1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury Cultural Immersion in Quito & the Amazon

Discover the best of Ecuador on this luxury one-week itinerary, featuring a culturally rich stay in Quito and thrilling jungle adventures in the Amazon. Insightful exchanges with Indigenous peoples, an Ecuadorian cooking class, and guided hikes make this itinerary ideal for first-time travelers seeking a well-rounded tour. Moreover, Quito's 5-star Casa Gangotena, a lavish ecolodge reachable by canoe, and a stop by the famous Papallacta Hot Springs elevate your Ecuadorian stay.

Welcome to Ecuador! Your luxurious journey begins in Quito, and thanks to a chef-led cooking class and a stay at the 5-star Casa Gangotena, you'll ease into the high altitude in style. Pick up the pace the next day during a private walking tour of Quito's colonial center, followed by a fabulous afternoon sampling wine and chocolate on a specialized excursion. Then, on your final day in Quito, head to Cotacachi for an immersion into Indigenous culture. During this tour, meet people native to the Imbabura region, who'll welcome you into their home for lunch and demonstrate time-honored weaving techniques.

The second half of your adventure includes a three-day stay at the remote Sacha Lodge, in the heart of the Amazon and adjacent to Yasuni National Park. After settling in, join a local guide for an introductory hike to the blackwater lake of Pilchicocha. Another grand adventure awaits the next day, this one featuring a hike between canopy-surrounded observation decks and a revitalizing purification ritual led by a local shaman. Then, spend your final day in the Amazon canoeing, fishing, and birding before wrapping up your adventure with a soak at the famous Papallacta Hot Springs. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Ecuadorian Highlands Getaway: Culture, Adventure & Open Skies

Embrace Ecuador's luxurious side during this insightful getaway, guiding you through the country's deeply rooted traditions and culinary scene. Perfect for returning visitors and those eager for immersive cultural experiences, you'll zip to Mitad del Mundo to hop between fascinating museums, be privileged to a home-cooked lunch in a local Indigenous community, and learn the art of embroidering authentic textiles. Touches of adventure have also been tossed in for good measure, including a scenic hot-air balloon ride and a horseback riding excursion in the Andes.

Straight after landing in Quito, you'll get your first taste of the country's welcoming hospitality during a cooking class at the elegant Casa Gangotena. Then, spend the rest of the evening indulging in the first-class amenities at your accommodation, Hotel Plaza Grande, which sets you up perfectly for the following day's trip to Mitad del Mundo. Here, seek out the Monument of the Equator and enjoy unhurried visits to the Ethnographic Museum and Intiñan Museum. Bidding farewell to Quito, you'll next check into Hacienda Zuleta, a beautiful countryside retreat in the mountain town of Otavalo.

In anticipation of a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over vast Andean landscapes, dedicate your first evening in Otavalo to a leisurely stroll through the town's bustling market. Then, once you're back on solid ground post-balloon flight, spend the rest of the day with locals learning about traditional handicrafts. With two more days in Otavalo, you'll find plenty of time to horseback ride through the highlands, join an embroidery lesson, and take in stunning scenery from a horse-drawn carriage. Afterward, detour to Papallacta Hot Springs for a revitalizing dip in volcanic waters before departing for the Quito airport. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Outdoor Adventures & Luxury in Ecuador's Highlands: Quito, Cotopaxi & Baños

Immerse yourself in Ecuador's wild side without forgoing your creature comforts on this adventure-filled journey through the Andes. Starting in Quito, soar over jagged peaks in a helicopter and dine atop a volcano. Then, spend two days hiking and horseback riding amid the windswept plains and crater lakes of Cotopaxi National Park before pausing in Baños de Agua Santa for a waterfalls tour. Throughout, Hacienda-style accommodations give you plenty of opportunity to refresh and unwind.

