2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ecuador's Luxe Trio: Andean Highlands, Cloud Forests, & the Galápagos

Perfect for first-time visitors to Ecuador, this luxe two-week itinerary reveals the country's mighty mountains, lush forests, and wildlife-rich islands. Touches of extravagance have been generously infused throughout, with fine dining, superb accommodations, and exclusive excursions to look forward to. Soar over the Andean highlands in a hot-air balloon, horseback across sweeping plains, and indulge in a six-day cruise amid the Galápagos Islands onboard a luxury catamaran—to name a few highlights.

Welcome to Ecuador! Your luxury-infused adventure begins in Quito, where a privately guided walking tour, dinner at the acclaimed Kriollo restaurant, and a cooking class introduce you to the country's storied history and superb cuisine. Then, following a cozy night in the highland town of Otavalo, wake early for a spectacular sunrise hot-air balloon ride before continuing to the lush Mashpi Reserve. Your home here is the premium Mashpi Lodge, which provides the perfect base to relax between wildlife-watching excursions. Next up, after a night back in Quito, is the volcano-riddled Cotopaxi National Park.

Spend your first night in Cotopaxi indulging in a private sunset dinner at your accommodation, Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, then split the following day between a rose farm tour and a horseback ride around Cotopaxi. Afterward, fly from Quito to the Galápagos Islands, where the M/C Galaxy Sirius welcomes your arrival. This sleek catamaran is your home for five nights and serves as a lavish base between adventures. Speaking of, snorkel with sea turtles in Elizabeth Bay, hike volcanic landscapes on Isla Isabela, kayak off the coast of Playa Espumilla, and more before catching your homebound flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Journey Through Ecuador & the Galápagos

Unwind amid the unspoiled landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, Yasuní National Park, and the Galápagos Islands on this luxury escape. Between a helicopter tour, leisurely nature walks, and full-day cruises among uninhabited islands, you'll experience the richness of Ecuador's natural wonders, all while indulging your love for luxury. Enjoy privately guided tours and upscale dinners in Quito between stays at remote yet lavish lodges.

Your journey begins with a sumptuous dinner at Quito's renowned Kriollo restaurant, followed by a private Old Town tour and a local's homecooked meal. Then, journey to Cotopaxi National Park for a luxurious overnight stay featuring a helicopter ride, private sunset dinner, and rose farm tour. A night back in Quito next sets you up for a flight to Coca on Day 5, and upon arrival, you'll be whisked downriver in a canoe to Sacha Lodge. Over three nights here, on the doorstep of Yasuní National Park, tick off activities of your choosing, such as nature walks, a visit to parrot clay licks, and wildlife observation.

The second half of your luxury trip shifts your attention to the pristine Galápagos Islands, reachable by a four-hour flight from Quito. The exclusive Villa Escalesia on Isla Santa Cruz serves as your base here and features all the comforts you'll seek after full-day excursions. Even your adventures are dressed in luxury, with the private yacht whisking you to the archipelago's finest hidden gems. Cruise between the uninhabited islands of Seymour Norte, Bartolomé, and Plazas, laze on the lovely Tortuga Bay Beach and hop off for nature walks before wrapping up your journey with a night back in Quito. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Getaway to Ecuador's Peaks, Plains & Rainforests

This well-rounded luxury adventure introduces you to the Amazon, Andes, and culturally rich cities of inland Ecuador. Over a memorable two weeks, you'll soar over mountain peaks in a hot-air balloon, embark on numerous wildlife-watching walks, zip over Cotopaxi National Park in a helicopter, and roam ruins dating back to the 15th century. To top it off, upscale dinners, an afternoon at the famous Papallacta Hot Springs, and stays at lavish lodges and haciendas ensure this itinerary is perfect for those with an affinity for the finer things in life.

