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Introducing Ecuador

Ecuador has it all. Between the Andean peaks, the Amazon rainforest, and the beautiful white sand beaches, travelers have a myriad of experiences to pick and choose from to suit their level of adventure and comfort.

When is the best time to visit?
Ecuador is a year-round destination. There’s no real summer or winter season, and with its varied geography, weather patterns are more dependent on location than the time of year. In the mountains, don’t be surprised to experience four seasons in one day. The Andes are a little drier from June through September. The best time to visit the beaches of Ecuador is, surprisingly, during the rainy season from December to May, when the weather is pleasantly warm, with rains usually limited to afternoon showers. Learn more

Where to go in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers a compelling mix of outdoor experiences and culture. Experience one of the most amazing national parks in the world at the remarkable Galapagos Islands, soak in the scenery and rural way of life in the Andes Mountains, tour the Amazon Rainforest with local guides, and enjoy the photographic colonial plazas of Quito and Cuenca.

How many days do I need?
Spend as few as 3 days and as many as 16 days in Ecuador. With as much as there is to see and do in this adventurer’s paradise, really the answer to this question is as many days as possible. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Ecuador Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Tiny tortoises of the Santa Cruz breeding center
Map of Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 8 Days
Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 8 Days

See contrasting sides of Ecuador on this eight-day islands-and-city adventure. Discover the astonishing biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, where you'll meet playful sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises during stays on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz. The country's capital, Quito, sandwiches your island time—your springboard to discover Indigenous and colonial culture and the surrounding volcanic Andes.

Countryside near Riobamba
Map of Best of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 7 Days
Best of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 7 Days

Traverse the very best of the Ecuadorian highlands on this 7-day itinerary. Starting and finishing in the capital, Quito, you will encounter bustling markets, awe-inspiring volcanoes, centuries-old colonial towns and Inca ruins. There's great hiking along the way in terrain ranging from glaciers and high-level plateau through to forests and waterfalls.

Enjoy the beaches of Ecuador
Map of The Real Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon & Galapagos - 14 Days
The Real Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon & Galapagos - 14 Days

Experience the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Ecuador over the course of two weeks. From the urban sprawl of Quito to the serene shores of the Galapagos and everything in between, this tour will span several diverse regions and truly open your eyes to one of South America's most fascinating countries.

Cordillera Occidental Andes Central Ecuador
Map of Ecuador: Amazon, Andes, and the Coast - 16 Days
Ecuador: Amazon, Andes, and the Coast - 16 Days

Explore the best of Ecuador in this 16-day tour through the Amazon, Andes, and Coastal regions. You'll visit beautiful colonial towns, indigenous communities, and experience ways of life both ancient and modern in this diverse country.

Ziplining toward a waterfall near the town of Baños
Map of Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days
Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days

This action-packed seven-day tour of Ecuador is perfect for travelers searching for adventure, culture and spectacular scenery all within a few hours' drive from the capital Quito. The trip begins with a thrilling bike ride down an active volcano and continues with hikes in the cloud forest, a climb up a waterfall and visits to an indigenous community. There will be plenty of opportunities to unwind too, with stops at hot springs and a quiet, mountainside hacienda.

The road leading to Cotopaxi
Map of Trekking Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes - 8 Days
Trekking Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes - 8 Days

This eight-day trekking adventure delivers the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes as you explore stunning landscapes, secluded villages, and the famous peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Hike along narrow mountain trails in the heart of the Andes as you make your way up the Quilotoa and Chimborazo volcanoes. Swim in the icy waters of Lake Quilotoa, then relax in the natural hot springs at Baños.

Make the Most of Your Time in Ecuador

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Quito in the foreground with an erupting Cotopaxi volcano in the distance
How Many Days to Spend In Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that packs enormous diversity into a small area, so it's ideal to visit for a short trip. You can spend a long weekend exploring Quito and the mountains,...

