3 day itinerary for Ecuador

Itinerary

Ecuador is a treasure trove of natural beauty, adventure, and delicious seafood. Let’s craft an exciting 3-day itinerary that ticks all your boxes: trekking, extreme activities, seafood, and nature. Buckle up for an adventure!

## Day 1: Quito & Cotopaxi National Park

Morning: Arrival in Quito

• Start your day in the capital city, Quito. If you arrive early, grab a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try some empanadas or bolones (fried plantain balls) to fuel up for the day!

Mid-Morning: Head to Cotopaxi National Park

• Rent a car or join a tour to Cotopaxi National Park, about an hour and a half from Quito. The park is home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi.

Afternoon: Trekking in Cotopaxi

• Once you arrive, lace up your hiking boots and embark on a trek to the Limpiopungo Lagoon. The trail offers stunning views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like llamas and various bird species!

Evening: Seafood Dinner in Latacunga

• After your trek, head to Latacunga for dinner. Try a local seafood dish like ceviche de chochos (a unique Andean twist on ceviche) at a cozy restaurant.

Night: Return to Quito

• Head back to Quito for a good night’s rest. If you have energy left, take a stroll around the historic center and enjoy the illuminated colonial architecture.

## Day 2: Baños de Agua Santa

Morning: Travel to Baños

• After breakfast, set off for Baños, a charming town known for its adventure sports and stunning waterfalls. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Quito.

Mid-Morning: Waterfall Trekking

• Once in Baños, grab a map and embark on the “Route of the Waterfalls” trek. You’ll see breathtaking waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo and Manto de la Novia. The hike is scenic and invigorating!

Afternoon: Extreme Activities

• After your trek, it’s time for some adrenaline! Choose from activities like white-water rafting on the Pastaza River or canyoning (rappelling down waterfalls). Both options are thrilling and will get your heart racing!

Evening: Seafood Feast

• After a day full of adventure, treat yourself to a seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Try the ceviche de camarón (shrimp ceviche) or pescado a la plancha (grilled fish) while enjoying the views of the lush mountains.

Night: Relax in Baños

• If you have time, unwind in the hot springs that Baños is famous for. Soaking in the thermal waters is the perfect way to relax after an action-packed day!

## Day 3: Quilotoa Loop

Morning: Head to Quilotoa

• After breakfast, make your way to the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake, about a 2-hour drive from Baños. The turquoise waters of the lake are absolutely mesmerizing!

Mid-Morning: Trekking Around Quilotoa

• Spend the morning trekking around the crater. You can hike down to the lake and even take a kayak out on the water if you’re feeling adventurous! The views are breathtaking, and the colors of the lake are surreal.

Afternoon: Local Culture and Lunch

• After your trek, visit a nearby indigenous village like Zumbahua. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local eatery, where you can try locro de papa (potato soup) and fresh fish dishes.

Evening: Return to Quito

• Head back to Quito in the late afternoon. If time allows, stop at a viewpoint for a last look at the stunning Andean landscapes.

Night: Farewell Dinner

• For your final dinner, indulge in a seafood feast at a restaurant in Quito. Try the ceviche de mero (grouper ceviche) or arroz con mariscos (seafood rice) while reminiscing about your incredible adventure!

And there you have it! A thrilling 3-day itinerary in Ecuador filled with trekking, extreme activities, and delicious seafood. Enjoy your adventure, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌄🐟✨