• Taking a cruise to the Galapagos Islands
• Horseback riding through Ecuador’s scenic trails
• Learning more about unique Galapagos wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Reserve.
• Hiking in the Andes Mountains
• Exploring the Amazon Jungle
• Visiting the colorful city of Quito and shopping in amazing markets
• Learning about Ecuador’s fascinating culture

Ecuador in 1 Week

Although Ecuador is a small country, it’s best to focus your efforts if you only have one week to explore. One common route is to spend a few days exploring the Amazon region, followed by some Andean mountain sights.

Day 1-2, Quito: Begin in Quito, the country’s capital. Here you will be introduced to the colonial history of Ecuador, as well as get the famous photo op on the Equator line.

Day 3, Banos: This mountain town is a great place for horseback riding and mountain biking, and experiencing ancient Andean life. After a long day, soak in the towns nearby natural hot springs.

Day 4-5, Tena Region: The perfect introduction to the mysterious and beautiful Ecuadorian Amazon. This region is not only one of the most beautiful, it’s also one of the most adventurous - prepare for some serious adrenaline pumping! Here you may also have the opportunity to homestay with a local Quichua family.

Day 6, Otavalo: The town famous for having the largest indigenous market in Ecuador. Stroll through countless stalls in a maze of colorful fabrics, and learn about traditional craft making from locals.

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Ecuador & The Galápagos in 2 Weeks

Tours to the Galapagos typically focus only on the islands, which are often thought of very separate from mainland Ecuador. Travelers who have around two weeks can spend enough time exploring the islands as well as visiting some of the main sites in Ecuador.

Day 1, Quito: Start your tour in Quito, where you’ll learn about Ecuador’s extensive colonial and native histories. Visit the famous Equator line for a fun photo-op.  

Day 2, Otavalo: Head to Otavalo to experience the largest indigenous market in Ecuador. Stroll through the dizzying maze of stalls at your leisure, browsing impeccable handmade crafts and brightly colored fabrics.

Day 3-4, Avenue of the Volcanos: Take a mini Andes region tour through the Avenue of the Volcanos route. You might visit Cotopaxi National Park on your way to Banos, where you’ll get a small taste of the Amazon.

Day 5-6, Ecuadorian Amazon: Experience the most biodiverse rainforest in the world as you explore the incredible Ecuadorian Amazon. Stay overnight in a classic ecolodge and take canoe trips along the river for a chance to spot the many unique and rare species of the area.

Day 7, Devil’s Nose Train: Enjoy this thrilling railway ride down steep mountainsides, taking in the stunning Andean scenery. Continue on to Guayaquil, the famous port city from which you’ll transfer to the Galapagos.

Day 8, Santa Cruz Island: Fly to the Galapagos and arrive at Santa Cruz Island for your first taste of this remarkable region. Santa Cruz is one of the best islands for observing the Giant Tortoises for which the islands are named, and you’ll also have a chance to visit the Charles Darwin Research Center.

Day 9, Isabela Island: The largest island on the Galapagos is where you’ll get to do a lot of hiking among other worldly landscapes.

Day 10, San Cristobal Island: Visit where Darwin first set foot on the Galapagos islands in 1835. Go snorkeling among sea lions, tropical fish, and iguanas for one of the most spectacular experiences.

Day 11 - 13, Galapagos: Continue exploring the Galapagos and all the incredible wildlife there is to see. On this day, spend more time in Puerto Ayora, where you can relax and enjoy nice meals and fun outdoor bars. Do more hiking and photography tours to capture the incredible wildlife, known for their lack of fear around humans.

Day 14, Guayaquil: Arrive back on the mainland through one of the South America’s most important ports in Guayaquil the “pearl of the pacific”.

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