Highly active marmoset monkeys can be spotted on trips into the Ecuadorian Amazon
Map of 1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spend a week in Ecuador exploring the country's diversity, from volcanoes to the rainforest. Each trip starts in Quito, with tours of the UNESCO-designated historic city and a...

Marine Iguana, Galápagos Islands
Map of 2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Ecuador gives plenty of time to enjoy all three of the country's main ecosystems—Amazon, Highlands, and Galápagos—or focus on one to fully immerse yourself in the...

Ecuador Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Cotopaxi
Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador

On the northwestern side of South America, straddling the equator, Ecuador contains a remarkably diverse range of landscapes, altitudes, and climates. Despite their great...

Trekking along the Quilotoa Loop is an Ecuador highlight
Best Things to Do in Ecuador

Ecuador boasts a remarkable range of landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems from the Amazon to the Andes and straddling the southern and northern hemispheres. From raucous...

The mountains surrounding Guaranda, an off-the-beaten-path town in Ecuador well worth visiting
Going Off-The-Beaten-Path in Ecuador

Even with the tourism boom in Ecuador, there are still plenty of enticing destinations that remain under the radar, offering travelers the chance to explore architectural gems,...

One of the Ecuador's dramatic train rides, the Naríz del Diablo
Options for Touring Ecuador

By South American standards, Ecuador is a fairly small country. Most major destinations — with the exception of the Galápagos Islands — are within a day's drive of each other....

Ecuador Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Ecuador Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito
Wyndham Quito Airport
5.0
(20)
· Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport is a convenient hotel for travelers arriving and departing from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. You'll be almost within the airport, so it's especially ideal for early departures or late arrivals. And though you're very close to the terminal, there's a free 24/7...
Photo courtesy of Termas de Papallacta
Quito
Termas de Papallacta
5.0
(11)
· Comfort
Termas Papallacta is a resort spa nestled in the Andean highlands, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You'll stay within a national park and a stone's throw away from the Papallacta Church and the Antisana Ecological Reserve. From the resort, you can easily...
Archidona
Kuyana Amazon Lodge
4.9
(12)
· Comfort
Kuyana Amazon Lodge is situated in a privileged area, surrounded by nature and offering a unique experience in San Pablo de Ushpayacu. Its location on a river provides easy access to nearby attractions such as Jumandy Caverns, Jumandy Monument, Latas Waterfall, and Sanctuary of the Virgin of...

Our Latest Ecuador Content

Search for wildlife while staying at a luxury lodge in the Galápagos (photo courtesy of Galápagos Safari Camp)
Map of Luxury Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days
Luxury Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

Spend 11 days discovering Ecuador's diverse landscapes, from the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Start with a night in Quito, learning how to make cocktails before venturing into the pristine rainforest. Here, you'll stay at the luxurious Sacha Lodge to explore private jungle trails, observe wildlife, and take canopy walks. Next is the Galápagos, where you'll visit uninhabited islands, see giant tortoises, and marvel at the volcanic landscapes while staying in a safari tent.

See the bucket-list sites of Ecuador and Peru on this two-week tour, including blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos.
Map of Best of Ecuador & Peru with the Galápagos & Machu Picchu - 14 Days
Best of Ecuador & Peru with the Galápagos & Machu Picchu - 14 Days

Cross multiple items off your bucket list during this two-week adventure through Ecuador and Peru. Start in the Galápagos for snorkeling, island-hopping, and a plethora of unique animal sightings. Back on the mainland, explore Quito, climb the Cotopaxi volcano, soak in hot springs, then head to Lima to sample ceviche and pisco sours. Fly to the ancient Inca city of Cusco, bike through the nearby Sacred Valley, and end your trip at the epic ruins of Machu Picchu.

