📍 Ecuador

MAINLAND ECUADOR: VOLCANOES, MARKETS, AND JUNGLE RIVERS

Volcanoes pierce the sky, waterfalls dive into green, markets burst with color, jungle pulses with life. Mainland Ecuador is pure adventure.

≈ 17
Days
1177
Km
8
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Quito, Otavalo market, Quilotoa crater, Baños waterfalls, Amazon from Puyo, colonial Cuenca and Guayaquil. Mainland Ecuador from Andes to Amazon.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Quito

andean tradition heritage

Quito - Photo 1Quito - Photo 2Quito - Photo 3Quito - Photo 4Quito - Photo 5Quito - Photo 6Quito - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Quito's historic center, UNESCO World Heritage listed, including Plaza Grande, the cathedral and colonial streets.
2
Visit to the Basilica del Voto Nacional and climb the towers for a panoramic view.
3
Ascent to El Panecillo viewpoint to admire the Virgin statue and the view over the city.
🎯

Activities

→
Evening stroll through the illuminated historic center.
2
Day

Quito

andean tradition heritage

Quito - Photo 1Quito - Photo 2Quito - Photo 3Quito - Photo 4Quito - Photo 5Quito - Photo 6Quito - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to the Mitad del Mundo monument to put one foot in each hemisphere.
2
Exploration of the Pululahua geobotanical reserve, a unique inhabited crater in the world.
3
Discovery of the Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila, blending art and Andean culture.
🎯

Activities

→
Coffee break with view over the Pululahua crater.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 40min
3
Day

Quito

andean tradition heritage

Quito - Photo 1Quito - Photo 2Quito - Photo 3Quito - Photo 4Quito - Photo 5Quito - Photo 6Quito - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
TelefériQo cable car ascent up to 4000 meters for a spectacular view over Quito and Pichincha volcano.
2
Short hike on the Rucu Pichincha trail (weather permitting).
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset observation from the summit.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 66.5 km
Travel time: 1h07
4
Day

Otavalo

indigenous market textile

Otavalo - Photo 1Otavalo - Photo 2Otavalo - Photo 3Otavalo - Photo 4Otavalo - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Journey to Otavalo and visit of the famous artisan market, renowned for its colorful textiles and indigenous objects.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk around Lake San Pablo at the foot of Imbabura volcano.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 95 km
Travel time: 2h
5
Day

Otavalo

indigenous market textile

Otavalo - Photo 1Otavalo - Photo 2Otavalo - Photo 3Otavalo - Photo 4Otavalo - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Hike around Cuicocha lagoon, formed in an ancient volcanic crater.
2
Discovery of Peguche waterfall, a sacred place for local communities.
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of weaving artisans from Otavalo in their workshops.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 30min
6
Day

Latacunga

colonial charm town

Latacunga - Photo 1Latacunga - Photo 2Latacunga - Photo 3Latacunga - Photo 4Latacunga - Photo 5Latacunga - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Route to the Cotopaxi region with stop at a traditional Andean hacienda.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on foot or horseback in the surrounding Andean landscapes.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 3h30
7
Day

Quilotoa

crater lake volcanic

Quilotoa - Photo 1Quilotoa - Photo 2Quilotoa - Photo 3Quilotoa - Photo 4Quilotoa - Photo 5Quilotoa - Photo 6Quilotoa - Photo 7Quilotoa - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Hike around the crater of Quilotoa lagoon, famous for its turquoise waters.
🎯

Activities

→
Optional descent to the lake shore and ascent by mule.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 1h
8
Day

Banos

cascade waterfall roar

Banos - Photo 1Banos - Photo 2Banos - Photo 3Banos - Photo 4Banos - Photo 5Banos - Photo 6Banos - Photo 7Banos - Photo 8Banos - Photo 9Banos - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Cotopaxi National Park, observation of the active volcano and Limpiopungo Lake.
🎯

Activities

→
Light hiking around the lake and spotting alpacas and condors.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2h30
9
Day