There's an abundance of thrilling activities to look forward to over the coming week, but first, ease into the high altitude of Quito during a top-notch spa session at La Palma Polo Hotel. Pampered, you'll be refreshed and ready for the following morning's helicopter ride over Andean peaks and an equally enthralling lunch atop a dormant volcano. Later, stand between hemispheres at Mitad del Mundo before tucking in for the night. Then, on your final day in Quito, embark on a private walking tour of the city's colonial center and cook up an Ecuadorian feast alongside an expert chef.

You've had a taste of Ecuador's highland adventures, and now it's time to get your heart pumping during a two-day stay near Cotopaxi National Park. En route, conquer a hike amid Inca ruins at Laguna de Limpiopungo and a horseback ride amid native forests before enjoying a well-deserved slumber at the remote Hacienda El Porvenir. The next morning, don your trail shoes once again for a full-day exploration around the rugged rim of Laguna Quilotoa. Lastly, transfer to Baños de Agua Santa, where an exhilarating hike to a roaring waterfall perfectly caps off your trip. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Southern Ecuador Exploration: Guayaquil to Cuenca

Ideal for those craving authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, this luxury journey introduces you to the unspoiled beauty and traditional rural life of southern Ecuador. Private guides will ensure every moment is catered to your interests while leading the way through Guayaquil, Reserva Natural La Esperanza, El Cajas National Park, and Cuenca. In addition, with 5-star hotels and a sprawling countryside estate to call home, even your downtime will be wrapped in elegance.

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a driver will collect you from the airport and whisk you to the well-appointed Hotel del Parque. Pause for a quick refresh, then spend the rest of the evening exploring the enchanting waterfront promenade and the colorful neighborhood of Las Peñas alongside a local guide. The next morning, enjoy a stroll amid sloths and monkeys in Parque Histórico before packing up for a transfer to Hacienda La Danesa. This well-appointed countryside retreat is set on a working dairy farm and cacao plantation, which you'll have plenty of time to explore between nature-filled outings.

Speaking of, a guided hike in Reserva Natural La Esperanza lands next on your itinerary, followed by a chocolate-making workshop and options for biking, horseback riding, or even milking cows. Afterward, stop for a trek amid glacier lakes in El Cajas National Park while en route to Cuenca on Day 5. Your accommodation here, the 5-star ITZA boutique hotel, is brimming with old-world charm, but don't get too cozy, as dinner awaits at the premier La Cava San Miguel. Lastly, get crafty during a pottery workshop and detour to the 15th-century ruins at Ingapirca before prepping for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Ecuador City & Cloud Forest Escape

Limit travel time for a deeper immersion into nature and luxury on this tastefully curated escape in northern Ecuador. You'll begin in the bustling capital of Quito, indulging in fine dining and the amenities of the 5-star Casa Gangotena. Then, pop to the Middle of the World before spending three rejuvenating days tucked within cloud forests at Masphi Lodge. Upon returning to Quito, join a distinguished chef to craft Ecuadorian dishes and treat yourself to a day of pampering at Papallacta Hot Springs.

Your luxury-wrapped tour of Ecuador begins with a two-day stay in Quito, the first of which you'll spend shrugging off jet lag in style. Check in and relax at the 5-star Casa Gangotena, then don your finest for an elevated dinner at the renowned Zazu. Head out of the city the following day to Mitad del Mundo, where, after straddling the hemispheres, you'll have time to explore fascinating museums and savor a meal atop the striking Pululahua volcano. Next, say farewell (for now) to Quito and settle in for a transfer to the renowned Mashpi Lodge located in Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve. 

While it'd be easy to laze all day in the ecolodge's Jacuzzi, the enchanting cloud forest is sure to draw you in, especially considering there's a thrilling zipline route to conquer. Additionally, slip into your trail shoes for an adventure along the Howler Monkeys Trail and an engaging hummingbird-watching tour. Then, on the afternoon of Day 6, return to Quito's Casa Gangotena, where you'll be treated to a gourmet cooking workshop. Now refueled, cap off your journey with a detour to Papallacta Hot Springs for a rejuvenating soak before catching your flight home. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Ecuador Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other one-week Ecuador itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.