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Introducing Ecuador

Ecuador has it all. Between the Andean peaks, the Amazon rainforest, and the beautiful white sand beaches, travelers have a myriad of experiences to pick and choose from to suit their level of adventure and comfort.

When is the best time to visit?
Ecuador is a year-round destination. There’s no real summer or winter season, and with its varied geography, weather patterns are more dependent on location than the time of year. In the mountains, don’t be surprised to experience four seasons in one day. The Andes are a little drier from June through September. The best time to visit the beaches of Ecuador is, surprisingly, during the rainy season from December to May, when the weather is pleasantly warm, with rains usually limited to afternoon showers. Learn more

Where to go in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers a compelling mix of outdoor experiences and culture. Experience one of the most amazing national parks in the world at the remarkable Galapagos Islands, soak in the scenery and rural way of life in the Andes Mountains, tour the Amazon Rainforest with local guides, and enjoy the photographic colonial plazas of Quito and Cuenca.

How many days do I need?
Spend as few as 3 days and as many as 16 days in Ecuador. With as much as there is to see and do in this adventurer’s paradise, really the answer to this question is as many days as possible. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Ecuador Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Tiny tortoises of the Santa Cruz breeding center
Map of Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 8 Days
Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 8 Days

See contrasting sides of Ecuador on this eight-day islands-and-city adventure. Discover the astonishing biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, where you'll meet playful sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises during stays on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz. The country's capital, Quito, sandwiches your island time—your springboard to discover Indigenous and colonial culture and the surrounding volcanic Andes.

Countryside near Riobamba
Map of Best of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 7 Days
Best of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 7 Days

Traverse the very best of the Ecuadorian highlands on this 7-day itinerary. Starting and finishing in the capital, Quito, you will encounter bustling markets, awe-inspiring volcanoes, centuries-old colonial towns and Inca ruins. There's great hiking along the way in terrain ranging from glaciers and high-level plateau through to forests and waterfalls.

Enjoy the beaches of Ecuador
Map of The Real Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon & Galapagos - 14 Days
The Real Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon & Galapagos - 14 Days

Experience the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Ecuador over the course of two weeks. From the urban sprawl of Quito to the serene shores of the Galapagos and everything in between, this tour will span several diverse regions and truly open your eyes to one of South America's most fascinating countries.

The road leading to Cotopaxi
Map of Trekking Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes - 8 Days
Trekking Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes - 8 Days

This eight-day trekking adventure delivers the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes as you explore stunning landscapes, secluded villages, and the famous peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Hike along narrow mountain trails in the heart of the Andes as you make your way up the Quilotoa and Chimborazo volcanoes. Swim in the icy waters of Lake Quilotoa, then relax in the natural hot springs at Baños.

Ziplining toward a waterfall near the town of Baños
Map of Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days
Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days

This action-packed seven-day tour of Ecuador is perfect for travelers searching for adventure, culture and spectacular scenery all within a few hours' drive from the capital Quito. The trip begins with a thrilling bike ride down an active volcano and continues with hikes in the cloud forest, a climb up a waterfall and visits to an indigenous community. There will be plenty of opportunities to unwind too, with stops at hot springs and a quiet, mountainside hacienda.

Cordillera Occidental Andes Central Ecuador
Map of Ecuador: Amazon, Andes, and the Coast - 16 Days
Ecuador: Amazon, Andes, and the Coast - 16 Days

Explore the best of Ecuador in this 16-day tour through the Amazon, Andes, and Coastal regions. You'll visit beautiful colonial towns, indigenous communities, and experience ways of life both ancient and modern in this diverse country.

Make the Most of Your Time in Ecuador

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Quito in the foreground with an erupting Cotopaxi volcano in the distance
How Many Days to Spend In Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that packs enormous diversity into a small area, so it's ideal to visit for a short trip. You can spend a long weekend exploring Quito and the mountains,...

Highly active marmoset monkeys can be spotted on trips into the Ecuadorian Amazon
Map of 1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spend a week in Ecuador exploring the country's diversity, from volcanoes to the rainforest. Each trip starts in Quito, with tours of the UNESCO-designated historic city and a...

Marine Iguana, Galápagos Islands
Map of 2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Ecuador gives plenty of time to enjoy all three of the country's main ecosystems—Amazon, Highlands, and Galápagos—or focus on one to fully immerse yourself in the...