Discover Ecuador's incredible natural diversity, from Andean volcanoes to the uninhabited islands of the Galápagos
Map of Jewels of Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galápagos - 13 Days
Jewels of Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galápagos - 13 Days

Experience Ecuador's world-famous biodiversity during this far-reaching 13-day adventure. Start high in the Andes in the capital of Quito, then head down to Cuenca for ancient Inca ruins. Hike along the Chimborazo volcano, swim in waterfalls and hot springs in Baños, make chocolate in the Amazon rainforest, and spot exotic birds in the cloud forests of Mindo. End your trip in the incredible Galápagos archipelago, following in the footsteps of Darwin and other intrepid explorers (and travelers!).

Ecuador Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Ecuador: 5 Suggested Itineraries
10 Days in Ecuador: 5 Suggested Itineraries
View article
Map 7 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ecuador
Travel specialist Alvaro Pereira
active 33 mins ago

Alvaro Pereira

Born and raised in the vibrant country of Ecuador, I am the ideal person to craft a unique and unforgettable trip within my homeland. My passion for travel and exploring new and exciting places...

read more...
Travel specialist Tamer Obeid
active 17 mins ago

Tamer Obeid

A traveler myself since 1997, blessed to have had unforgettable experiences in different parts of this world that haven’t ceased to amaze me! Originally from the middle east, I have lived in the...

read more...
Travel specialist Mathias Onisseit
active 7 mins ago

Mathias Onisseit

Originally from Germany, in 2010 I set out to explore South America and soon fell in love with the super-diverse country named Ecuador (and its neat little attachment Galapagos). What fascinates me...

read more...
Travel specialist Linda Schulz
active 9 hours ago

Linda Schulz

Originally from Germany, I have traveled around the world and lived in Australia, Bangladesh, and finally Ecuador. Ecuador is such a diverse and beautiful country, so I soon fell deeply in love...

read more...

Related Destinations

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Ecuador

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Every expectation and desire was met!
Ecuador | Nov 20 - Dec 2, 2024

Liz
Liz C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2024
I am a kimkim employee traveling with family, and Paola went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of, and every one of our needs were met! She set us up with a knowledgeable driver/guide who showed us all the best places and introduced us to authentic food choices and experiences. We couldn't have asked for anything more. Read more

I am a kimkim employee traveling with family, and Paola went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of, and every one of our needs were met! She set us up with a knowledgeable driver/guide who showed us all the best places and introduced us to authentic food choices and experiences. We couldn't have asked for anything more.

Hotel Reviews
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito

Great location, safe, clean, nice accomodations

Authenticity & Character
Location
very centrally located
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Celebrity Flora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Quito City Tour - Middle of the World
Quito City Tour - Middle of the World
Quito

This activity was so interesting and informative. It was worth the drive south.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Airport transfer to Quito City
Airport transfer to Quito City
Ecuador

Nice clean car with safe driving!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano
Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano
Quito

We enjoyed the hike, the swing, and the views from the cable car.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Dec 05, 2024

Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! It was a pleasure helping you and your family have the best experience here in Ecuador. I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that the guide was able to show you all the amazing spots and introduce you to authentic local experiences. It means a lot to me that you felt well taken care of!

Wishing you and your family many more incredible adventures in the future :)

Warmly,
Paola

Tour of Ecuador.
Ecuador | Nov 10 - Nov 24, 2024

D
Deepen P.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 26, 2024
We had a fantastic time in Ecuador with so many different experiences and did not expect that a small country had so much to see and do. In our travels in central and south America, Ecuador is definately one of the best places we have visited. Each area we visited were special in their own way, making it hard to pick a favourite.
Our trip would not have been as enjoyable without the planning that Jacquie and Alvaro did.
Further the guides we had, Sofia in Galapagos, Guido in Amazon, and Dan...
Read more

