📍 Ecuador

CLOUD FOREST TO RAINFOREST: ECUADOR'S VERTICAL JOURNEY

Cloud forests drip with mist, waterfalls thunder through the green, hot springs steam. Ecuador's sierra is wild, raw beauty untouched.

≈ 7
Days
635
Km
5
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

From Quito at 2,800 meters to Tena's jungle, through Mindo's cloud forest, Baños waterfalls and Papallacta hot springs. Ecuador changes with every altitude.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Quito

equatorial highland crown

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 and the Basílica del Voto Nacional, with climb to the towers to admire the view.
2
Visit to the Mitad del Mundo monument to stand on the Equator line and discover ethnographic exhibitions.
🎯

Activities

→
Excursion to the Teleférico de Quito and hike on the Rucu Pichincha trail for a panoramic view of the capital.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 85 km
Travel time: 2h
2
Day

Mindo

cloud forest mist drip

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

Discover

1
Visit to the Mariposario de Mindo to observe a wide variety of butterflies and local orchids.
2
Walk to the Nambillo waterfall by taking the tarabita (cable car) above the tropical forest.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in the river at the foot of Nambillo waterfall.
→
Bird watching in the Mindo reserve, renowned for its hummingbirds and toucans.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 240 km
Travel time: 5h
3
Day

Banos

waterfall cascade 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 3
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the waterfalls around Baños, including the famous Pailón del Diablo, accessible via a suspension bridge.
2
Climb to the Mirador de la Virgen for a view of Baños and the Tungurahua volcano.
🎯

Activities

→
Thermal baths at the Baños de Agua Santa for a relaxing moment.
→
Tarabita ride above the gorges to admire the waterfalls.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h30
4
Day

Tena

rainforest river gateway

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

Discover

1
Discovery of the town of Shell and the small museum dedicated to Nate Saint, pioneer of missionary aviation.
2
Visit to the local zoo near the military base to observe Amazonian fauna.
🎯

Activities

→
Canoe excursion on the Río Napo from Puerto Misahuallí to reach a local community.
→
Swimming in a jungle river around Tena, typical experience of the Amazon basin.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 175 km
Travel time: 4h
5
Day

Papallacta

geothermal spring steam

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

Discover

1
Observation of Andean landscapes and páramo while ascending to the highlands.
2
Walk around the lagoons and tall grasses of the páramo.
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation at the Papallacta hot springs in natural outdoor hot water pools.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h30
6
Day

Quito

equatorial highland crown

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

Discover

1
Return to Quito via the scenic route and stop to taste the famous Helados Mickos.
🎯

Activities

→
Free walk through the artisan markets of Quito before departure.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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

📅 17 days 🛣️ 1176.5 Km

THREE WEEKS ACROSS THE EQUATOR: ANDES, AMAZON AND GALÁPAGOS

📅 13 days 🛣️ 3205.6 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 6 and 8 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.