Personalized trips to Ecuador
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

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.

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.

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 39 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 3 hours 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 3 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 11 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

Travelers who visit Ecuador also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Ecuador

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

10/10 experience with KimKim
Ecuador | Dec 13 - Dec 20, 2024

K
Kristin C.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2025
Our custom private trip through Ecuador designed by KimKim exceeded all expectations. Maria Jose was our local specialist and she was very easy to work with throughout the whole planning process. It took 5 drafts to get the trip to look exactly how we wanted which was a very fast process only taking about 2 days. Maria was happy to make any and all adjustments to the trip until it was exactly how we wanted it. She booked all parts of our trip for us: hotels, excursions, private guides, and... Read more

Our custom private trip through Ecuador designed by KimKim exceeded all expectations. Maria Jose was our local specialist and she was very easy to work with throughout the whole planning process. It took 5 drafts to get the trip to look exactly how we wanted which was a very fast process only taking about 2 days. Maria was happy to make any and all adjustments to the trip until it was exactly how we wanted it. She booked all parts of our trip for us: hotels, excursions, private guides, and private transportation for the entire trip. All of the excursions and activities were amazing and so much fun!
There were multiple points on our trip where plans had to change due to unforeseen circumstances and Maria was quick to get everything handled. She checked in on us daily and even stopped by our hotel the first day to drop off some goodies and welcome us to her country! She was so kind and attentive throughout it all and we are so grateful for her!

Our first guide, David, took us birding in the cloud forest of Mindo. His excitement for birds was infectious and his love for his country was obvious. He was such a wonderful guide and we thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
Our second guide, Sebastian, was so easy to get along with. Laid back and kind, he took us from Quito to Cotopaxi to Mindo. For 2.5 days, he guided us on little hikes and adventures and he felt more like a friend than a paid guide. We changed plans multiple times and he always was amenable to whatever we wanted. His knowledge about his country was impressive. We had so much fun with Sebastian.
Our final guide was Eva who guided us through the Amazon jungle for 4 days. So kind, so knowledgeable, and so fearless when it came to handling the Amazonian creepy crawlers. We did so many adventures together and it always felt like she was just our really cool friend who was doing everything with us.
All three guides were top notch and had multiple similarities: so laid back, kind, knowledgeable, and were clearly proud to be Ecuadorian.

Our trip was a 10/10 from start to finish and we would absolutely do it all over again!

Working with KimKim took all the hassle and stress out of planning and navigating our trip, well worth the money spent!

Thanks Maria and KimKim!

Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 10, 2025
Dear Kristin, How exciting to read your comment! We are so happy to know that your trip was such a wonderful experience for you. For María José, it was an honor to help plan it, and we are deeply grateful for your kind words. Knowing that we exceeded your expectations and that everything went so well fills us with satisfaction. Without a doubt, the best reward we can receive is that you enjoyed every moment to the fullest. We are especially glad that you felt the dedication and care from... Read more

Dear Kristin,

How exciting to read your comment! We are so happy to know that your trip was such a wonderful experience for you. For María José, it was an honor to help plan it, and we are deeply grateful for your kind words. Knowing that we exceeded your expectations and that everything went so well fills us with satisfaction. Without a doubt, the best reward we can receive is that you enjoyed every moment to the fullest.

We are especially glad that you felt the dedication and care from our guides. They are the heart of every experience on the trip, and we love knowing that, along your journey, each one made such a positive difference. I will pass your kind words on to each of them because I know they will be very proud to have been part of your adventure.

Thank you for trusting us to organize this special trip and for giving us the opportunity to make your experience unforgettable. If you ever plan to explore again, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. It will be a pleasure to accompany you on your future adventures.

Once again, thank you for your trust and beautiful words.

With much affection,
Majo & Tamer

Family Trip to Quito and the Amazon
Ecuador | Dec 22 - Dec 28, 2024

N
Nihar S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024
A fantastic tour put together by Mathias! Every detail was thought out carefully and planned for our group of 4 adults and 5 children aged between 4-9. All we did was show up and the airport, and everything else was handled for the rest of the trip until we got back to the airport. Mathias was very responsive through the planning phase and always answered my multiple questions with consideration of my family and the needs of the kids and what we would all enjoy. All allergies and dietary... Read more

A fantastic tour put together by Mathias! Every detail was thought out carefully and planned for our group of 4 adults and 5 children aged between 4-9. All we did was show up and the airport, and everything else was handled for the rest of the trip until we got back to the airport. Mathias was very responsive through the planning phase and always answered my multiple questions with consideration of my family and the needs of the kids and what we would all enjoy. All allergies and dietary restrictions were conveyed to everyone involved and all restaurants we ate at, so we never had to worry. When anything unexpected came up, our guide Mishell was quick to make changes on the fly and make sure everything was handled. She would always help watch out for our family and kids and watched their reactions at certain points ... She would then make suggestions on making any changes to future plans based on what she thought they would like. We had a great time in Quito and Otavalo seeing all the sights, the old town, the market, crater lake, the teleferiqo cable car, and so much more. Our time in the rainforest at was very different than other trips we have taken, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting the Amazon and learning about the culture and people that call it home, including a boat ride down the river looking out for animals, and hiking through the forest. To end it all, we stopped (as planned by Mathias) for a few hours at the Papallacta hot springs to recover and relax after all the days of activities and excursions. Overall, the planning and execution by Mathias and the Authentic Ecuador team, as well as constant communication thought the trip between Mathias and Mishell, and with us... Was unmatched and unbeatable. Would highly recommend to anyone considering this tour or this company! Ask for Mathias, and you will not regret it and will have the time of your life in beautiful Ecuador! We are already thinking about a return trip in a couple years to the Galapagos!

Hotel Reviews
Swissotel Quito
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hakuna Matata Lodge
Archidona
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake
Quito
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jungle Hike
Jungle Hike
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chocolate Session
Chocolate Session
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito Cooking Class
Quito Cooking Class
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amazon Safari
Amazon Safari
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Archidona - Papallacta Hot Springs - Quito
Archidona - Papallacta Hot Springs - Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mathias Onisseit
Mathias
Mathias Onisseit
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 12, 2025

Dear Nihar,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that your trip was everything you expected and more and that everyone, especially the kids, had a great time!
It was a real pleasure planning this trip with you; I hope that, at some point, your family can return to Ecuador and discover the other gems that the country has to offer (e.g., Galapagos and venture deeper into the Amazon rainforest).

I wish you all the best and many more unforgettable trips with your family in the future!

Always safe travels,
Mathias

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