Upon arriving in Quito, your grand getaway gets off to a sumptuous start, with a chocolate-tasting experience booked in, followed by a chef-taught cooking class. The highland town of Otavalo lands next on your itinerary, where you'll be treated to an overnight stay at the lavish La Mirage Garden Hotel and a bucket-list-worthy sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Afterward, Sacha Lodge, tucked near the lush Yasuní National Park, welcomes you for three nights. Kick off your stay with a leisurely nocturnal nature hike before delving into activities catered to your liking, from canopy walks to visiting parrot clay licks.

Bidding farewell to the Amazon, you'll next spend an afternoon at the famous Papallacta Hot Springs before continuing to Cotopaxi National Park. Your home in this pristine nature reserve is Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, which provides the perfect place to rest up in anticipation of the action-packed days ahead. As you continue south, hike partway up the dormant stratovolcano of Chimborazo, roam 15th-century ruins, and seek out wildlife in El Cajas National Park. Lastly, round off your trip with a two-night stay in the port city of Guayaquil, indulging in fine dining and picturesque city strolls. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Hacienda Hopping in Ecuador

Between nights tucked in top-tier haciendas, embrace countryside living and thrilling nature excursions on this finely crafted two-week journey through Ecuador. Starting in Quito, spend the first week getting acquainted with the country's hearty cuisine, welcoming culture, and enticing volcanic landscapes. Then, pick up the pace as you venture south to Guayaquil, pausing for waterfall hikes, another roundup of volcano-inspired adventures, and day trips to seek out the exotic wildlife of La Esperanza Cloud Forest and the Churute Mangroves.

Two days based in Quito, featuring dinner at the premier El Ventanal and a guided tour of the city's history-rich colonial center, provides the perfect introduction to Ecuador's luxurious allure. The lavish theme continues at your next destination, the mountain town of Otavalo. Here, you'll stay at the stunning Hacienda Zuleta and immerse yourself in authentic country life with an embroidery lesson and a horse-drawn carriage ride. Afterward, return to Quito, but this time, venture out of the city to take in spectacular views from the tops of Pichincha and Pasochoa volcanoes.

Kicking off week two is an overnight stay near Cotopaxi National Park, where you'll hike and ride horses around the mountain-backed Laguna de Limpiopungo. Then, dedicate the following three days to hopping between upscale haciendas while making your way south to Guayaquil. En route, relax in Baños' natural hot springs, admire the famous El Pailón del Diablo waterfall, and trek part way up the dormant Chimborazo stratovolcano. Once in Guayaquil, check into the well-appointed Hacienda La Danesa and spend your final days exploring cloud forests and gliding through mangroves in a canoe. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Tour of Ecuador's Mountains & Coast

From the volcanic hot springs of Baños to the pristine Pacific coast, Ecuador offers an abundance of luxury destinations, and this two-week tour immerses you in the best of them. Perfect for travelers seeking a slower-paced trip packed with equal amounts of active and leisurely time in nature, you'll horseback ride through native forests, go canyoneering down waterfalls, and spend four days cruising onboard a premium boutique yacht. Moreover, spa treatments, fine dining, and leisurely cocktail hours elevate your already exquisite getaway.

With its enchanting Old Town and modern luxuries, Quito is the perfect place to begin your deep dive into Ecuador's cuisine, culture, and history. While calling the 4-star Illa Experience home, enjoy dinner at the premier El Ventanal restaurant, sample chocolate straight from a production facility, and put a foot on each side of the equator. Next, transfer to Cotopaxi, where you'll spend a night at a comfortable hacienda and hike to the emerald waters of Laguna Quilotoa. Continue to Baños de Agua Santa afterward and settle in for three days filled with hot springs, waterfall hikes, and spa treatments.

Waving goodbye to the mainland, the second leg of your journey features the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters of Ecuador's Pacific coast. Between nights on the M/Y Kontiki Wayra boutique yacht, you'll cruise to small towns, fishing villages, and islands home to abundant wildlife. Along the way, disembark to snorkel amid sea turtles and tropical fish, hike around Aqua Blanca's ruins, and explore Machalilla National Park. Eventually, you'll fly back to Quito, where a thrilling cable car ride and hike combo up Pichincha volcano marks the end of your rejuvenating adventure. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Ecuador Itineraries

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