Ecuador Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Visit Parque Nacional Cotopaxi in the dry season when it's cool, windy, and (generally) clear—ideal for trekking around Laguna de Limpiopungo, mountain biking, and horseback riding
Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador

Ecuador is a year-round destination, but the sweet spot is June to September, when drier weather and cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the Andes, wildlife viewing...

Trekking along the Quilotoa Loop is an Ecuador highlight
Best Things to Do in Ecuador

Ecuador boasts a remarkable range of landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems from the Amazon to the Andes and straddling the southern and northern hemispheres. From raucous...

The mountains surrounding Guaranda, an off-the-beaten-path town in Ecuador well worth visiting
Going Off-The-Beaten-Path in Ecuador

Even amid Ecuador's tourism boom, there are still plenty of enticing destinations that remain under the radar, offering travelers the chance to explore architectural gems, surf...

One of the Ecuador's dramatic train rides, the Naríz del Diablo
Options for Touring Ecuador

By South American standards, Ecuador is a fairly small country. Most major destinations — with the exception of the Galápagos Islands — are within a day's drive of each other....

Ecuador Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Ecuador Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito
Wyndham Quito Airport
4.9
(31)
· Upscale
Wyndham Quito Airport is a convenient hotel for travelers arriving and departing from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. You'll be almost within the airport, so it's especially ideal for early departures or late arrivals. And though you're very close to the terminal, there's a free 24/7...
Photo courtesy of Termas de Papallacta
Quito
Termas de Papallacta
5.0
(11)
· Upscale
Termas Papallacta is a resort spa nestled in the Andean highlands, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You'll stay within a national park and a stone's throw away from the Papallacta Church and the Antisana Ecological Reserve. From the resort, you can easily...
Archidona
Kuyana Amazon Lodge
4.9
(14)
· Upscale
Kuyana Amazon Lodge is situated in a privileged area, surrounded by nature and offering a unique experience in San Pablo de Ushpayacu. Its location on a river provides easy access to nearby attractions such as Jumandy Caverns, Jumandy Monument, Latas Waterfall, and Sanctuary of the Virgin of...

Our Latest Ecuador Content

Hike to the many waterfalls around Baños, including the "Devil's Cauldron"
Map of Ecuador Discovery Tour: Andes to the Amazon - 9 Days
Ecuador Discovery Tour: Andes to the Amazon - 9 Days

Check off Ecuador's Andean highlands, ancient Inca ruins, and Amazonian rainforest with this nine-day itinerary filled with scenic journeys and spectacular hikes. After landing in the high-altitude capital of Quito, you'll jet off to Cuenca to explore the "Athens of Ecuador," then venture north to discover the country's most important Inca site at Ingapirca. Follow the Route of Waterfalls to Baños, and continue into the Amazon for rainforest treks and wildlife spotting at a secluded ecolodge.

Search for wildlife while staying at a luxury lodge in the Galápagos (photo courtesy of Galápagos Safari Camp)
Map of Luxury Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days
Luxury Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

Spend 11 days discovering Ecuador's diverse landscapes, from the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Start with a night in Quito, learning how to make cocktails before venturing into the pristine rainforest. Here, you'll stay at the luxurious Sacha Lodge to explore private jungle trails, observe wildlife, and take canopy walks. Next is the Galápagos, where you'll visit uninhabited islands, see giant tortoises, and marvel at the volcanic landscapes while staying in a safari tent.

See the bucket-list sites of Ecuador and Peru on this two-week tour, including blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos.
Map of Best of Ecuador & Peru with the Galápagos & Machu Picchu - 14 Days
Best of Ecuador & Peru with the Galápagos & Machu Picchu - 14 Days

Cross multiple items off your bucket list during this two-week adventure through Ecuador and Peru. Start in the Galápagos for snorkeling, island-hopping, and a plethora of unique animal sightings. Back on the mainland, explore Quito, climb the Cotopaxi volcano, soak in hot springs, then head to Lima to sample ceviche and pisco sours. Fly to the ancient Inca city of Cusco, bike through the nearby Sacred Valley, and end your trip at the epic ruins of Machu Picchu.

