15 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Ecuador From the Amazon to the Galápagos 

An excellent choice for those traveling to Ecuador for the first time, this itinerary offers Quito as well as the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands. You'll have a chance to tour historic sites in the capital city, hike the rainforests of Yasuní and meet members of the Kichwa community, then spend several days trekking, snorkeling, and observing wildlife in the Galápagos.

Start with a walking tour of Quito, with stops that include the UNESCO-listed colonial center. Then prepare Ecuadorian food in a cooking class before visiting the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Peruse the markets of Otavalo and take a hike at Cuichocha Lake. Catch a flight to Coca, where you'll board a boat to Yasuní National Park, keeping an eye out for toucans and macaws en route. Hike to Añangu and spend time with the Kichwa community. Head to the top of a canopy tower and see the forest—and tanagers, monkeys, and more—from 118 feet (36 m) up.  

Spot monkeys and otters while canoeing Río Napo, then return to Quito for your flight to Isla San Cristóbal. Watch for whales (June to October) and tijeretas (frigatebirds) at Las Tijeretas Hill, then view marine iguanas at La Lobería. Take a boat tour, with stops that may include snorkeling at Rosa Blanca and observing blue-footed boobies, sharks, and more. Transfer to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see giant tortoises. Head to Isla Isabela for some snorkeling; you might even spy penguins! Enjoy your last full day with a hike at Sierra Negra volcano. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ecuadorian Andes & the Galápagos Islands

This Andes and Galápagos-focused itinerary is another good option for first-timers eager to see mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos. The inclusion of some romantic settings, including a horseback ride through Cotopaxi National Park, a hot springs soak in Baños, a stroll through the charming streets of Cuenca, and a visit to an uninhabited island in the Galápagos makes this one well-suited to couples as well. 

Get acquainted with Quito on a walking tour of the sites, including La Ronda, a pre-Columbian trail transformed into a lively destination of cafés, shops, and music. Prepare and taste local dishes, such as empanadas, in a cooking class. Then, stand at the equator when you visit Mitad del Mundo. Head to Cotopaxi National Park for a horseback ride in the Andes before taking a hike at Quilotoa crater lake. Your next stop is Baños de Agua Santa, known for its hot springs and waterfalls. Cycle to Río Verde with a break at Agoyán Waterfall, then hike to El Pailón del Diablo. End your day with a hot springs soak.

Continue to Riobamba, where you'll hike to the Carral Hut at Chimborazo volcano for a spectacular view. Take a tour of Cuenca and see the city's museums and cathedrals, then end with sunset at the Mirador de Turi. Continue to Guayaquil, stopping in El Cajas National Park for a hike to glacial Luspa. Spend the next few days in the Galápagos, visiting giant tortoises at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, snorkeling at Los Túneles (keep an eye out for seahorses, reef sharks, and penguins!), hiking at Sierra Negra volcano, snorkeling through Concha Perla's mangrove forests, and exploring an uninhabited island. Learn more  

Itinerary #3: Ecuador's Pacific Coast to the Andes & Amazon 

Those not planning to visit the Galápagos but prefer to focus on mainland Ecuador will appreciate this Pacific Coast, Andes, and Amazon trip. Wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous families will also enjoy the variety of activities to engage a range of ages and abilities, from surf lessons in Montañita to snorkeling at Isla de la Plata and spotting monkeys, frogs, and toucans on canoe excursions and night hikes in Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.

Tour the historical sites of Guayaquil, meet the iguanas in Parque Seminario, and climb the steps up Cerro Santa Ana for sweeping city views. Take a surf lesson in Montañita, and continue to Puerto López for a hike in Machalilla National Park. Visit Isla de la Plata, where you can spot sea lions and blue-footed boobies, then snorkel the reefs. Hit the road to Cuenca with a stop for a hike through the páramo (high Andean landscape) to Luspa Lake en route. Visit the sites of Cuenca, including the colorful cathedrals, then explore the Ingapirca ruins. Head for Guamote with a stop to see the Palmira desert dunes. 

