Highlights
- Wander the Indigenous market in Otavalo
- Dive into adventure sports and hikes in Baños de Agua Santa
- Hike along the magical Cuicocha Lagoon
- Enjoy beach time and nightlife in Montañita
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Quito | Quito |
| Day 2 | Visit Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon | Quito |
| Day 3 | See the Quilotoa Lagoon & Baños de Agua Santa | Baños |
| Days 4-5 | Free Days in Baños | Baños |
| Day 6 | Return to Quito | Quito |
| Day 7 | Fly to Guayaquil, Transfer to Montañita | Montañita |
| Days 8-12 | Free Days in Montañita | Montañita |
| Day 13 | Transfter to Guayaquil, Return to Quito | Quito |
| Day 14 | Depart Quito |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
On the descent to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you'll immediately glimpse the immense Andean capital of Quito. Upon arrival, your Spanish-speaking driver will be ready to take you to your hotel.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m), welcoming you with its famous picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. Immediately, you'll get a sense of the warm and welcoming Ecuadorian Sierra Culture and experience the diversity of this beautiful city. A city of duality, you'll find modern apartment buildings and modest concrete homes. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hatmakers—all mixed with a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.
Day 2: Visit Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon
This morning, you'll visit the famous market of Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets in South America. Here, the Indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals and handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits.
Day 3: See the Quilotoa Lagoon & Baños de Agua Santa
Today, you'll visit a picturesque caldera—Quilotoa Lake. The lake is a volcano's caldera filled with turquoise waters about 43 miles (70 km) southwest of Quito. Choose to walk along the crater's rim for a splendid view or hike down a path to the crater lake. The hike requires three to five hours, but it is one of the most beautiful places to visit and hike in Ecuador.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Days 4-5: Free Days in Baños
It is time to explore Baños in-depth and enjoy a lot of exciting adventures. Enjoy your free by relaxing in the thermal pools, visiting the famous Casa del Arbol ("treehouse"), and hiking through the beautiful surroundings. During your two-day stay, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in several activities to create memories for a lifetime.
Hiking around the Pailón del Diablo ("Devil's Cauldron") is a must—it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ecuador and the world. There are several bridges and staircases you'll walk on to get the most stunning views. As you continue hiking down toward the waterfall, be prepared to get wet, but usually, you can buy a rain jacket on the spot before heading down.
Take the Ruta de Cascadas (The waterfall route), and experience several waterfalls along the way. You can take a bus tour, rent a bike, rent a car, or hire a taxi for the day to get you through them. However, to get the most out of the experience, biking or getting into a car is the best alternative. you'll see both small and giant falls, which makes it is one of a kind adventure.
Day 6: Return to Quito
Enjoy a last morning in Baños, and do whatever you haven't done yet! Relax in the thermal pools, visit the famous Casa del Arbol or—if you are looking for some adrenaline—go canyoning or rafting. In the afternoon, make your way back to Quito, where you'll spend the next night.
Day 7: Fly to Guayaquil, Transfer to Montañita
Take a morning flight from Quito to Guayaquil. At Guayaquil Airport, you'll get picked up for your transfer to Montañita. you'll head north along the coast for approximately 2.5 hours until you reach the small village on the Pacific Coast. Check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. Enjoy a delicious meal or cocktails, take surf classes or check out the vibrant nightlife.
Days 8-12: Free Days in Montañita
Spend your days sunbathing or rent a surfboard, it's up to you!
Day 13: Transfer to Guayaquil, Return to Quito
In the morning, you'll drive along the "Ruta del Sol" ("Route of the Sun") along the coastal highway south to Guayaquil. Afterward, you'll take your flight back to Quito.
Day 14: Depart
Today you're free to explore Quito on your own and shop for souvenirs before you get picked up for your transfer to the airport.
More Great Ecuador Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other Ecuador itineraries, explore different ways to spend two weeks in Ecuador, or discover the best time to visit Ecuador.
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