Ecuador Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Ecuador: 5 Suggested Itineraries
10 Days in Ecuador: 5 Suggested Itineraries
View article
Map 7 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ecuador
Travel specialist Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 1 day ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others. I've lived...

read more...
Travel specialist Alvaro Pereira
active 2 hours ago

Alvaro Pereira

Born and raised in the vibrant country of Ecuador, I am the ideal person to craft a unique and unforgettable trip within my homeland. My passion for travel and exploring new and exciting places...

read more...
Travel specialist Mathias Onisseit

Mathias Onisseit

Originally from Germany, in 2010 I set out to explore South America and soon fell in love with the super-diverse country named Ecuador (and its neat little attachment Galapagos). What fascinates me...

read more...
Travel specialist Linda Schulz
active 2 days ago

Linda Schulz

Originally from Germany, I have traveled around the world and lived in Australia, Bangladesh, and finally Ecuador. Ecuador is such a diverse and beautiful country, so I soon fell deeply in love...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Ecuador

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The perfect rebooot
Ecuador | Feb 4 - Feb 17, 2026

G
Glenn Q.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026
I found the guides to be extremely educated in-the history and culture of their country and specific area they are guiding they are excellent drivers and their social skills are at a higher level Actually I found the people of Ecuador to be friendly and inviting I found myself in awe of this countries beauty and magistryI feel like I left a friend and I want to return Ecuador is a country I could easily call home I've gained abetter sense of who I am for spending just 2weeks there my... Read more

I found the guides to be extremely educated in-the history and culture of their country and specific area they are guiding they are excellent drivers and their social skills are at a higher level Actually I found the people of Ecuador to be friendly and inviting I found myself in awe of this countries beauty and magistryI feel like I left a friend and I want to return Ecuador is a country I could easily call home I've gained abetter sense of who I am for spending just 2weeks there my spirit has been rebooted

Hotel Review
Hostería Paraíso Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba

Very relaxing don't forget your swimsuit

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Kindness that comes from the heart
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit to the Saraguro Community & Transfer to Cuenca
Visit to the Saraguro Community & Transfer to Cuenca
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cuenca to Vilcabamba
Cuenca to Vilcabamba
Ecuador

The drive through the country was breathtaking

Quality of Experience
Feeling embraced by a culture Paola is an exceptional coordinator and host can't thank her enough
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Feb 23, 2026

Glenn, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! Working together since last year and finally meeting you in person was truly special for me. Reading your reflection on Ecuador, its people, and the way the experience touched your spirit honestly moved me. This is exactly why I love what I do: creating journeys that connect people deeply with a place and with themselves. Ecuador will always welcome you back with open arms :) It was a real privilege to be part of your journey, and I hope this is just the beginning of many more adventures. Warmly, Paola & the Authentic Ecuador Team

Valentina and David were exceptional. Very ca...
Ecuador | Feb 8 - Feb 12, 2026

Vicki Lynn
Vicki Lynn M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026
Valentina and David were exceptional. Very caring and concerned about our health and well being. Our only slight issue was more not enough communication prior to the trip about our departure time. We were checked into the Ilatoa Lodge on the evening of February 11, to then check out at noon on the 12th, although our flight was not until 1145pm. The lodge accommodated us at a cost of another night and offered to take us to a rose greenhouse, which was very thoughtful, but the cost was $35 a... Read more

Valentina and David were exceptional. Very caring and concerned about our health and well being. Our only slight issue was more not enough communication prior to the trip about our departure time. We were checked into the Ilatoa Lodge on the evening of February 11, to then check out at noon on the 12th, although our flight was not until 1145pm. The lodge accommodated us at a cost of another night and offered to take us to a rose greenhouse, which was very thoughtful, but the cost was $35 a person, not paid to the greenhouse but directly to Marcelo. Thought that was pretty pricey. Marcelo did take us to the airport while also encouraging us to call him if we were ever interested in another trip to Ecuador. I would not…..I am very pleased with kimkim and would feel comfortable trusting further travel organized through you.

Hotel Reviews
Ilatoa Lodge
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hacienda El Porvenir
Machachi
Authenticity & Character
Location
N
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Swissotel Quito
Quito

Very nice hotel. Fabulous breakfast !

