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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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Visit Parque Nacional Cotopaxi in the dry season when it's cool, windy, and (generally) clear—ideal for trekking around Laguna de Limpiopungo, mountain biking, and horseback riding
Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador

Ecuador is a year-round destination, but the sweet spot is June to September, when drier weather and cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the Andes, wildlife viewing...

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 amid Ecuador's tourism boom, there are still plenty of enticing destinations that remain under the radar, offering travelers the chance to explore architectural gems, surf...

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
4.9
(37)
· Upscale
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)
· Upscale
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
(14)
· Upscale
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

Hike to the many waterfalls around Baños, including the "Devil's Cauldron"
Map of Ecuador Discovery Tour: Andes to the Amazon - 9 Days
Ecuador Discovery Tour: Andes to the Amazon - 9 Days

Check off Ecuador's Andean highlands, ancient Inca ruins, and Amazonian rainforest with this nine-day itinerary filled with scenic journeys and spectacular hikes. After landing in the high-altitude capital of Quito, you'll jet off to Cuenca to explore the "Athens of Ecuador," then venture north to discover the country's most important Inca site at Ingapirca. Follow the Route of Waterfalls to Baños, and continue into the Amazon for rainforest treks and wildlife spotting at a secluded ecolodge.

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.

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
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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 Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 1 min ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others. I've lived...

read more...
Travel specialist Alvaro Pereira
active 10 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 Mathias Onisseit
active 7 hours 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 4 days 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...

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Trip Reviews for Ecuador

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Fantastic trip because of Jacquie.
Ecuador | Jun 6 - Jun 20, 2026

Jade
Jade L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2026
Jacquie organised a wonderful trip and made sure everything went perfectly smoothly. She kept us updated, ensured we were taken care and came to see us at our hotel in Quito. I normally plan all my trips independently so it was a new experience having someone else do all the organising. But I am so glad I gave it a try - there was a lot of organising to be done and it meant I had no mental load having to double check times or communicating with tour guides when activities needed to be swapped... Read more

Jacquie organised a wonderful trip and made sure everything went perfectly smoothly. She kept us updated, ensured we were taken care and came to see us at our hotel in Quito. I normally plan all my trips independently so it was a new experience having someone else do all the organising. But I am so glad I gave it a try - there was a lot of organising to be done and it meant I had no mental load having to double check times or communicating with tour guides when activities needed to be swapped around because of sea conditions etc. I was able to properly enjoy the trip. I highly recommend it!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fiesta
Puerto Ayora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nicky Amazon Lodge
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boutique Hotel Cultura Manor
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
It is in a quiet part of town so not much going on in the evening.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Overnight Shuttle from Quito to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Overnight Shuttle from Quito to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Quito

This was a bit tough - some of the seatbelts didn’t work in the minibus and it is quite a dangerous drive. I think there could be an option available for a private car instead of the bus. Someone at the lodge had done this (of course it is more expensive) but it might be a possible add on, just because the driver is quite tough in the bus.

Welcome to San Cristobal Island!  La Lobería
Welcome to San Cristobal Island! La Lobería
Ecuador

Nice private guide who picked us up from the boat and took us there. Again it meant we could fit more in and was great having someone meet us.

Welcome to Santa Cruz Island:  Highlands (Plant a Tree)  & Charles Darwin Research Station
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Colonial Quito City Tour
Colonial Quito City Tour
Quito

Mateo was a great guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jacquie Granda
Jacquie
Jacquie Granda
Local specialist in Quito - Ecuador | Replied on Jul 23, 2026
Dear Jade, and Hamidur, Thank you so much for your beautiful words. Reading your review really made my day. Knowing that you could simply relax, enjoy every moment, and leave all the planning and logistics in my hands is exactly the experience I hope to create for every traveler. Your trust meant so much to me from the very beginning. Meeting you and Hamidur in Quito was one of my favorite moments. After spending so much time planning your adventure together, it felt like meeting friends... Read more

Dear Jade, and Hamidur,

Thank you so much for your beautiful words. Reading your review really made my day.

