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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
4.8
(38)
· 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 50 mins 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 18 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 4 days 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 1 day 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

Ecuador trip review
Ecuador | Sep 9 - Sep 28, 2026

S
Scott S.
Las Vegas, NV | Reviewed on Oct 13, 2026
Ariel was great to work with, and he made it very easy to plan this somewhat complex three-week trip, spanning almost the entire length of the country, including a week in the Galapagos Islands. His attention to detail was much appreciated as well as his perfect English language skills. We did all of the planning quite easily through email communications and the kimkim ap. We eventually were able to meet him in person in Quito on our first day. Authentic Ecuador was the in-country tour... Read more

Ariel was great to work with, and he made it very easy to plan this somewhat complex three-week trip, spanning almost the entire length of the country, including a week in the Galapagos Islands. His attention to detail was much appreciated as well as his perfect English language skills. We did all of the planning quite easily through email communications and the kimkim ap. We eventually were able to meet him in person in Quito on our first day. Authentic Ecuador was the in-country tour company that contracted with our personal guide on the mainland, Sebastian, who also turned out to be a fantastic host. He was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, friendly and fun, and a very skilled and safe driver. He really helped us to better understand and truly appreciate our Andean adventure. The week in Galapagos was more self-exploration and joining up with other tourist groups for snorkeling and boating activities to view wildlife. Park sanctioned guides were also very well trained and knowledgeable.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Laguna
Puerto Villamil

Great to be on the lagoon and so close to the beach. Staff was very accomodating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Estalien was helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lava House Galapagos
Puerto Ayora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Very noisy on the street side so would suggest requesting a more interior room.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport
Guayaquil

Pretty standard fare for a big city airport hotel. We didn't spend much time here, but breakfast was good and we were able to walk to the airport for our Galapagos flight.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hostería Paraíso Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba

Very nice garden and vibe. Staff were excellent, especially Franklin.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hostal Posada Del Angel
Cuenca

Good location to walk around town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mansion Santa Isabella
Riobamba

Would have preferred to be more on the outskirts of town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Floresta
Baños

Good location to walk around town and even had a view of the waterfall.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge
Isinliví

This is a great place to stay and probably our favorite of the entire trip. Not super fancy but overall perfect.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vieja Cuba
Quito

Clean. comfortable and quiet!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cuenca to Vilcabamba
Cuenca to Vilcabamba
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Ecuador

Good to experience the volcanic zone.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake
Quito

Actually preferred visiting the market in Zumbuhua as it was more authentic and less commercialized. The hike at the Cuicocha Crater Lake and stop in Cotachi for leather shopping were good.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to Guayaquil Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Guayaquil Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

Viviana was our sanctioned guide who met us at the airport and David was our driver on Santa Cruz. Lunch was great and the tortoises were amazing. Lava tubes were interesting.

Quality of Experience
Food
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
Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

Saw lots of wildlife on this activity. Micheal was a good guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

A nice adventure even in the rain. Darwin was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide and boat crew was great.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Mandango Mountain
Hiking Mandango Mountain
Vilcabamba
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Cajas National Park, Transfer to Guayaquil
Explore Cajas National Park, Transfer to Guayaquil
Ecuador

Cajas hike was very nice and a good leg stretcher.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bay tour
Bay tour
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cuenca City Tour
Cuenca City Tour
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Chimborazo Volcano
Explore the Chimborazo Volcano
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Explore Baños
Visit the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Explore Baños
Baños
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, Transfer to Baños
Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, Transfer to Baños
Ecuador

Do not bypass Quilotoa, a absolutely gorgeous spot.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking around Isinliví
Hiking around Isinliví
Isinliví

We adjusted this hike to better fit in with a visit to the Zumbuhua market. Did a hike in Isinlivi the following day which worked out well.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour - Middle of the World
Quito City Tour - Middle of the World
Quito

Very touristy and not as interesting as the historic Quito City tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ariel Chasi
Ariel
Ariel Chasi
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Oct 13, 2026

Dear Scott,

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! It was a pleasure helping you plan your three-week adventure across Ecuador and the Galápagos, and meeting you in person in Quito was a highlight. I'm happy to hear that Sebastian made your mainland journey so special and that your time in the islands was just as memorable. Hope to welcome you back again :)

Warmly,
Ariel

Amazing Ecuador!
Ecuador | Sep 9 - Sep 28, 2026

S
Sarah S.
Las Vegas, NV | Reviewed on Sep 29, 2026
Ariel Chasi did a fantastic job helping us plan the trip according to our interests, and Sebastian Carrera was an excellent guide who made our trip very relaxing and enjoyable. He taught us so much about Ecuador that we never would have discovered on our own. We really enjoyed the hikes we took at Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Chimborazo Volcano, and Mandango Mountain in Vilcabamba. Our favorite cities were Quito, Banos and Cuenca. Galápagos Islands were really special for the... Read more

