8 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Ecuador's Cultural Highlights & Natural Wonders: Quito, Cotopaxi & Baños

Discover Ecuador's colonial architecture, bustling markets, and dramatic volcanic landscapes on this eight-day highlights tour, perfect for first-time visitors. Complete with a cooking class, an overnight in a traditional hacienda, and guided walking tours, travelers will get an authentic glimpse into the country's heartwarming culture. Plus, you'll go on a horseback riding excursion in the foothills of a volcano and spend an afternoon chasing waterfalls.

Welcome to Ecuador! Your trip begins 9,350 feet (2,850 m) above sea level in Quito, where you'll spend your first four days touring the highlights and uncovering the city's hidden gems. Take your taste buds on a journey during a cooking class, join a guided walking tour around the Plaza de la Independencia and La Ronda, and stand on both sides of the equator at the Mitad del Mundo monument—and that's all in just two days. Next, sample local street food at the Otavalo Market and hike up a dormant volcano to the crater lagoon of Cuichocha before spending a full day exploring the cloud forest of Mindo. 

Leaving Quito behind, travel south to Cotopaxi National Park to explore Rumiñahui volcano on horseback and spend a night in a traditional hacienda. Continuing south, you'll soon find yourself walking along the dramatic edges of Quilotoa, a volcano lagoon, before arriving in Baños. Wake up early and pack in a drive along the Avenue of Waterfalls to the 265-foot (80 m) waterfall of Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron), then spend the afternoon as you please, ziplining, canyoning, or relaxing in hot springs until it's time to transfer back to Quito, where you'll catch your flight home the following day. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Quito, the Andes & the Galápagos Islands

Experience Ecuador's diverse landscapes on this nature-packed itinerary, from active volcanoes on the mainland to pristine island bays in the Galápagos. Those who enjoy staying active while on vacation will love hiking in Cotopaxi National Park, kayaking alongside marine life, and discovering the underwater world of the Galápagos Islands on a snorkel excursion. Plus, with plenty of free time to wander markets and stroll through Puerto Ayora, it's easy to get a front-row seat to Ecuador's welcoming culture.

Begin your Ecuador adventure in Quito, getting to know the heartbeat of the city through four days of exciting exploration. Starting with a cable car ride up the nearby Pichincha volcano, you'll discover just how scenic and sprawling the capital city is, then get right among the hustle and bustle during a visit to Otavalo Market, followed by a traditional cooking class taught by a local chef. Adjusted to the high altitude, you'll head to Cotopaxi National Park for a full-day adventure walking around Lake Limpiopungo in search of wild horses and up to Padre Rivas Refuge for up-close views of Cotopaxi.

Prior to saying your goodbyes to Quito, enjoy a relaxed walking tour of the colonial center and an afternoon at Mitad del Mundo; then, it's off to the Galápagos Islands. You'll have three uninterrupted days of exploration using Isla Santa Cruz as your base. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, kayak alongside marine iguanas and flamingoes in Tortuga Bay, and embark on an exciting day trip to an uninhabited island, all before spending your last day relaxing near the peaceful town of Puerto Ayora. End your trip with a ferry to Baltra Airport, where you'll catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ecuador's Natural Wonders & Historic Haciendas

Handcrafted to highlight the breathtaking beauty of Ecuador, this faster-paced itinerary takes you from the heights of the Pichincha Mountains to the endless waterfalls of Baños. In between, split your days relaxing in natural hot springs, hiking under magnificent volcanic peaks, and strolling through peaceful villages tucked in the Andes. Then, spend your evenings indulging in farm-to-table dishes and enjoying the warm hospitality of tucked-away haciendas.

