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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
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
4.9
(24)
· 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

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
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Map 2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ecuador
Travel specialist Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 1 day 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 1 hour 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 2 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 3 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...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Ecuador also visit these destinations

Trip Reviews for Ecuador

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great tour of country, as well as highlights of Galapagos Islands
Ecuador | Oct 24 - Nov 3, 2025

S
Scott M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025
Places we visited, pacing of tours, clarity (language, speaking tone and delivery) of guides and hotels we stayed in were all wonderful. Read more

Places we visited, pacing of tours, clarity (language, speaking tone and delivery) of guides and hotels we stayed in were all wonderful.

Hotel Reviews
Villa Laguna hotel
Santa Cruz
Authenticity & Character
Nice gathering areas in courtyard, lobby and 2nd floor areas.
Location
Great area - nearby downtown active area, with lots of shopping and restaurants. Awesome locally owned bar across street - owner/bartender makes amazing drinks, with all ingredients locally sourced and natural.
Staff
Breakfast was awesome! Hot prepared meals served to us!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Guayaquil, Puerto Santa Ana
Guayaquil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Oro Verde Cuenca
Cuenca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Alameda Quito
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

Quite the view from the walk! Stairs all the way to top and they were well maintained. By shore, say penguins and blue-footed boobies. Had several hawks sitting on railing, as well as then flying above us. Snorkeled, saw wonderful fishes. Bonus - had a sea lion swim among us - having fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Food and snacks aboard were great. Especially loved the freshly made hot chocolate and freshly popped corn.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Was a fun, well equipped boat ride. Was a bit wavy on way back, but part of nature.
Kayaking on Tortuga Bay
Kayaking on Tortuga Bay
Puerto Ayora

Enjoyed both the hike and the kayaking. Fun to see the marine iguanas and walk. Saw many sea turtles as well as a white tipped shark while kayaking. Swiming was refreshing also.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Visit Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station In Style
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Visit Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station In Style
Puerto Ayora

Loved seeing tortoises everywhere, as well as ability to walk amongst them. Enjoyed walking in the huge cave.

Quality of Experience
Food
On site restaurant had good choices and food was excellent.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Transport
From the Highlands to the Coast: Cajas National Park to Guayaquil
From the Highlands to the Coast: Cajas National Park to Guayaquil
Ecuador

Beautiful views! Loved the stories shared by guides.

Quality of Experience
Food
Restaurant service, food and views amazing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mindo Cloud Forest
Mindo Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Loved feeding the hummingbirds by hand!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Stopped at a gas station/rest stop. Guide knew no toilet paper, so held a large roll for travelers to access what they needed. Small, but very nice touch!
Local specialist: Karla Guerrero
Karla
Karla Guerrero
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Nov 18, 2025

Hello Scott,

Reading about your experience in Ecuador truly filled my heart, and I absolutely loved the photos. Thank you so much for trusting us to create such a meaningful journey for you 🥳🥳.

Warm hugs from your friend in Ecuador,
Karla

Karla, We all loved this trip across Ecuador!...
Ecuador | Oct 24 - Nov 3, 2025

Susan
Susan N.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025
Karla, We all loved this trip across Ecuador! The Mindo Cloud Forest and Cotopaxi National Park were highlights. Cuenca was fantastic and the Galapagos adventure was spectacular. The meals provided were `exceptional. Everything was on time and, despite the early departure several mornings, we got to see and do A LOT while we were there. I would review options of hotels while in the Galapagos. The facility was fine but not at the level of the other hotels we were in. Thank you for all... Read more

Karla, We all loved this trip across Ecuador! The Mindo Cloud Forest and Cotopaxi National Park were highlights. Cuenca was fantastic and the Galapagos adventure was spectacular. The meals provided were `exceptional. Everything was on time and, despite the early departure several mornings, we got to see and do A LOT while we were there. I would review options of hotels while in the Galapagos. The facility was fine but not at the level of the other hotels we were in. Thank you for all your efforts and I appreciate all the time and effort that went into arranging all these experiences for our group!

Activity Review
Mindo Cloud Forest
Mindo Cloud Forest
Ecuador

We loved having the hummingbirds land on our hands. Beautiful experience!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Karla Guerrero
Karla
Karla Guerrero
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Nov 15, 2025
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m really happy to hear that you all loved the trip across Ecuador. It’s wonderful to know that the Mindo Cloud Forest, Cotopaxi National Park, and Cuenca were such memorable highlights, and I’m thrilled the Galápagos adventure lived up to expectations as well. I’m also glad the meals and timing worked out smoothly and that you were able to experience so much, even with the early starts. I truly appreciate your feedback and thank you again for your kind... Read more

Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m really happy to hear that you all loved the trip across Ecuador. It’s wonderful to know that the Mindo Cloud Forest, Cotopaxi National Park, and Cuenca were such memorable highlights, and I’m thrilled the Galápagos adventure lived up to expectations as well. I’m also glad the meals and timing worked out smoothly and that you were able to experience so much, even with the early starts.

I truly appreciate your feedback and thank you again for your kind words. It means a lot, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help arrange these experiences for your group!

Would use again
Ecuador | Oct 24 - Nov 3, 2025

Christine
Christine K.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025

Great pre-trip communication and help. Guides, especially pre-Galapagos, were fabulous.

Local specialist: Karla Guerrero
Karla
Karla Guerrero
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Nov 10, 2025

Dear Christine, thank you so much for your insight. I am happy to know that you liked your journey in Ecuador.

Warm hugs from the middle of the world.
Karla

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