Explore the historic city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture, parks, museums, and street markets. Visit the Mitad del Mundo to stand on the equator line and learn about indigenous cultures at the Ethnographic Museum.
Immerse yourself in the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, known for its incredible biodiversity of birds, orchids, butterflies, and waterfalls. Take a scenic cable car ride, zipline through the canopy, hike the trails, and taste chocolate at a local factory.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Stay at a jungle lodge or participate in a homestay with an indigenous community to experience the culture and wildlife up close. Activities include nature walks, canoe rides, birdwatching, and night safaris.
Relax in the scenic town of Banos, dubbed the "Gateway to the Amazon". Soak in the hot springs, admire the Tungurahua volcano, and try local specialties such as cuy (guinea pig) and chicha (corn drink). Take a bike ride or a hike to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall.
Discover the stunning landscapes of the Cotopaxi National Park, home to the Cotopaxi volcano and numerous animal species such as llamas, eagles, and condors. Hike the trails to the Limpiopungo lagoon, bike down the slopes, or visit the indigenous community of Latacunga.
Step into the charming colonial town of Cuenca, famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and handicraft tradition. Visit the Cajas National Park to see the Andean paramo and its lakes, or explore the Inca ruins of Ingapirca.
End the trip in the vibrant city of Guayaquil, the largest in Ecuador and a hub for commerce, culture, and gastronomy. Admire the Malecon 2000 waterfront, visit the Seminario Park to see the iguanas, or take a boat tour to the nearby Isla Santay.
Most travelers in Ecuador prefer to use private transport services, such as taxis or tour operators, to move around the different regions due to the varied landscapes and road conditions. It is recommended to book these services in advance and negotiate the prices with the providers. The estimated travel time and costs for each point of interest are based on these services.
If you have more time, you can add visits to other natural wonders such as the Galapagos Islands, the Yasuni National Park, or the Chimborazo volcano. You can also optimize your itinerary by skipping some of the city tours and going directly to the main attractions. If you have less time, you can shorten the Amazon or Cotopaxi tours to one day instead of two or three, respectively. You can also share rides or take public transportation to save costs.
The main airport in Ecuador is the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), located in Quito. It offers domestic and international flights to many destinations in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia. The airport is about 18 km (11 mi) north of the city center and can be reached by taxi, bus, or shuttle service. Another important airport is the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), located in Guayaquil. It offers mainly domestic and regional flights, as well as some international connections to North America and Europe. The airport is about 5 km (3 mi) north of the city center and can be reached by taxi, bus, or metro. Tena Airport (TNW) serves as a gateway to the Amazon region and offers private or chartered flights.