
Close walking distance.
USD18, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Baños

Day 6: Cuenca Discovery

Cuenca, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast buffet before travel.
On site.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Cuenca

Depart Baños for Cuenca, famous for its UNESCO heritage.
Taxi transfer, approximately 3.5 hours.
USD60, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at San Sebas Café

Stop for a hearty lunch in the historical center.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Cuenca’s City Center

Discover the beautiful architecture, cathedrals, and art galleries.
Walking tour throughout the city.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit Cajas National Park

Take in stunning landscapes and unique flora in this national park.
Taxi, approximately 30 minutes.
USD5, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Guarida

Dine in a local restaurant renowned for its contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine.
Return taxi to restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cuenca

Day 7: Cultural Immersion in Cuenca

Cuenca, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Nucallacta

Indulge in locally sourced coffee and pastries to start your day.
Walking distance from hotel.
USD6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Panama Hat Factory

Learn about the famous Panama hat-making process in its hometown.
Walking distance from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Museum of Modern Art

Fascinate yourself with local and international art pieces.
Short walk from the factory.
USD3, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Austria

Experience European-inspired cuisine in a unique café setting.
Walking distance.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Flower Market

Wander through the vibrant flower market and take stunning photographs.
Short walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Los Tios

Finish the day with traditional dishes at this cozy family restaurant.
Walking distance.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cuenca

Day 8: Journey to Loja

Loja, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a morning breakfast to start your journey.
On site.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Loja

Head to Loja, famous for its cultural music scene.
Private transport, approximately 4 hours.
USD70, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Huerto

Indulge in farm-to-table dishes at this beloved spot.
Short walk from hotel.
USD12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Loja’s Cultural Scene

Visit local museums and experience traditional music events.
For walking or bike rental.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Jardín

Experience the diverse flavors of Ecuador at this upscale restaurant.
Short walk from the cultural locations.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Loja

Day 9: Relaxing in Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your accommodation.
On site.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Vilcabamba

Move to Vilcabamba, known for its beautiful landscapes.
Private transport, approximately 1 hour.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Free Time to Explore or Hike

Choose to take a short hike or relax and take in the serene atmosphere.
Walking or onsite hiking directions.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cafe de Vilcabamba

Enjoy organic, home-cooked meals with a stunning view.
Short walk from your accommodation.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Rest and Relax at Spa

Take part in a rejuvenating spa treatment in this tranquil town.
Organized through your hotel or local spa.
USD40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Llama Cafe

Dine on delicious vegan and vegetarian options at this local favorite.
Walking distance from spa.
USD15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Vilcabamba

Day 10: Departure to Guayaquil

Guayaquil, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a bright breakfast to fuel your travels.
On site.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Guayaquil

Head to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, for urban exploration.
Private transport, approximately 4 hours.
USD70, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Canoa

Experience great seafood right by the malecón.
Short walk down to the waterfront.
USD20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll the Malecón 2000

Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the Guayas River.
On foot from restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Fortín

Dine on authentic Ecuadorian food while overlooking the river.
Short walk from the malecón.
USD25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Guayaquil

Day 11: Galápagos Islands Part I

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to catch your flight to the Galápagos.
On site.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Baltra

Take an early flight to Baltra Island in the Galápagos.
Taxi to airport, then a flight.
USD200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch aboard your cruise

Begin your Galápagos adventure with lunch on your cruise ship.
Included in the cruise.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore North Seymour Island

A guided tour of wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Included in the cruise.
Free, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner on Cruise

Enjoy dinner while taking in the sunset over the ocean.
Included in the cruise.
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Galápagos Islands

Day 12: Galápagos Islands Part II

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Savor a hot breakfast before another adventurous day.
Included in the cruise.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Bartolomé Island

An excursion to one of the most iconic islands known for its unique volcanic landscapes.
Included in cruise itinerary.
Free, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy lunch while marveling at the views.
Included in the cruise.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Snorkeling at Sullivan Bay

Experience a unique underwater world with diverse marine life.
Included in cruise excursion.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on Cruise

Enjoy a delicious meal while recounting the day's adventures.
Included in the cruise.
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Galápagos Islands

Day 13: Galápagos Islands Part III

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Another delightful breakfast awaits before your last day of exploration.
Included in cruise.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Santa Cruz Island

Explore the wildlife and unique ecosystems found on Santa Cruz.
Included in cruise excursions.
Free, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy a delicious meal to refuel before your last activities.
Included in cruise.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Learn about conservation efforts and see Galápagos tortoises up close.
Included in cruise itinerary.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on Cruise

Dine on the moonlit deck as your cruise comes to an end.
Included in cruise.
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Galápagos Islands

Day 14: Return to Quito

Quito, Ecuador

8:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy your last breakfast at sea before returning to the mainland.
Included in cruise.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly Back to Quito

Take your final flight back to Quito.
Transfer from boat to Baltra airport, then fly to Quito.
USD200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Ronda in Quito

Savor a farewell lunch at one of Quito's iconic restaurants.
Taxi from airport to restaurant.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Free Afternoon for Last-minute Exploration

Take some time to revisit your favorite spots in Quito or shop for souvenirs.
Walking or taxi based on location.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Zazu

Enjoy a fine dining experience with gourmet Ecuadorian cuisine to conclude your trip.
Short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Quito
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Ecuador

Trip Packing List: Amazon Ecuador (late Feb)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Ecuador (April)
Packing List
Amazon Ecuador Weather: A Comprehensive Climate Guide
Weather Guide
Essential Guide: Visiting Ecuador’s Amazon Safely and Smartly
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Ecuador Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go