11 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Diverse Ecuador: Andes, Amazon & Galápagos

Cover the highlights of the Andes, Amazon, and Galápagos in this diverse Ecuador itinerary. Wildlife lovers and adventurous travelers will enjoy bird-watching, ziplining, and river tubing in the Mindo Cloud Forest, trekking in the Amazon and learning about its ecosystems, sailing up the Cuyabeno River, and exploring the Galápagos Islands and their endemic wildlife.

On your first day, pass by the colonial churches of San Francisco and La Compañia in Quito's historic Old Town, head to the Equator Monument, or ride a cable car up Volcán Pichincha. Next, explore Mindo's lush green cloud forest, which houses hundreds of bird types. Then on the following day, visit the crater lake of Quilotoa Lagoon. Day 4 begins your Amazon adventures and when you'll sail the Cuyabeno River to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Spot monkeys, toucans, sloths, and river dolphins on a guided walk in the dense forest and along the river bank on Day 5.

You'll then listen to Seoqueya community members explain their traditions before continuing to Laguna Grande's rainforest on Day 6. On Day 7, you'll enjoy a sunrise jungle hike, while on Day 8, you'll transfer to San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Islands. Learn about environmental conservation at the Interpretation Center, climb Las Tijeretas Hill, and view La Lobería's colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas. On Day 9, head to Española Island and Punta Suarez to watch for blue-footed boobies while hiking, followed by a snorkel of Gardner Bay and seeking out frigatebirds at Kicker Rock on Day 10. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Southern Ecuador

On this southern Ecuador highlights itinerary, travelers wanting to get off the beaten path will stroll along the waterfront in coastal Guayaquil, spot wildlife in the biodiverse Podocarpus National Park, explore Vilcacamba on a horseback riding excursion, shop at ateliers and handicraft shops in Cuenca, and witness a spiritual ceremony in the Indigenous Saraguro community. 

On Days 1 and 2, see Guayaquil's Parque Histórico, the artistic tombs of Cementerio General, and the Malecón 2000 boardwalk along the Guayas River. Next, explore El Cajas National Park in the Andean Highlands on your way to Cuenca. Day 3 is for discovering Girón Waterfall in the Yunguilla Valley and the dry forest of Jubones. The following day, stroll through Cuenca's Old Town, passing landmarks like Calderón Park and the Turi viewpoint before venturing to Gualaceo village's orchid farm. Tour Loja on Day 5, admiring its colonial architecture, impressive cathedral, and Church of San Sebastián.

Day 6 is for hiking in Podocarpus National Park to find incredible biodiversity among the La Poderosa Waterfall and the Bombuscaro River, while Day 7 is for exploring the tranquil Valley of Vilcabamba on horseback. Trek to the peaks of Cerro Mandango, known for its impressive cliffs, then on Day 9, follow the Spectacled Bear trail to learn about flora and fauna in Podocarpus National Park. Stop at the Indigenous community of Saraguro and participate in a spiritual ceremony focused on the purification of bad energies on your way back to Cuenca on your last full day. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Nature & National Parks in Ecuador

This nature and national parks-focused trip takes nature-loving travelers away from cities and deep into the outdoors. Activities include exploring the biodiverse Yasuni National Park, seeing the volcanic landscape of Cotopaxi National Park on horseback, following the Ruta de Cascadas to the famous Pailón del Diablo waterfall, and relaxing in the natural hot springs at the Termas de Papallacta. 

On Days 1 and 2, visit Quito's colonial churches and the Equator Monument and climb Panecillo Hillto, topped by an aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary or Virgen de El Panecillo. Hop on the TelefériQo cable car to the Pichincha volcano before heading to La Floresta neighborhood to admire its urban artwork. Day 3 brings adventures along the Napo River, Matapalo Trail, and into the rainforest of Yasuní National Park. Discover more Ecuadorian Amazon on Day 4 by viewing parrots at a clay lick, learning about the Napo Kichwa people's culture, and hiking to Garzacocha Lagoon.

Spot animals at Mandi Cocha lagoon and on a nocturnal animal walk on Day 5. Wander around Quito's Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua and Independence Square on Day 6. The following day, admire the turquoise Limpiopungo Lagoon before horseback riding through Cotopaxi National Park. On Day 8, swing at the edge of a mountain at Casa del Arbol in Baños de Agua Santa or see the Quilotoa crater lake. Ride along the Ruta de Cascadas and trek to the El Pailón del Diablo waterfall on Day 9, and on Day 10, dip in the geothermal pools of Termas de Papallacta with views of the Artisana volcano. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Hiking in Ecuador's Highlands

Adventurous and active travelers will enjoy hiking in Ecuador's highlands. Experience the rugged beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes, starting with touring Quito's UNESCO-recognized historic center. You'll summit the extinct volcano of Pasochoa, visit the Jose Rivas refuge on the slopes of Cotopaxi, and explore the shores of crater lakes like Cuicocha and Quilotoa Lagoon.

You'll have the first couple of days to wander Quito's well-preserved colonial center, churches, and lively bars around Plaza Foch. See the Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua, ride the TelefériQo to the top of Cruz Loma, walk down La Ronda, or visit the Monument to the Equator. Take a trip to Antisana Ecological Reserve in Napo Province on Day 3 to hike the trails to Mica Lagoon. Then the following day, trek for five to six hours up the extinct Pasochoa volcano, looking for wild horses and the impressive Andean condor. Cross scenic alpine tundra to summit Rucu Pichincha during a three-hour trek on Day 5.

Day 6 is for adventures in Cotopaxi National Park, where you'll see Limpiopungo Lagoon and Jose F. Rivas Refuge, a starting point for hikes. Visit the volcanic wonder, Quilotoa, and walk around the crater lake's rim on Day 7. On Day 8, start the trail to the summit of Fuya Fuya volcano at the alpine lake Laguna Grande de Mojanda. Head into nature on Day 9 and to Cuicocha Lake and its lava dome islands or shop at Plaza de los Ponchos. On Day 10, you'll have the option to bathe in the geothermal pools at Termas de Papallacta or hike at the Island Path or Sendero del Río. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Highlights of the Ecuadorian Highlands

This itinerary, focusing on the Ecuadorian highlands, is best for travelers wanting a mix of nature and city tours. You'll explore Quito's UNESCO-recognized historic center, ride horses in the shadow of the Cotopaxi volcano, discover the largest Inca ruins in the country, and unwind in natural hot springs in Papallacta.

Wander Quito's historic center over the first two days, admiring the intricate stone carvings of La Compañía and the cloisters of El San Francisco. Walk down La Ronda or Independence Square to visit palaces and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next, learn about Ecuadorian cuisine in a cooking class. See Otavalo and nearby Cuicocha Lake, home to two islands formed by lava domes and consider taking a lesson on Andean cooking in Kawsaymi. On Day 4, ride horses in Cotopaxi National Park, then experience the shores of Quiltoa crater lake, waterfalls, and hot springs in Baños de Agua Santa the next day.

Day 6 is for taking the Waterfall Route toward Río Verde village and a short hike to the Devil's Cauldron waterfall. Or, try a canyoning adventure at Casahurco. In Cuenca on Day 7, marvel at its Modern Art Museum, cathedrals, and the Panama Hat Museum. Stroll along the Tomebamba River in El Barranco and stop at Mirador de Turi, an observation deck. The following day, immerse yourself in the history of the Inca ruins of Ingapirca and one of the villages in Azuay Province. Next, discover the diverse bird population of Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve and enjoy the thermal pools in Papallacta. Learn more

More Great 11-Day Ecuador Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other 11-day Ecuador itineraries, with outdoor adventures, family trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.