Go deep into one of the most biodiverse spots on earth, the Yasuní National Park. Located in the heart of the Amazon, you'll explore pristine forests, rivers and lagoons while keeping an eye out for different species of monkeys and birds, as well as endemic insects and plants. You'll also have the opportunity get to do a cultural exchange with the native Kichua people to learn about their history and culture.
The Galápagos Islands and Amazon rainforest are two of South America's most biodiverse regions—and you'll see them in style over 10 packed days. It's a grand Ecuadorian adventure starting in the islands, where you'll alternate between excursions on land and time enjoying the scenery from the deck of your luxury cruiser. Then, trade the ocean for the jungle as you head into the Amazon for nature hikes, swimming with river dolphins, cooking classes with Indigenous communities, and more.
If you want to visit Ecuador but can't decide between city or rainforest life, this itinerary has the best of both worlds. Start in Quito to see colonial churches and visit the equatorial line, then head to the Amazon rainforest. Spend three days in Yasuni National Park relaxing at an ecolodge, panning for gold in a stream, and learning to make chocolate the authentic way.
Young explorers and aspiring adventurers will love this family-friendly itinerary that takes you from the high-altitude capital of Quito to the biodiverse rainforests of Yasuní National Park. Head deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon for three nights in a jungle lodge, where kids can spot remarkable wildlife like monkeys, otters, and parrots. Broaden their horizons with visits to the local Indigenous community, then fly back to Quito for kid-friendly museums and a scenic cable car ride over the capital.
Explore two of the world's most diverse wildlife destinations in one trip! This 10-day itinerary will take your family through the wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and the Galapágos Islands, with a couple of nights in high-altitude Quito to boot. You and the kids will get up close to macaws, giant tortoises, and sea lions in their natural habitats, experience both traditional life in the Amazon and Quito's city style, and learn about one of the frontiers of science and conservation research.
For most travelers, six to eight days is the perfect amount of time for an Ecuador trip, with stops in both Quito and Yasuni National Park. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as five days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil. Keep reading for more inspiring Quito and Yasuni National Park itineraries.
Immerse yourself in Ecuador's cultural heritage over seven days, which will take you from the cobbled streets of highland cities to the rainforests and tribal communities of the Amazon. In Quito, you'll discover Ecuadorian heritage through its cuisine with private cooking classes and chocolate tours, plus visit Indigenous communities in nearby towns. Then, venture deep into the Amazon to an exclusive lodge near Yasuni National Park for jungle adventures like nature hikes and ancient purification rituals.
Most travelers will find that 10 to 14 days is perfect for a well-paced Ecuador trip with stops in Quito, Puerto Ayora, Yasuni National Park, and Isla San Cristóbal. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—our favorite itinerary extension includes Puerto Villamil. See more ideas for Quito, Puerto Ayora, Yasuni National Park, and Isla San Cristóbal itineraries below.
Experience two of Ecuador's most remarkable ecosystems in style on this 10-day adventure. Starting from the capital of Quito, set off into the wilds of the Amazon and board a three-night luxury river cruise through Yasuni National Park. Spot primates, parrots, and piranhas as you explore the rainforest by kayak and on foot, returning to the comfort of your ship each evening. Then, it's time to switch gears and fly to the Galápagos for an itinerary of island hopping, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters.
Combine cultural sightseeing with two bucket-list nature cruises for the ultimate two-week adventure in Ecuador. You'll start in Quito, with day trips to Mindo and Otavalo, then journey deep into Yasuní National Park for a multi-day cruise through the Amazon rainforest. Fly to the Galápagos for another four nights of cruising to uninhabited islands and unspoiled beaches—witnessing volcanic landscapes and remarkable wildlife as you explore the hidden corners of this biodiverse paradise.
The highlands, the Amazon, and the cloud forests—explore these natural wonders by day while staying in some of Ecuador's most scenic spots without skimping on luxury. You'll start by hitting the highlights of the capital city, Quito, then venture deep into the Amazon for three days of exotic nature excursions. Experience a different ecosystem altogether as you bird watch in the cloud forests of Mashpi, then wrap everything up with some luxury glamping near the volcanoes of Cotopaxi.