Banos

cascade waterfall roar

Banos - Photo 1Banos - Photo 2Banos - Photo 3Banos - Photo 4Banos - Photo 5Banos - Photo 6Banos - Photo 7Banos - Photo 8Banos - Photo 9Banos - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Pailón del Diablo waterfall, impressive waterfall in the heart of the jungle.
2
Discovery of Machay and Manto de la Novia waterfalls along the waterfall route.
🎯

Activities

→
Bike ride or buggy ride on the waterfall route.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 40min
10
Day

Puyo

amazon gateway forest

Puyo - Photo 1Puyo - Photo 2Puyo - Photo 3Puyo - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Amazon rainforest and Mirador Indichuris, overlooking the Pastaza River.
2
Walk to a secret waterfall in the jungle.
🎯

Activities

→
Meeting with a local Kichwa community and introduction to their traditions.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h30
11
Day

Banos

cascade waterfall roar

Banos - Photo 1Banos - Photo 2Banos - Photo 3Banos - Photo 4Banos - Photo 5Banos - Photo 6Banos - Photo 7Banos - Photo 8Banos - Photo 9Banos - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Second visit to Pailón del Diablo for another perspective of the waterfall.
2
Visit to the famous Swing at the End of the World, swing above the void.
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation time at the thermal baths of Baños.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h30
12
Day

Cuenca

cultural jewel colonial

Cuenca - Photo 1Cuenca - Photo 2Cuenca - Photo 3Cuenca - Photo 4Cuenca - Photo 5Cuenca - Photo 6Cuenca - Photo 7Cuenca - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Long journey to Cuenca through the Andes mountain range, panoramic stops along the way.
🎯

Activities

→
Quiet evening in the historic center of Cuenca.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 320 km
Travel time: 7h
13
Day

Guayaquil

coastal energy city

Guayaquil - Photo 1Guayaquil - Photo 2Guayaquil - Photo 3Guayaquil - Photo 4Guayaquil - Photo 5Guayaquil - Photo 6Guayaquil - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Cajas National Park, hiking between glacial lakes and observation of Andean wildlife.
🎯

Activities

→
Route to Guayaquil with stops at cacao plantations.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 195 km
Travel time: 4h
14
Day

Guayaquil

coastal energy city

Guayaquil - Photo 1Guayaquil - Photo 2Guayaquil - Photo 3Guayaquil - Photo 4Guayaquil - Photo 5Guayaquil - Photo 6Guayaquil - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Guayaquil's historic center and stroll along the Malecon 2000.
2
Climb to the colorful neighborhood of Las Peñas for a panoramic view of the city.
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation on the banks of the Guayas River before departure.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

FROM THE SIERRA TO THE JUNGLE: ADVENTURE ON THE ROADS OF ECUADOR

📅 7 days 🛣️ 635 Km

THREE WEEKS ACROSS THE EQUATOR: ANDES, AMAZON AND GALÁPAGOS

📅 13 days 🛣️ 3205.6 Km

AUTHENTIC COLOMBIA: FROM THE CARIBBEAN COAST TO THE ANDES

📅 16 days 🛣️ 3000 Km

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (June-September): Best weather in highlands, clear mountain views, ideal for Andes trekking, peak tourist season, higher prices.

Wet Season (October-May): Warmer coast weather, Amazon accessible, fewer crowds, lower prices, afternoon showers common.

Galápagos: Year-round destination, each season different wildlife, December-May warmer/wetter, June-November cooler/drier, book well in advance.

Regional Variations: Coast hot and humid, Andes cooler with altitude, Amazon hot and wet, plan clothing for diverse climates.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 20 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Ecuador?

Compact country with Amazon rainforest, Galápagos Islands, and Andean highlands diversity. Experience indigenous markets, incredible biodiversity, and world-heritage sites. The country offers adventure activities with authentic cultural immersion and stunning natural phenomena. Ecuador provides comprehensive South American experiences in geographically compact and affordable destination.