12 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ecuador Exploration: Quito & Central Andes

A journey perfect for first-time visitors to Ecuador looking to cover the must-see highlights at a leisurely pace, this 12-day Ecuador exploration takes you from the artsy neighborhoods of Quito to the lush jungle near Baños, with plenty of adventures in between. Enjoy an ideal mix of relaxation and exploration as you soar above canyons in a cable car, indulge all your senses during a traditional cooking class, and hike around Cotopaxi National Park. Plus, with opportunities to relax in natural hot springs, you'll leave your trip happily refreshed.

Welcome to Ecuador! Begin your journey in the historic capital, Quito, where a guided tour, thrilling cable car ride up the Pichincha volcano, and traditional cooking class immerse you in local culture. Before departing the city, visit the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the Earth) monument and then head to Mindo. In this charming town, known for its lush cloud forests, enjoy a scenic cable car ride over Río Nambillo, a trek to waterfalls in Mindo-Nambillo Reserve, and spot beautiful butterflies in Mariposario de Mindo. After a relaxing final morning in Mindo, return to Quito for a bike tour exploring parks and artistic neighborhoods.

Enjoy an early night as Day 7 whisks you away to the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi National Park, followed by a transfer to Baños de Agua Santa for a three-night stay. Nestled amid mountains and jungle, indulge in soothing hot springs, an exhilarating canyoning adventure at Río Blanco waterfall, or conquer one of the area's many hikes. Next, transfer to Otavalo, stopping for a night in Quito along the way, and uncover the stunning landscapes of San Pablo Lake and Imbabura volcano. Before catching your flight home, spend your last morning hiking or boating Cuicocha Lagoon. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Outdoor Adventures in Ecuador: Quito, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve & the Galápagos

Split your time between lush rainforests and wildlife-filled tropical islands on this activity-filled trip to Ecuador. By day, you'll explore stunning landscapes on foot, two wheels, or boat, and in the evening, you'll relax in beautiful jungle lodges while keeping an eye out for fascinating wildlife. With four nights each in the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands, you'll have plenty of time to settle in and connect with Ecuador's vibrant culture and wildlife.

Your trip begins in Quito, where you'll cycle through the city's northern neighborhoods, exploring urban art and architecture before learning to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a cooking class. Settled in, you'll trade Quito's bustling streets for endless green forests near Cosanga in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Early the next morning, your adventure continues with a motorized canoe ride down the Río Aguarico to a jungle lodge tucked deep in the rainforest. Two incredible days of hiking, bird watching, canoeing, and relaxing will fly by, but there are more places to explore, so late on Day 7, it's back to Quito.

The second half of your trip promises to be just as enthralling, starting with a short flight to Isla San Cristóbal, one of the oldest of the Galápagos Islands. After an educational afternoon at the Interpretation Center, see the island's sea lions and tropical fish during a snorkel at Kicker Rock. Next, transfer to Santa Cruz, the second-largest island and the perfect base to visit the Charles Darwin Foundation and embark on a day trip to one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Spend your last day in the Galápagos at your leisure; then, it's across the Itabaca Channel to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Exploring Ecuador: Andes, Rainforest & Pacific Coast

This nature-focused trip, complete with rainforest hikes, expeditions through mangroves, and a day learning how to surf, is well suited to the active traveler. Throughout the itinerary, visits to Cotopaxi National Park, Archidona, and the quiet coastal town of Ayampe are complimented with exciting days in the large cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Plus, with numerous cooking classes and time to unwind on crowd-free beaches, this trip is the perfect way to mix adventure with relaxation.

Your trip begins with a warm welcome in Quito, strolling through the city's historic center and cooking traditional Ecuadorian dishes alongside friendly hosts, followed by a trip to stand in two hemispheres at Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). Leaving the city behind, venture to Cotopaxi National Park before continuing to Baños, renowned for its iconic "Swing at the End of the World" and plentiful ziplining and canyoning activities. Next, it's time to head deeper into the Amazon basin to Archidona for two days of admiring the waterfalls of Ushpayacu and getting to know locals through a cooking class and chocolate workshop.

As you wake up to the second half of your trip, you'll say goodbye to the rainforest by giving a helping hand at the Río Hollín Reforestation Project, then transfer back to Quito, where you'll catch a flight to colorful Guayaquil. After a busy day wandering Puerto Santa Ana and Parque Histórico in Ecuador's largest city, the quiet town of Ayampe awaits. Enjoy a day relaxing in small cafés followed by an exciting day learning how to surf; then, tour Isla de Los Pájaros, famous for its mangrove birds, before transferring back to Guayaquil to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ecuador Road Trip From North to South: Quito, Cotopaxi & Baños

Hit the road and explore Ecuador from top to bottom on this self-drive, faster-paced itinerary. Starting in Quito, Ecuador's colonial architecture and high-elevation landscapes are explored in leisure. Then a drive through the "Avenue of Volcanoes" showcases the country's snow-capped peaks and rugged wildlife, and culminates in Guayaquil after a two-night stay in Cuenca in the Ecuadorian Andes.

After picking up your rental car, your road trip begins with two days in Quito, touring the colonial churches of San Francisco and La Compañia de Jesús and visiting the Ethnographical Museum. Adjusted to the altitude, you'll hit the road and continue to Otavalo for a day sampling street food and exploring the shoreline of beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon before driving through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to Cotopaxi National Park. Next, carry on to Baños, where an adult playground of bungee jumping, hiking, mountain biking, and canyoning adventures fill your two days.

Your road trip continues west, stopping by Carrell and Riobamba to admire views of the Chimborazo volcano and visit the pre-Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Heading through Ecuador's Andes, you'll next come to Cuenca, a town famous for its four rivers. Spend a day admiring this historic town's colonial architecture and sampling street food at a local market before another day on the road brings you to Guayaquil. Your last three days have you exploring Seminario Park and Isla Santay and meandering along the picturesque waterfront until it's time to return your car and catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore Quito & the Galápagos Islands

Spending more time in the Galápagos Islands than on Ecuador's mainland, this 12-day Quito and Galapagos adventure nicely blends sun, sea, and wildlife. With two or more nights each on Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, and Isla San Cristóbal, you'll discover your fair share and more of beautiful bays, volcanic landscapes, and wildlife havens. Plus, with a stay in Quito at the beginning and end of the itinerary, there's time to admire the historic city's impressive architecture and artsy neighborhoods.

Begin your trip in Quito, shrugging off any jetlag with a stroll through the city's narrow streets and a walk up Panecillo Hill; then, it's straight to the Galápagos Islands the following day. After a short flight, you'll begin your island escape on Isla Santa Cruz, known for its Charles Darwin Foundation and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center of giant tortoises. Discover the island's wildlife on a guided trip to an uninhabited island, and join a snorkeling adventure in Penguin Bay and La Fé before taking a speedboat to Isla Isabela for a two-night stay complete with kayaking excursions and a hike up Sierra Negra volcano.

After a night back on Isla Santa Cruz, you'll catch a speedboat to Isla San Cristóbal, your home, for the next three days. During your time on the island, tick off the must-do highlights of Kicker Rock and the Interpretation Center. Get even more off the beaten path with day trips to Isla Española and Gardner Islet to spot albatross, blue-footed boobies, and sea lion pups. Sun-kissed and refreshed, it's time to fly back to Quito to enjoy your last evening strolling the artsy La Floresta neighborhood and admiring city views from the top of Pichincha until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 12-Day Ecuador Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other 12-day Ecuador itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.