10 Days in Ecuador - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Amazon Luxury Cruise & Galápagos Island Hopping

Perfectly combining pristine landscapes with generous touches of luxury, this 10-day itinerary takes you on a grand tour of Ecuador's Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. While calling the opulent Manatee Amazon Explorer riverboat home, you'll canoe, hike, and glide your way through wildlife-filled waterways. Then, jet to the Galápagos Islands, where, between nights at luxury hotels, you'll explore the stunning coastlines and remote beaches of Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela.

Welcome to Ecuador! Your adventure begins with a short but delightful one-day stay at Quito's 5-star Casa Gangotena, after which you're off to the Amazonian city of Coca. Here, a motorized canoe awaits for a scenic ride through Yasuni National Park to the Manatee Amazon Explorer—a luxury riverboat and your home for three nights. Your evenings onboard offer plenty of opportunities to sip cocktails and relax, while the daytime activities really raise the bar. Hop off for a canoe trip to Pañacocha, visit an Indigenous community, and embark on a nighttime forest walk before returning to Quito.

The second leg of your journey begins with a flight to the spectacular Galápagos Islands for four days of island hopping. Starting at Isla Santa Cruz, home to the renowned Charles Darwin Station, you'll delve into the archipelago's diverse flora and fauna. Afterward, venture to Isla Isabela for an exhilarating day of hiking and snorkeling and an overnight stay at the stunning Cuna del Sol Beach hotel. Lastly, you'll circle back to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll spend your remaining time trekking to the remote Tortuga Bay, yachting to a nearby deserted island, and unwinding on pristine beaches. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Hacienda Hop Around Ecuador's Mountains & Coast

Discover rolling plains, waterfalls cascading through cloud forests, historic towns, and picturesque ranches on this upscale highlights itinerary across Ecuador. Perfect for those seeking a fast-paced trip overflowing with active adventures, you'll hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride through the Andean highlands to the Pacific coast. Between excursions, tuck in for the night at picture-perfect haciendas, each chosen for their comfort and privileged location.

There's an abundance of thrilling activities to look forward to over the coming days, but first, spend an evening rejuvenating at the lavish Hacienda Rumiloma in Quito's outskirts. Then, transfer to Cotopaxi the following morning, where an enchanting horseback ride awaits, as well as an adventure to volcano-backed Laguna Santo Domingo. Continuing south, pause in Baños de Agua Santa to check out the region's waterfalls and the dormant Chimborazo stratovolcano. Eventually, you'll reach Riobamba in central Ecuador and settle in for a two-day stay at the elegant Hacienda Abraspungo. 

After spending your first night enjoying Riobamba's quaint ambience, you'll be energized for a day trip to the rugged Chorrera Canyon. Next, a transfer sees you to the 15th-century Ingapirca ruins on Day 7 and onward to the forest-surrounded Hacienda Dos Chorreras. Wake early the following morning to squeeze in a private tour of Cuenca's cobbled streets, then veer northeast to the port city of Guayaquil, where Hacienda La Danesa welcomes you in for your final nights. Wake up to a ranch-style breakfast and squeeze in a horseback ride before prepping for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Ecuador Adventure: Amazon, Cloud Forest & Highlands

This alternative highlights adventure merges experiences in the Ecuador Amazon, cloud forest, and highlands with two nights of glamping. Begin in Yasuni National Park, where you can witness parrots feeding on mineral-rich soil and interact with Indigenous Amazonian communities. Continue your experience with two rejuvenating days at the cloud forest-surrounded Mashpi Lodge, followed by a luxury stay at the Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge in the Andean highlands. This itinerary, filled with privately guided nature excursions, is perfect for those seeking to get away in style.

Straight after landing in Quito, you'll get your first taste of the country's lavish side during a cocktail crafting class at the opulent Casa Gangotena. Then, split the next day between a private walking tour of Quito's colonial center and a trip to the Monument to the Equator before prepping for your upcoming adventure in the Amazon. It'll take a plane and canoe to reach the Napo Wildlife Center, but given this rainforest-immersed ecolodge is your home for three memorable nights, it's well worth the journey. Especially as it provides excellent access to hiking, canoeing, and mingling with locals.

Afterward, transfer to the premier Mashpi Lodge within the Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve. Nature certainly takes center stage at this luxurious ecolodge, and thanks to naturalist guides on standby, you can hike, bike, and laze to your heart's content. Next, transfer to Cotopaxi National Park and experience divine glamping at Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge. From the doorstep of your swanky tent, hike in search of native wildlife, horseback ride under the snowcapped peaks of Cotopaxi volcano, and even try your hand at farm chores before toasting to the end of your Ecuadorian adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Voyage into Ecuador's Highlands & Rainforest

Perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace packed with equal amounts of active and leisurely time in nature, this luxury-infused trip is all about quality time in nature. Throughout, you'll hike amid the volcanic-riddled Andean highlands, glide through the drowned landscapes of Yasuni National Park, and trek to glassy lakes. Additionally, let yourself be spoiled at remote properties specially selected for their comfort and hospitality and pause in Quito for a taste of city life.

Your journey begins with a two-day stay in Ecuador's historic capital of Quito, where you'll check out city highlights and venture to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). Next, transfer to Cotopaxi National Park and spend the day hiking amid the beauty of Lago Limpiopungo before continuing to Baños de Agua Santa. This charming town is famous for its abundance of waterfalls, which you'll get well acquainted with during an exciting canyoning adventure and throughout a scenic drive along the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route). Additionally, enjoy leisurely evenings at your accommodation, the Luna Volcán Adventure Spa.

From Baños de Agua Santa, return to Quito for a quick overnight on Day 6, and then you're off to your next and final destination—Napo Wildlife Center. This divine ecolodge is reachable by motorized canoe, meaning you'll be sleeping tucked into the lush Amazon landscapes of Yasuni National Park. Throughout your stay, you'll have plenty of opportunities to learn about this protected area, both from the comfort of the lodge and during fascinating excursions. Hike to the parrot clay licks, visit an Indigenous community, and explore the nearby lake by canoe before rounding off your adventure with a flight back to Quito. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Cruising in the Galápagos & Ecuadorian Amazon

Awaken to the joyful calls of birds and the soothing lapping of waves from the comfort of a luxury vessel—a memorable experience you'll cherish during this Ecuadorian getaway. Your first cruising destination is the remote Galápagos Islands, where you'll hop between volcanic coves and golden beaches. Then, continue to Yasuni National Park and savor four days of Amazonian excursions and scenery. This itinerary minimizes travel time and maximizes relaxation, making it perfect for discerning travelers desiring a peaceful escape in nature.

Start your grand adventure in style, dining and relaxing at the EB by Eurobuilding hotel in Quito before heading back to the airport for a flight to the Galápagos Islands. Soon after landing, you'll step onboard the M/C Elite, a sleek luxury catamaran, and your luxe home for three nights. There will be plenty of time to enjoy your very own private outdoor balcony, but first, hop off for an insightful visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre. Then, over the next two days, cruise between Isla Española, Isla Floreana, and Mosquera, stopping throughout for a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and hiking excursions.

After exploring the Galápagos Islands, your next adventure awaits in the wildlife-abundant Yasuni National Park. Here, your journey continues aboard the Anakonda Amazon luxury cruiser, a first-class vessel that will navigate into the heart of the Amazon. Along the way, disembark to interact with pink river dolphins, visit a local Kichwa family, and climb to an observation deck for a nature photography session. While on board, enjoy lavish meals and stunning river views, although all too soon, you'll find yourself docking back at Puerto Providencia in anticipation of a return flight to Quito. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Ecuador Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other 10-day Ecuador itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.