After arriving at Quito airport, familiarize yourself with the high altitude of the Andes during a peaceful stay at Hacienda Rumiloma, a tiny hotel on the slopes of the Pichincha Mountains, followed by a morning tour of Centro Histórico and the Mitad del Mundo. Next, transfer to Otavalo for two nights at Hacienda Zuleta. You'll indulge all your senses with farm-to-table meals, a visit to the crater lake of Cuicocha, and a stroll through the tranquil town of Cotacachi. Then, your trip gets even more relaxing as you head to Papallacta for an entire day of undisturbed spa time, complete with a chocolate body wrap.

Refreshed and ready to conquer your next adventure, you'll transfer to Cotopaxi National Park for a day hiking around Lake Limpiopungo, up to Refugio José Rivas, and watching the sunset during a horseback ride. With plenty more to see, continue south to Baños, where a world of adrenaline-filled activities awaits. Choose between ziplining, a cable car ride, and a waterfall-chasing trip, and in between, relax at your hotel, Luna Volcán, known for its luxury spa treatments. All too soon, it'll be time to enjoy one last wander in Baños before transferring back to Quito to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Culture & Outdoor Adventure in Ecuador

Going farther east to Tena in the Amazon rainforest, this Ecuador adventure is suited to those looking to pack in as much culture and nature as possible. With a night or more in Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Tena, and Baños, visitors will delight in a mix of active exploring, relaxing evenings in picturesque accommodations, and quality time with local communities. While the ultimate highlight of the trip may be a two-night stay in a jungle lodge reachable by canoe, soaking in natural hot springs and hiking dramatic volcanic landscapes are equally as enthralling.

Your Ecuador trip begins in Quito. You'll settle into your adventure with a leisurely afternoon exploring the city on your own, followed by a guided tour of Independence Square, Monastery of San Francisco, and El Panecillo the following morning. After a photo op at Mitad del Mundo, you'll say goodbye to the city and transfer to Otavalo. Famous for its colorful market, the morning will fly by as you admire handmade sweaters, wood carvings, and jewelry; then, it's back on the road to Papallacta for a relaxing evening soaking in the town's hot springs.

As the second half of your trip nears, you'll transfer to Santa Rosa, where a canoe trip into the Amazon rainforest awaits. Once you've arrived at the Yacuma Ecolodge in Tena, you'll have two nights to sink into the relaxed pace of life with a visit to the nearby Kichwa community, a dip in the Río Chontayacu, and peaceful hikes in the jungle. You'll next find yourself in the equally stunning Baños, and after a relaxing evening, you'll be ready to tackle an epic hike in Cotopaxi National Park. Spend your final morning soaking in the hot springs of Papallacta until it's time to catch your flight home from Quito. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Nature & Culture in Ecuador: Quito, Manta & Puerto López

Lose track of time on this eight-day nature and culture tour, perfect for those looking to split their time between the city and the sea. Starting in Quito, you'll dive deep into local culture through cooking classes, city tours, and visits to bustling markets. Then, hop on a flight to Manta on the west coast, where you'll be met with pristine beaches, playful sea life, and remote islands.

Begin your culture-packed trip in the capital city of Ecuador, where you'll get your first taste of the country's fresh and flavorful cuisine during a gourmet cooking class taught by a Quiteño (Quito resident). With three more nights in Quito, the following days will fly by as you take a deep dive into the local culture through a guided walking tour, a visit to Otavalo's famous markets, and a scenic walk along the shores of the Cuicocha Lagoon. Then, take a day to refresh and rejuvenate in Papallacta, where hot springs sit elegantly under the towering Antisana volcano, before flying to the port city of Manta.

With just one day in Manta, you'll be eager to head straight to Murciélago Beach for an afternoon of snorkeling and bird watching; then, it's straight to Puerto López the following morning. Known for being a laid-back fishing town on the edge of Machalilla National Park, ocean lovers will be delighted to spend a day visiting the pristine Los Frailes Beach, sailing to Isla de la Plata (Silver Island), and heading underwater for a night dive. The fun doesn't end there, though. On your last day, head to the beaches near Manabí for a kite-surfing course before catching your onward flight from Guayaquil. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Ecuador Itineraries

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