Discover the diverse beauty of Ecuador with our 5-day itineraries, each offering a different way to explore this beautiful country. For those wanting to stay in one place, opt for a trip similar to this Quito itinerary, where you'll explore the city's historic streets, hike on active volcanoes like Rucu Pichincha, and visit the middle of the world at the Equator Monument. If you'd like to check out the UNESCO heritage city of Quito, Mindo's cloud forests, and Otavalo's markets, consider something similar to this highlands of Ecuador trip. For those who prefer horseback riding through the highlands, with opportunities to visit ancient Inca fortresses and trek through native forests near the Cotopaxi volcano, choose a trip like this horseback expedition.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 5-day trips in Ecuador.
Go deep into one of the most biodiverse spots on earth, the Yasuní National Park. Located in the heart of the Amazon, you'll explore pristine forests, rivers and lagoons while keeping an eye out for different species of monkeys and birds, as well as endemic insects and plants. You'll also have the opportunity get to do a cultural exchange with the native Kichua people to learn about their history and culture.
If you love horses and want to experience Ecuador in a unique way, consider this five-day journey to volcano country. On this trip, multiple days are spent in the saddle as you traverse the high plains, stopping off to take in the views or walk amid stands of native trees. Magical nights are spent in the Andes at haciendas, where you'll eat hearty meals and rest up for the next days' journey.
This short itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a mix of cosmopolitan fun in Quito and adventure in the nearby cloud forests. Start with a walking tour of Quito's most striking historical sites and neighborhoods before taking a short drive to the cloud forest of Mindo where you can visit a butterfly farm, see how chocolate is made at a cacao hacienda. Then, explore the charming town of Otavalo and see the Peguche waterfall where ancient rituals still take place.
This short but extensive itinerary brings you into the very heart of the Ecuadorian capital and its surroundings. You will tour Quito's beautifully preserved historic center to see fine examples of colonial architecture, learn about history and culture at the Ethnographic Museum, and enjoy the best panoramic view of the city. The adventure continues north of Quito in Otavalo and Cotacachi, renowned for their local crafts. Finally, take a day-trip to Cotopaxi National Park—its namesake volcano is one of Ecuador's most famous natural landmarks.
If you want to experience the best that Ecuador has to offer but don't have time to wander far, this 5-day trip is full of adventures. Explore Quito—the site of the equatorial line, historic downtown, and ethnographic museums—then head out of the city to stretch your legs on the hiking trails. You'll hike on two nearby volcanoes, look for rare wildlife, and breathe in the fresh Andes mountain air.
Canoe through the jungle, spot pink dolphins in the wild, visit an indigenous community, and sleep under the stars — this action-packed itinerary takes you deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon for five days of outdoor adventure! After a day of sightseeing in Quito, you'll travel to the rainforest, entering the jungle aboard a motorized canoe. You'll set up camp on the edge of Zancudococha Lake, your home base for the rest of the trip. Jungle hikes, wildlife spotting excursions, swimming, piranha fishing, and boating are all on the agenda, not to mention guided rainforest hikes after sunset. Keep your eyes open for frogs, spiders, caimans, and other nocturnal wildlife: the jungle comes alive after dark!
Encompassing crater lakes, volcanic peaks, and colonial cityscapes, this five-day trip takes you on a quick spin around Ecuador's Andean highlands. Start in Quito with a hands-on cooking class, then continue to Otavalo, where you'll meet endangered condors and browse the local Indigenous markets. Turn south toward the snowcapped volcanoes and páramo grasslands of Cotopaxi National Park, then wrap things up with kayaking on the turquoise waters of Quilotoa and a soak in the Papallacta Hot Springs.
This quick, five-day getaway to Ecuador showcases Quito and the surrounding central Andes. Start with a local's-eye view of the capital's historic center, then set off into Cotopaxi National Park to explore its sweeping páramo landscapes and famous volcano. Settle into the charming Andean village of Isinliví for mountain horseback rides and hiking, grab a photo op at the turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa, and end back in Quito with a bike tour past colorful neighborhoods and street art.
This five-day trip to Ecuador combines a glimpse of the capital with a whirlwind Amazonian adventure. Begin with a spin around Quito's UNESCO-listed colonial center before venturing to the edge of the Amazon rainforest. You'll base yourself at an ecolodge in Archidona for waterfall hikes, cooking classes, night safaris, and tree planting. Head back to Quito via the Papallacta Hot Springs, then ride the cable car up the Pichincha volcano for a grand finale.
Spend five days discovering the best of northern Ecuador, from its well-known highlights to more off-the-beaten-path treasures. Walk the UNESCO-listed streets of central Quito, then head to Otavalo to shop for handicrafts in its famous market and hike around Laguna de Cuicocha. Venture northwest into the cloud forests and coffee farms of Valle de Intag for two nights in a quiet mountain village, and end your trip at the sacred Peguche Waterfall before returning to Quito.
Short on time? This five-day trip reveals Ecuador's colonial heart and biodiverse cloud forests in less than a week. Kick things off in Quito with a walking tour of the historic center and a visit to the equator, then continue to Mindo, where you'll explore the cloud forest and take part in fun activities like chocolate making, butterfly spotting, and waterfall hikes. Finish back in Quito with a cable car ride up the Pichincha volcano.
