Itinerary for 17 day trip to Équateur

Ecuador is a stunning country with a rich diversity of landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains and the unique Galapagos Islands. Here’s a fun and adventurous 17-day itinerary that focuses on parks, green spaces, and the natural beauty of Ecuador, while also respecting your request to keep the 1st and 2nd of August free. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in

Morning: Arrive in , the capital city. Take some time to settle into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Stroll around the historic center, enjoying the beautiful colonial architecture and the vibrant atmosphere.
Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant and try some traditional Ecuadorian dishes.

Day 2: Exploration

Morning: Head to , one of the largest urban parks in . Enjoy a leisurely walk or a bike ride with stunning views of the city.
Afternoon: Visit , a cable car that takes you up to the Pichincha Volcano. Enjoy the breathtaking views and maybe do a short hike.
Evening: Relax at a café in the Mariscal district.

Day 3:

Morning: Depart early for (about 1.5 hours from ). Enjoy the scenic drive.
Afternoon: Explore the park, hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, and take in the views of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.
Evening: Return to for dinner.

Day 4: Loop

Morning: Travel to (about 3 hours from ). Hike down to the stunning crater lake.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic by the lake and take in the breathtaking views. You can also hike around the rim for different perspectives.
Evening: Stay overnight in a local guesthouse in the area.

Day 5:

Morning: Head to (about 2 hours from ). Check into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Explore the town and visit the waterfall. You can hike or take a short bike ride to get there.
Evening: Enjoy the hot springs in to relax after your day of adventure.

Day 6: Adventure

All Day: Spend the day enjoying outdoor activities in . Options include zip-lining, canyoning, or hiking to various waterfalls. Don’t miss the for a thrilling experience!
Evening: Dinner in town, perhaps trying some local street food.

Day 7: Amazon Rainforest

Morning: Travel to (about 3 hours from ), the gateway to the Amazon.
Afternoon: Check into a jungle lodge and take a guided tour to explore the lush rainforest. Look for wildlife and learn about the local flora.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Amazonian dinner at your lodge.

Day 8: Amazon Exploration

All Day: Spend the day in the Amazon. Go on a guided hike, visit a local indigenous community, and try your hand at fishing or canoeing.
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and share stories with fellow travelers.

Day 9: Return to

Morning: Depart and head back to (about 4 hours).
Afternoon: Relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch in . You can visit for a stroll or a paddleboat ride.
Evening: Dinner in the city, perhaps at a rooftop restaurant with a view.

Day 10: Fly to Galapagos

Morning: Fly from to in the Galapagos.
Afternoon: Transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Visit the to learn about conservation efforts (not a museum, promise!).
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Puerto Ayora.

Day 11: Santa Cruz Island

All Day: Explore . Hike to the beach, swim, and relax. You might spot marine iguanas and sea turtles!
Evening: Dinner in Puerto Ayora.

Day 12: Day Trip to

All Day: Take a day trip to for incredible wildlife viewing, including blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Snorkeling opportunities abound!
Evening: Return to Santa Cruz for dinner.

Day 13:

Morning: Take a speedboat to (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the and explore the beautiful beaches.
Evening: Dinner in Puerto Villamil.

Day 14:

All Day: Hike to the summit of for stunning views of the island and the caldera. It’s a challenging hike but worth every step!
Evening: Relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Day 15: Return to Santa Cruz

Morning: Take the speedboat back to Santa Cruz.
Afternoon: Spend some time at , a beautiful swimming spot with crystal-clear water.
Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in the Galapagos.

Day 16: Fly Back to

Morning: Fly back to from Baltra.
Afternoon: Spend your day at , a lovely green space where you can relax and enjoy local art and crafts.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner in , perhaps at a restaurant with a view of the city.

Day 17: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe a final stroll through the city.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 17-day adventure through the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of Ecuador, with a special focus on parks and green spaces. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌿✈️🐢