Ecuador is a destination that surprises with its immense diversity within a compact territory. In just a few hours of travel, you can go from relaxing on Pacific beaches to hiking along trails of ancient volcanoes, exploring colonial cities steeped in history, or venturing into the lush Amazon rainforest.
If you're looking for a country that combines sea, mountains, and jungle without having to travel endless distances or spend a fortune, this 2-week itinerary in Ecuador is for you.
With this itinerary you will be able to discover the best of the country: from its national parks and hidden waterfalls to indigenous markets, Andean villages and nature reserves full of life.
The best part is that Ecuador, besides being an affordable destination, is easy to explore on your own thanks to its small size, good transport connections, and the friendliness of its people.
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Regions to visit in Ecuador
Ecuador is often divided into three main regions based on its biodiversity and geography. Each is dotted with stunning national parks, cities and towns with colonial architecture, and a diverse and stunning natural landscape.
🌊 The Coast: between surfing, ceviche, and golden sunsets
The Pacific coast is characterized by its tranquil towns, ideal beaches for surfing, and delicious seafood. Places like Montañita (perfect for parties) or Puerto López (for relaxing) also invite you to enjoy walks along the seafront, boat trips, and visits to reserves like Machalilla National Park.
If you travel between June and September, you might even be lucky enough to see humpback whales. The Ecuadorian coast is perfect for disconnecting for a few days and starting your trip with energy.
When is the best time to travel to the Ecuadorian coast?
The best time to visit the Ecuadorian coast is between December and April, when the weather is warmer and sunnier, ideal for enjoying the beaches. Although there may be brief showers, these are usually intense but fleeting, allowing for a pleasant rest of the day.
From May to November, the weather is cooler and cloudier, which can make the sea colder and the sky grayer. I went in November, and the photo shows what the day was like :(.
🏔️ The Andes: volcanoes, towns with soul, and colonial cities
As you move away from the sea and begin to gain altitude, the landscape changes dramatically. The Ecuadorian Andes welcome you with extinct volcanoes, high-altitude lagoons, towns with vibrant markets, and colonial cities like Quito or Cuenca, both declared World Heritage Sites.
In this region you will be able to hike in incredible places like Quilotoa or Cotopaxi National Park, as well as meet local communities that keep their ancestral traditions alive. The mountain range offers that unique combination of epic landscapes and vibrant culture.
When is the best time to travel to the Andean region of Ecuador?
The Andean region can be visited year-round, but the driest and sunniest months are from June to September. These are ideal for trekking, exploring colonial towns, or climbing volcanoes.
The rest of the year features more frequent rain, especially in the afternoons, but it is still possible to travel, provided you bring appropriate clothing for sudden weather changes.
🌿 The Amazon: deep jungle and connection with nature
Finally, the journey takes you to eastern Ecuador, where the Amazon rainforest takes center stage. Places like the Cuyabeno Reserve are the gateway to a completely different world, where humidity, vibrant greenery, and the sounds of nature dominate everything.
Navigating the river, visiting indigenous communities, hiking through the jungle with local guides, or swimming in waterfalls are just some of the unforgettable experiences this region offers. A perfect ending to a trip full of contrasts.
When is the best time to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon?
The Ecuadorian Amazon is humid year-round, but the best time to visit is between December and March, when the rains are less intense and the rivers are more navigable.
From April to July, rainfall increases, although this can also be beneficial for observing flora and fauna. It's essential to be prepared for the humidity and constant heat.
Highlights of the Ecuador travel itinerary
All in all, the moments I'm about to detail below were a constant reminder of Ecuador's incredible geographical diversity: in a matter of hours, you can travel from Andean landscapes to the Amazon rainforest, snow-capped volcanoes, and colonial cities. A luxury within reach of anyone who dares to explore it.
🏛️ Stroll through the colonial gems of Cuenca and Quito
One of the experiences I enjoyed most in Ecuador was walking through the cobblestone streets of Cuenca and Quito, two cities that have preserved their colonial heritage with a unique charm.