Ariel Chasi did a fantastic job helping us plan the trip according to our interests, and Sebastian Carrera was an excellent guide who made our trip very relaxing and enjoyable. He taught us so much about Ecuador that we never would have discovered on our own. We really enjoyed the hikes we took at Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Chimborazo Volcano, and Mandango Mountain in Vilcabamba. Our favorite cities were Quito, Banos and Cuenca. Galápagos Islands were really special for the snorkeling and wildlife that we saw there. The trip was an experience we’ll never forget!

Hotel Review
Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge
Isinliví

This is a very unique hotel with lots of charm, and a welcoming staff. Great food too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The location was great for exploring the small town and taking a variety of hikes in the area.
Staff
The manager made us feel very welcome and all the staff were helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ariel Chasi
Ariel
Ariel Chasi
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Sep 29, 2026

Dear Sarah,

Thank you so much for your review! It was a pleasure helping you and Scott plan your trip, and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the hikes and cities, especially your time in the Galápagos. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with Sebastian. It was wonderful having you here, and I hope Ecuador stays with you for a long time! 😊

All the best,
Ariel

Amazing Trip to Ecuador, but…
Ecuador | Sep 1 - Sep 11, 2026

S
Stuart S.
Visalia, CA | Reviewed on Sep 12, 2026
My trip to Ecuador was a fabulous excursion. The sights and sounds that I experienced will forever be remembered. Even when a pivot from the itinerary was necessitated by my health issues, it was executed flawlessly. What made the trip so successful was my driver/guide Daniel. He helped me physically get around, but his overall knowledge, his driving skill, his hidden gems to explore, and his other worldly personality combined to make this an unforgettable tour. Beyond that, the... Read more

My trip to Ecuador was a fabulous excursion. The sights and sounds that I experienced will forever be remembered. Even when a pivot from the itinerary was necessitated by my health issues, it was executed flawlessly. What made the trip so successful was my driver/guide Daniel. He helped me physically get around, but his overall knowledge, his driving skill, his hidden gems to explore, and his other worldly personality combined to make this an unforgettable tour. Beyond that, the accommodations and the restaurants were top notch. From the beaches to the Andes, to the jungle, to the volcanos, there is no other country like Ecuador. The people are friendly, the weather was perfect, the sky was pure blue. I wish I could stop there, but I had an issue with the transportation that was never resolved. I was told by KIMKIM to quote, “anticipate the arrival of a comfortable private transportation service”. What I got was an uncomfortable cramped regular automobile that the guide told me that he borrowed from a friend. Really? This is how your company operates? You don’t operate with a fleet of vans with easy ingress and egress and large viewing windows? This car had a faulty passenger seat which made things very challenging every time I had to get in or out. So, this situation and the fact that it was never addressed and resolved is the reason for the three stars. In conclusion, I would say to potential travelers to Ecuador definitely consider KIMKIM, but be sure of your ride before you commit.

Local specialist: Jacquie Granda
Jacquie
Jacquie Granda
Local specialist in Quito - Ecuador | Replied on Sep 25, 2026
Hi Stuart, Thank you for your review. I’m happy you enjoyed Ecuador, the accommodations and restaurants, and especially your time with Daniel. I’ll pass your kind words on to him. I’m sorry that the vehicle did not provide the level of comfort you expected, and I understand how this could have affected your experience. The vehicle provided was a Renault Duster SUV from our transportation partner. Sadly, we were not aware that you required a vehicle with easier access or specific seating... Read more

Hi Stuart,

Thank you for your review. I’m happy you enjoyed Ecuador, the accommodations and restaurants, and especially your time with Daniel. I’ll pass your kind words on to him. I’m sorry that the vehicle did not provide the level of comfort you expected, and I understand how this could have affected your experience.

The vehicle provided was a Renault Duster SUV from our transportation partner. Sadly, we were not aware that you required a vehicle with easier access or specific seating arrangements.
Had we known this during the planning stage, we would have been happy to discuss more suitable transportation options with you.

During the trip, we adapted the route and reorganized logistics at no additional cost to help accommodate your needs. However, I’m sorry that getting in and out of the vehicle continued to be uncomfortable and that this concern remained unresolved.

Thank you for sharing both the highlights and the difficulties, Stuart. I’m glad Daniel helped you discover so much of Ecuador and return home with such good memories.

Warm regards,
Jacquie and Team

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