Knowing that you could simply relax, enjoy every moment, and leave all the planning and logistics in my hands is exactly the experience I hope to create for every traveler. Your trust meant so much to me from the very beginning.

Meeting you and Hamidur in Quito was one of my favorite moments. After spending so much time planning your adventure together, it felt like meeting friends rather than clients, and I will always remember that with a smile.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of such wonderful memories. Reviews like yours remind me why I love what I do and inspire me to keep creating meaningful journeys with the same care and dedication.

I hope this will be the first of many adventures together. Whenever you are dreaming about your next trip, whether it is back to South America or anywhere else I can help you explore, I would be honored to design another unforgettable experience for you.

Until then, I wish you both many more incredible adventures, and I hope our paths cross again someday.
I am sending you a big hug for you and for Hamidur, you have a friend, don't forget it!

With my warmest thanks,
Jacquie Granda

Our kids gave the trip a 9.5/10 which is a hu...
Ecuador | Jun 29 - Jul 18, 2026

S
Susannah M.
Ladera Ranch, CA | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2026
Our kids gave the trip a 9.5/10 which is a huge win. This was our first time using a travel service and Kimkim and our overall experience was fantastic. Alvaro helped us plan the initial logistics and create an itinerary that covered a lot of ground in Ecuador. Sebastian was super helpful at coordinating all the logistics on the ground and even came to meet us in Quito. We were so lucky to have Christian as an incredible tour guide for the first week. He felt like part of the family and even... Read more

Our kids gave the trip a 9.5/10 which is a huge win. This was our first time using a travel service and Kimkim and our overall experience was fantastic. Alvaro helped us plan the initial logistics and create an itinerary that covered a lot of ground in Ecuador. Sebastian was super helpful at coordinating all the logistics on the ground and even came to meet us in Quito. We were so lucky to have Christian as an incredible tour guide for the first week. He felt like part of the family and even watched World Cup games with us. He has an incredibly kind heart and is a pleasure to be around and really cared for every detail of the trip. He is also a foodie and took us to some delicious meals and always had great recommendations. He did great with our teens as well. Lastly, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of birds, flora and fauna and I wish we had done the cloud forest or the jungle with him but he still managed to share a ton of info. Our itinerary was aggressive from a driving/distance traveling standpoint and we could not have done it without the input of our guides/team. We started in Quito, went to Mitad del Mundo then Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, before heading to Baños for a few days (so fun!) then drove down to Cuenca where we sadly said goodbye to Christian. Genaro took over guiding duties and he was delightful as well- very knowledgeable, interesting, kind and did a great job. We especially loved our Cajas hike with him and were very grateful he was the driver in the descent to Guayaquil! Finally, Carolina helped Sebastian with the arrangements in the Galapagos and all of our guides helped make transit easy. We stayed on Santa Cruz for a few nights but Isabela stole our hearts! Hotel Abermarle was perfect.
Overall, we had a great experience and I would recommend using Kimkim for an Ecuadorian adventure. Thank you Alvaro, Sebastian and all involved!

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jul 23, 2026

Dear Craig and Susannah,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It means a lot to our whole team. We are very happy to know that you and your family enjoyed your adventure in Ecuador and the Galápagos. We hope this won't be your last visit to Ecuador. Remember, we also specialize in tailor-made trips, so we would be delighted to help you, your family, or your friends with a future adventure.

Thank you again for trusting us. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey!
Alvaro

Best of Ecuador in 2 weeks
Ecuador | Jun 5 - Jun 18, 2026

Chris
Chris B.
Scottsdale, AZ, USA | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026

Every part of the trip was amazing and well organized, from our trip planner Paola, to our local guide Danny. The entire experience was A+!

Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jun 25, 2026

Dear Chris, thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure being part of your journey, not only helping with the planning, but also sharing in the memories and stories you were sending along the way. I’m so happy to know that you and Carsten had such a wonderful experience. I’ll also share your kind words with Danny; he is a fantastic guide. Wishing you both all the best—Carsten with his new project, and you with your next adventure with KimKim in a few months :) Warmly, Paola

Why travelers love kimkim

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