📍 Ecuador

EQUATORIAL ECUADOR: ANDES, AMAZON, AND ISLAND WONDERS

Volcanoes pierce the sky, waterfalls plunge into forest, islands rise from the ocean, jungle breathes with life. Ecuador packs in the biodiversity.

≈ 13
Days
3206
Km
5
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Quito straddling the equator, Baños waterfalls, Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands. Ecuador concentrates incredible biodiversity in a small territory.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Quito

equatorial capital meet

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7 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Quito's historic center, UNESCO World Heritage listed
2
Visit to Plaza de la Independencia and the Basilica del Voto Nacional
🎯

Activities

→
Cable car ride on the TeleferiQo offering panoramic views of the city and Pichincha volcano
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Typical Ecuadorian dinner and discovery of local cuisine
2
Day

Quito

equatorial capital meet

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

Discover

1
Excursion to Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan museum on the equator line
2
Walk in La Carolina park and visit to the botanical garden
🎯

Activities

→
Guided visit to Quito's artisan market and discovery of local crafts
3
Day

Quito

equatorial capital meet

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

Discover

1
Full-day excursion to Cotopaxi volcano and hiking in the national park
2
Condor watching and Andean landscapes
🎯

Activities

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Lunch in a traditional hacienda
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 2h
4
Day

Ambato

highland gateway market

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8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Journey to Ambato crossing the central Andes
2
Discovery of Ambato's downtown and Cevallos park
🎯

Activities

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Visit to Casa de Montalvo and the Juan Montalvo museum
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 152 km
Travel time: 2h30
5
Day

Banos

waterfall paradox jungle

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10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to Baños and discovery of the waterfalls on the Waterfall Route
2
Walk to San Francisco Bridge and view of the Pastaza River
🎯

Activities

→
Canyoning or zip-lining session in the Baños valley
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 1h
6
Day

Ambato

highland gateway market

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

Discover

1
Visit to Chimborazo volcano, Ecuador's highest peak
2
Hike in the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve
🎯

Activities

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Vicuña observation and panoramic photography
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 2h
7
Day

Guayaquil

coastal hub mangrove

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7 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Journey to Guayaquil passing through subtropical valleys
2
Discovery of the colorful Las Peñas neighborhood and Malecón 2000
🎯

Activities

→
Climb up Cerro Santa Ana to admire the city from El Faro
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 258 km
Travel time: 4h
8
Day

Guayaquil

coastal hub mangrove

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7 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
2
Discovery of the Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art
🎯

Activities

→
Cruise on the Guayas River or bike ride on Isla Santay
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Giant tortoise observation in El Chato Reserve
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 1515.6 km
Travel time: 10h
9
Day

Puerto Ayora

galapagos island tortoises

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8 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Flight Guayaquil – Galápagos Islands (Baltra) and transfer to Santa Cruz
2
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on Tortuga Bay beach
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Vol prochaine étape
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 1000 km
Travel time: 10h
10
Day

Puerto Ayora

galapagos island tortoises

Puerto Ayora - Photo 1Puerto Ayora - Photo 2Puerto Ayora - Photo 3Puerto Ayora - Photo 4Puerto Ayora - Photo 5Puerto Ayora - Photo 6Puerto Ayora - Photo 7Puerto Ayora - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Boat excursion to Bartolomé Island to observe volcanic landscapes
2
Snorkeling with sea lions and tropical fish
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on Tortuga Bay beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ADVENTURES BETWEEN VOLCANOES, WATERFALLS AND JUNGLE – ROAD TRIP IN ECUADOR

📅 17 days 🛣️ 1176.5 Km

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

📅 7 days 🛣️ 635 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 10 and 16 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.