We had a fantastic time in Ecuador with so many different experiences and did not expect that a small country had so much to see and do. In our travels in central and south America, Ecuador is definately one of the best places we have visited. Each area we visited were special in their own way, making it hard to pick a favourite.
Our trip would not have been as enjoyable without the planning that Jacquie and Alvaro did.
Further the guides we had, Sofia in Galapagos, Guido in Amazon, and Dan in
Quito were some of the best we've come across. Their knowledge of their areas, the support they gave, their enthusiasm and professionalism made our trip very fulfilling.
We would like to specifically mention Dan who spent so many days with us and made it very enjoyable by being flexible on our tours, very knowledgeable on many aspects of Ecuador, and showed his fondness of his country with his upbeat personality. He is an asset to your company and we definately would recommend him to anyone who would travel to the area.
We hope to someday come back to Ecuador and hope to have Dan, Sofia and Guido show us around again and for Jacqie and Alvaro plan our new adventures.
Our best wishes to you all.

Hotel Reviews
EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Archipel I
Guayaquil - Ecuador
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Napo Cultural Center
NAPO
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boutique Hotel Cultura Manor
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tambopaxi Cotopaxi Lodge
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Nov 27, 2024
Hello Deepen, We are thrilled to have been part of your new travel story in Ecuador for our new friends: Pravina, Varsha, Dipakrai, and Deepen. From the very beginning, is and has always been to make your experience in Ecuador both wonderful and unforgettable, and reading your kind words makes us feel that we succeeded! Everything you experienced in our tricolor country, small in size but vast in biodiversity and filled with incredible, must-visit destinations, is a testament to what makes... Read more

Hello Deepen,

We are thrilled to have been part of your new travel story in Ecuador for our new friends: Pravina, Varsha, Dipakrai, and Deepen. From the very beginning, is and has always been to make your experience in Ecuador both wonderful and unforgettable, and reading your kind words makes us feel that we succeeded!

Everything you experienced in our tricolor country, small in size but vast in biodiversity and filled with incredible, must-visit destinations, is a testament to what makes Ecuador so special. Your feedback will surely help other travelers decide to embark on journeys like yours.

Your kind words have been shared with each and every person involved in creating your journey. Daniel, Guido, and Sofía, in particular, are overjoyed to know that you appreciated their care and attention.

It will always be an honor to welcome you back to Ecuador or to host your loved ones, as well as to help plan your next adventure to any other destination.

Best regards,
Alvaro, Jacquie and the Responsible Travel Team

Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as...
Ecuador | Nov 2 - Nov 18, 2024

J
James C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024
Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as was Gabriel at le selva I enjoyed the rides and service from Sebastian and getting information about Ecuador Read more

Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as was Gabriel at le selva I enjoyed the rides and service from Sebastian and getting information about Ecuador

Hotel Reviews
Piripe Lodge
Pacto

Very peaceful place

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Yasuní National Park
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Very clean and great service

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Laguna Galapagos
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Pululahua Crater
Pululahua Crater
Quito
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Great bike ride and am viewing of birds

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maquipucuna Reserve
Maquipucuna Reserve
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bicycle Tour through the Cloud Forest
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Yasuni National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Yasuni National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scuba Diving - Day Trip from Santa Cruz
Scuba Diving - Day Trip from Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Visit to another uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 26, 2024
Dear James,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in Ecuador, especially the tours with Andreas and Gabriel—the guides we work with love sharing their passion for Ecuador's incredible nature. It is also great to hear that Sebastian’s service and insights made your journey even more memorable. I'm also glad you found Piripe Lodge peaceful and had a fantastic birdwatching experience in the cloud forest - the variety of birds there is truly...
Read more

Dear James,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in Ecuador, especially the tours with Andreas and Gabriel—the guides we work with love sharing their passion for Ecuador's incredible nature. It is also great to hear that Sebastian’s service and insights made your journey even more memorable. I'm also glad you found Piripe Lodge peaceful and had a fantastic birdwatching experience in the cloud forest - the variety of birds there is truly incredible.
Your positive feedback about the Hotel Galapagos Suites and the other hotels and excursions is greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back to Ecuador someday!
All the best and safe travels,
Linda