21 day itinerary
Ecuador
Personalized with:I want to see all of Ecuador and do out
Itinerary
Ecuador is a stunning country with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and incredible wildlife. Here’s a fun and adventurous 21-day itinerary that covers the highlights of Ecuador while allowing you to soak in the beauty and culture of each region. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in , the capital city. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit , the Presidential Palace, and the stunning .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try some traditional Ecuadorian dishes like locro de papa (potato soup).
Day 2: -
- Morning: Visit the (Middle of the World) monument. Stand on the equator and take fun photos!
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby for interactive exhibits about the equator.
- Evening: Return to and enjoy a leisurely evening in the Mariscal district.
Day 3: -
- Morning: Depart for (about 1.5 hours from ). Hike around the base of the Cotopaxi volcano.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring the beautiful landscapes.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and rest.
Day 4: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the town and visit the famous waterfalls. Don’t miss the !
- Evening: Enjoy the hot springs in to relax after your day of adventure.
Day 5: - Adventure Activities
- All Day: Choose from a variety of activities: zip-lining, canyoning, or white-water rafting. You can also rent a bike and ride along the scenic Ruta de las Cascadas.
- Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner in town and maybe catch some live music.
Day 6: to Riobamba
- Morning: Depart for Riobamba (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the , the highest peak in Ecuador. You can hike or take a guided tour.
- Evening: Explore Riobamba’s local market and enjoy dinner.
Day 7: Riobamba - Train to Nariz del Diablo
- Morning: Take the famous , one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
- Afternoon: Return to Riobamba and explore the city’s colonial architecture.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Riobamba to
- Morning: Travel to (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore ’s historic center, including the and the .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local café.
Day 9: -
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Hike through the stunning landscapes filled with lakes and unique flora.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Depart for (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the , a beautiful waterfront promenade. Explore the with its colorful houses.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant along the river.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Fly from to the (Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and start exploring the island. Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12-16: Exploration
- Day 12: - Visit for kayaking and snorkeling.
- Day 13: - Take a day trip to . Visit the and see giant tortoises.
- Day 14: Snorkeling Day - Go snorkeling at or to see vibrant marine life.
- Day 15: - Visit the and relax on the beaches.
- Day 16: Wildlife Watching - Take a boat tour to see more wildlife, including sea lions and blue-footed boobies.
Day 17: Galápagos to
- Morning: Fly back to .
- Afternoon: Visit the Teleférico for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in .
Day 18: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the famous , known for its vibrant textiles and handicrafts.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the local culture.
Day 19: -
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Hike around the crater lake and enjoy the stunning views.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and rest.
Day 20: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the cloud forest. Go birdwatching or visit a butterfly farm.
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in .
Day 21: to - Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a final morning in . Consider a canopy tour or a chocolate tour.
- Afternoon: Travel back to (about 2 hours) for your departure flight.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly, especially for the highlands and the Galápagos.
- Book your Galápagos tours and accommodations in advance, as they can fill up quickly.
- Don’t forget to try local delicacies like ceviche, empanadas, and the famous Ecuadorian chocolate!
I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your adventure in Ecuador! Let me know if you have any questions or need adjustments. Happy travels! 🌎✈️