Cuenca welcomed me with its tranquil rhythm, white facades, reddish roofs, and wrought-iron balconies. There's something almost European about its aesthetic, yet it has a distinctly Andean identity.
Quito, on the other hand, surprised me. It's one of the South American capitals I liked the most: its historic center is a living work of art. The baroque churches, the lively plazas, and that old-world atmosphere that still lingers give it a special character.
In particular, the green and gold domes that stand out in Quito's skyline reminded me of those in Florence, with their elegance and symmetry. Furthermore, watching the sunset from one of its viewpoints, such as El Panecillo or the Basilica of the National Vow, was a moment that will forever be etched in my memory.
🐒 Delve into the Ecuadorian Amazon
Spending three days immersed in the Amazon rainforest was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. From the moment we boarded the canoe and began navigating those narrow waterways, surrounded by dense vegetation, I felt like I was entering a completely different world.
There are no streets, no cars, only natural channels that wind their way through the thick vegetation, like living veins of the jungle.
During the day, we swam in immense lagoons, as tranquil as they were mysterious, where the silence was suddenly broken by the leap of a distant pink dolphin. At night, the sounds became even more enveloping: the calls of frogs, crickets, nocturnal birds, and leaves rustling with the invisible footsteps of some animal.
Amidst that landscape, amazing details also appeared: I saw some of the largest spiders I have ever seen in my life and ants that looked like they were from a movie.
🌋 Between volcanoes, craters and waterfalls
One of the greatest successes of this trip was spending several days exploring some of Ecuador's most spectacular natural landscapes. From the craters of extinct volcanoes to thundering waterfalls, each place had its own unique energy.
The Quilotoa crater left me speechless: a deep turquoise lake hidden high in the mountains, seemingly from another planet. Walking along its edge and feeling the wind on my face was an experience that made me feel small in the face of its immensity.
In Cotopaxi, one of the country's most iconic active volcanoes, the landscape changed as you climbed: from green meadows to rocky, volcanic terrain.
The Cajas National Park, with its pool-shaped lagoons, between mountains and meadows, and that feeling of being in such a particular ecosystem, was also a gem.
And I can't fail to mention Baños de Agua Santa, a town surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and hot springs, where one can do everything from extreme sports to relaxing with unparalleled views.
Map of the Itinerary in Ecuador
Two week Itinerary in Ecuador Details
Traveling through Ecuador for two weeks is more than enough time to discover many of the hidden gems this beautiful corner of South America has to offer. As I mentioned before, since it's not a huge territory, you can be at one end or the other in just a few hours.
I decided to start my journey from the south, in the city of Guayaquil, because there were direct and inexpensive flights from Cuzco, Peru (where I was before arriving in Ecuador). Also, I had to end my trip in Quito, from where I would catch my return flight.
Day 8-9: Latacunga, base city for visiting Cotopaxi National Park and exploring Quilotoa Lagoon
Day 10-12: Quito, colonial city and capital of Ecuador (coming soon)
One week itinerary in Ecuador
If it's your first time in Ecuador and you only have a week to explore, here are two itineraries based on whether you prefer to spend more time on the beach, in colonial cities, or in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Itinerary 1: Amazon Rainforest + Colonial Cities
- Day 1: Arrival in Quito
- Day 2: Quito – Tena (Amazon Rainforest)
- Day 3: Amazon Rainforest (Tena or surrounding areas)
- Day 4: Jungle – Return to Quito
- Day 5: Quito – Otavalo
- Day 6: Otavalo – Cotopaxi
- Day 7: Cotopaxi – Quito and return flight
Itinerary 2: Beach + Volcanoes
- Day 1: Arrival in Guayaquil
- Day 2: Guayaquil – Montañita (beach)
- Day 3: Montañita – Baños de Agua Santa
- Day 4: Baños – Tungurahua Volcano and Adventure
- Day 5: Baños – Quilotoa
- Day 6: Quilotoa – Quito
- Day 7: Quito – Return flight
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