Hike to Carral Hut at Chimborazo volcano, then it's on to Baños de Agua Santa, where you'll enjoy the waterfalls and hot springs the area is famous for. Trek the rim of the turquoise-colored Quilotoa Lagoon, then hop aboard an overnight bus to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Search for monkeys, frogs, and toucans on an early morning excursion (on foot or via canoe). You'll also have a chance to see the nocturnal animals when you embark on a guided night hike. Spend your final days in Quito, checking out the historic landmarks and taking a day trip to Otavalo to shop the markets for handcrafted souvenirs. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Uncover Ecuador: From the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Coast

This 15-day itinerary is also ideal for outdoorsy travelers who want to focus on mainland Ecuador, are keen to explore the national parks, and like to get a bit off the beaten path. On this trip, you'll have the chance to bike through Cotopaxi National Park, hike to Pailón del Diablo waterfall in Baños, search for spectacled bears and toucans in Podocarpus National Park, and sail to Isla de la Plata to observe sea lions. 

Ride the TelefériQo to the top of Cruz Loma for views of Quito, then tour the city's colonial center before visiting the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Take a bike tour in Cotopaxi National Park, stopping for lunch at some Inca ruins. Continue to Baños de Agua Santa, where you'll hike to Pailón del Diablo waterfall and swing at 8,530 feet (2600 m) at Casa del Arbol treehouse. Enjoy the views from Refuge Carrell on Chimborazo volcano, then hit the road to Cuenca with an overnight in Riobamba en route. 

Shop for silver jewelry in Chordeleg and handicrafts in Sígsig, then visit Loja, where you'll tour the colorful historic buildings and museums, including Loja Cathedral. Continue to Podocarpus National Park and search for bears, toucans, and more before returning to Cuenca for a pottery lesson with an artisan. Take a hike in El Cajas National Park en route to Guayaquil. Beach hop along the coast to Puerto López, then sail to Isla de la Plata to see sea lions and other wildlife—if you're traveling from mid-June to mid-October, keep an eye out for humpback whales. Spend your final full day at Los Frailes beaches. Learn more 

Itinerary #5: Grand Ecuadorian Adventure: Quito to the Galápagos Islands

This grand Ecuadorian adventure is for ambitious travelers that want to see as much as possible and don't mind moving at a quick pace to fit it all in. You'll hit the highlights of mainland Ecuador—including a tour and cooking class in Quito, a horseback ride in Cotopaxi National Park, a hike at Chimborazo volcano, bird-watching in Ayampe, and snorkeling in Machalilla National Park—all before spending several days exploring the Galápagos Islands. 

Explore the artsy La Floresta neighborhood and visit museums and historic locales on a Quito tour. Experience Cotopaxi National Park on horseback and spend the night in a hacienda. Visit El Pailón del Diablo waterfall and take a dip in the Baños hot springs before hiking at Chimborazo volcano. Snap photos of the Palmira dunes en route to Cuenca, then shop for souvenirs at Río Tomebamba promenade. See some high-altitude lagoons in El Cajas National Park, then satisfy your sweet tooth in a chocolate-making class. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Puerto Santa Ana in Guayaquil and surf in Montañita.

Spend a day bird-watching and sunbathing in Ayampe. Snorkel off the coast of Los Frailes in the Machalilla National Park, home to beautiful beaches, coastal birds, and other wildlife. The remainder of your Ecuador adventure is dedicated to the Galápagos Islands, where you'll see giant tortoises at a highland farm, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about environmental efforts, snorkel near Tintoreras Islet and Los Túneles (keep your eyes peeled for penguins, marine iguanas, and reef sharks), and hike the Sierra Negra volcano before returning to the mainland for departure. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Ecuador Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other 15-day Ecuador itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.