Authenticity & Character
Location
N
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hiking Fuya Fuya Volcano - Quito
Hiking Fuya Fuya Volcano - Quito
Ecuador

Very muddy trails plus I was not feeling well

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alpaca Encounter & Kayaking at Quilotoa Lagoon
Alpaca Encounter & Kayaking at Quilotoa Lagoon
Ecuador

Kayaking was not fantastic, kind of lame equipment but understandable. Not worth the effort. Should encourage the rim hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park
Ecuador

David went out of his way to make sure we saw Cotopaxi volcanoes it all her glory

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Antisana & La Mica Lagoon: A Day of Andean Wildlife & Scenic Beauty
Antisana & La Mica Lagoon: A Day of Andean Wildlife & Scenic Beauty
Ecuador

Lunch stop was the best

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jacquie Granda
Jacquie
Jacquie Granda
Local specialist in Quito - Ecuador | Replied on Feb 19, 2026
Hello Vicky, Thank you very much for your message. I sincerely appreciate you sharing your experience regarding Ilatoa Lodge. I am very sorry to hear that you felt uncomfortable at any point. That is certainly not the experience we strive to provide. Please rest assured that I will personally manage this matter with them, as professionalism, transparency, and warm hospitality are fundamental values in our work. Thank you as well for mentioning the additional charges and how they were... Read more

Hello Vicky,

Thank you very much for your message.

I sincerely appreciate you sharing your experience regarding Ilatoa Lodge. I am very sorry to hear that you felt uncomfortable at any point. That is certainly not the experience we strive to provide. Please rest assured that I will personally manage this matter with them, as professionalism, transparency, and warm hospitality are fundamental values in our work.

Thank you as well for mentioning the additional charges and how they were presented. Transparency and trust are extremely important to us, and I value your honesty and the confidence you placed in us throughout your journey. It means a great deal to know that you felt comfortable working together.

Please know that you will always have a team here in Ecuador who genuinely cares about you! Not only as valued clients, but as wonderful people we were fortunate to host.

With warmest regards,
Jacquie

Ecuador has so much more to show than just the Galapagos...
Ecuador | Jan 23 - Feb 6, 2026

Craig
Craig A.
Brookhaven, GA | Reviewed on Feb 09, 2026
The trip was planned with every detail covered. Anthony did a great job of planning and checking in along the way. Galapagos was best seen by boat, and I am happy with the selection of a 4-day cruise. The 8-day mainland tour of Ecuador was amazing with Stalin as our guide and driver. Talk about personal experience. All the volcanoes were amazing and some areas like Banos and Cloud Forrest I didnt know I needed to see.
I highly recommend.
Read more

The trip was planned with every detail covered. Anthony did a great job of planning and checking in along the way. Galapagos was best seen by boat, and I am happy with the selection of a 4-day cruise. The 8-day mainland tour of Ecuador was amazing with Stalin as our guide and driver. Talk about personal experience. All the volcanoes were amazing and some areas like Banos and Cloud Forrest I didnt know I needed to see.
I highly recommend.

Hotel Reviews
Chilcabamba Lodge
Machachi

An amazing place to stay.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
M/Y Bonita
Quito

Boat and nature guide was amazing. Honestly, the food was really not that spectacular, ok but not amazing.

Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Tababela
Authenticity & Character
Location
Its right at the airport
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Lodging at Chimborazo Lodge
Lodging at Chimborazo Lodge
Chimborazo

Just wow. Would go back

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
 AM: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center & Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal Island)
AM: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center & Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal Island)
Cruise Ship
Quality of Experience
Transport
Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano
Anthony
Anthony Zambrano
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Feb 09, 2026
Hi Craig
Thank you so much for your words and for trusting me with your adventure.
I’m really happy to hear how much you enjoyed both sides of Ecuador. Experiencing the Galapagos by cruise and then exploring the mainland volcanoes, Baños, and the cloud forest gives such a complete picture of the country, and I’m glad it all came together the way it should. Those are exactly the kinds of places people don’t always expect, and then they end up being highlights.
Stalin will be so happy and proud...
Read more

Hi Craig
Thank you so much for your words and for trusting me with your adventure.
I’m really happy to hear how much you enjoyed both sides of Ecuador. Experiencing the Galapagos by cruise and then exploring the mainland volcanoes, Baños, and the cloud forest gives such a complete picture of the country, and I’m glad it all came together the way it should. Those are exactly the kinds of places people don’t always expect, and then they end up being highlights.
Stalin will be so happy and proud to read this. He truly cares about giving a personal experience, not just a tour, so your comment means a lot. I’ll make sure he sees it.
Thank you again for the recommendation. It was a real pleasure planning this journey with you, and you’ll always have a friend here in Ecuador when you’re ready to come back.
All the best from the Middle of the World!
Anthony

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