On this 10-day journey through Ecuador, you will experience culture and extraordinary wildlife. It is the perfect trip for the curious traveler who wants to see the magic of the Amazonian jungle, learn about indigenous communities, and experience history in the UNESCO-listed city of Quito. Zipline between trees through the rainforest, drink Wayusa with the Kichwa locals and shop for local crafts at the Otavalo Market.
Cover two of Ecuador's most scenic and biodiverse regions on this 10-day tour suited for outdoor adventurers who like a touch of luxury. Stay in 5-star hotels in Quito as you explore the capital's Spanish colonial center before hitting the road through the highlands, stopping to hike around volcanoes and waterfalls. Then, travel deep into the Amazon, where, along with naturalist guides, you'll go on nature hikes to spot the rainforest's most famous residents, including parrots, monkeys, and jaguars.
Pack your binoculars and your sense of wonder for this 15-day journey from the Ecuadorian Andes to the Amazon rainforest and back. Start in Quito to discover its rich history and culture, then head to Yasuní National Park to observe biodiverse jungle life at a rainforest lodge. Continue to the cloud forests of Mindo, where avid bird-watchers can spot some of its 550 species alongside monkeys, butterflies, and waterfalls, then return to the capital to wind down with some relaxed city sightseeing.
Nature lovers will adore this journey through Ecuador, which takes you to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Start in Quito, where you'll tour the city, take a cooking class, and visit the equator. Take a day trip to an Indigenous market and volcanic crater lake, then head into the Amazon for some wildlife spotting and a visit to a Kichwa community. Return to Quito and fly to the Galápagos, where you'll see giant turtles, snorkel with marine wildlife, try paddleboarding, and hike up a volcano.
Spend 11 days exploring the biodiverse landscapes of Ecuador, from the Andes to the Amazon. Travel from Quito deep into the rainforest of Yasuní National Park for a chance to see parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife. Then, hop on a horse to explore Cotopaxi National Park, where you can find volcanic lakes and stunning views of the active volcano. Finally, unwind in Baños and Papallacta, watching the views from bubbling hot springs.
Experience the best of Ecuador's mainland and Peru's highlights on this two-week trip. Start in Quito to tour the UNESCO-designated city center, then head to the Amazon for cultural experiences with the Kichwa indigenous community, wildlife viewing, and a peaceful rainforest atmosphere. Return to Quito by way of Cotopaxi National Park, home to the eponymous volcano. Then, catch a flight to Lima—the urban hub of Peru. End the trip with a visit to Cusco's pre-Inca ruins and a tour of the Sacred Valley and imperial Machu Picchu residence.
Unplug and de-stress on this nature-filled, nine-day escape to Ecuador. Start in the capital of Quito for city sightseeing, then venture into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforests of Yasuní National Park, where you'll meet the forest's traditional guardians and spot its spectacular wildlife. It's on to Cotopaxi National Park to see sweeping Andean grasslands by horseback, then wind your way along the dramatic Route of Waterfalls in Baños before ending your trip with a soak in the Papallacta hot springs.
Combine a luxury vacation with bucket-list adventures in one of the best places for it: Ecuador. First, walk amid fascinating colonial history in Quito and dine at some of the country's best restaurants before exploring the rugged volcanoes and frontiers outside the city. Next, spend a few days on rainforest hikes at an exclusive lodge in the Amazon before concluding the adventure in the famous Galápagos archipelago, where you'll embark on daily private yacht excursions around this biodiverse wonderland.
Spend two weeks in Ecuador walking amid history, hiking national parks, exploring the Amazon, taking cooking classes, and more. Explore Quito's colonial landmarks and snack on decadent Ecuadorian chocolate, followed by a trip to the famous Indigenous market in Otavalo and hikes around the snowcapped cone of Cotopaxi volcano. After the highlands, fly to the Amazon for a few days of rainforest adventures, then conclude with stops in Spanish colonial Cuenca and farm tours near the coast.
Strike out on an adventure across Ecuador's most famous regions, from the highlands to the Amazon rainforest. It begins in Quito with a tour of the capital's UNESCO-listed colonial center and cultural monuments before hiking to waterfalls, lakes, and volcanoes in the highland Cotopaxi region. Then, explore awe-inspiring pre-Columbian ruins before rounding out the adventure with canoe rides and nature hikes in the pristine Amazon forests at Yasuní National Park.
