Ecuador is one of those destinations that surprises with its immense diversity in such a compact area. In just a few hours, you can go from relaxing on Pacific beaches to hiking the trails of ancient volcanoes, exploring colonial cities steeped in history, or delving 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 two-week itinerary in Ecuador is for you.
On this two-week itinerary, you'll get to know the best of the country: from its national parks and hidden waterfalls to indigenous markets, Andean villages, and vibrant nature reserves. Best of all, Ecuador, in addition to being a budget-friendly destination, is easy to explore on your own thanks to its small size, good transportation connections, and friendly people. This route is designed for those seeking an authentic experience, balancing adventure, nature, and culture.
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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 quiet towns, beaches ideal for surfing, and delicious seafood cuisine. Places like Montañita (ideal for parties) or Puerto López (for relaxation) also invite you to enjoy beachfront walks, boat trips, and visits to reserves like Machalilla National Park. If you travel between June and September, you might also be lucky enough to see humpback whales. The Ecuadorian coast is perfect for a few days of relaxation and a recharged start to your trip.
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, they are usually intense but fleeting, allowing for pleasant weather during the 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 it was like that day :(.
🏔️ The Andes: volcanoes, towns with soul, and colonial cities
As you move away from the sea and begin to gain altitude, the landscape changes radically. The Ecuadorian Andes welcome you with extinct volcanoes, high-altitude lagoons, towns with vibrant markets, and colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca, declared World Heritage Sites. In this region, you'll be able to hike in incredible places like Quilotoa and Cotopaxi National Park, and also visit local communities that maintain their ancestral traditions. The mountain range offers a 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 sees 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 trip 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, intense greenery, and the sounds of nature dominate. Navigating the river, visiting indigenous communities, hiking through the jungle with local guides, or bathing in waterfalls are 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. Rainfall increases from April to July, although this can also be beneficial for wildlife viewing. It's important to be prepared for the constant humidity and 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 most enjoyed in Ecuador was walking the cobblestone streets of Cuenca and Quito, two cities that have preserved their colonial heritage with a unique charm. Cuenca welcomed me with its calm pace, white facades, reddish roofs, and wrought-iron balconies. There's something almost European about its aesthetic, but with a distinctly Andean identity. It's a city that invites you to wander aimlessly, to stop in its markets or at a stone church and simply observe.
Quito, on the other hand, deeply 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, lively plazas, and that ancient air that still lingers give it a very special character. In particular, the green and gold domes that stand out in the Quito skyline reminded me of Florence, with their elegance and symmetry. Watching the sunset from one of its viewpoints, such as El Panecillo or the Basílica del Voto Nacional, was one of those moments that are etched in the traveler's 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 climbed into the canoe and began navigating those narrow passages of water, surrounded by dense vegetation, I felt like I was entering a completely different world. There are no streets, no cars, just natural channels that wind their way through the undergrowth, 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've ever seen and ants that looked like they were straight out of a movie. It wasn't just a hike; it was an experience that connected me with nature at its finest.
🌋 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 mountain, seemingly from another planet. Walking along its edge and feeling the wind on your face was one of those experiences that makes you feel small in the face of immensity.
On Cotopaxi, one of the country's most iconic active volcanoes, the landscape changed as I ascended, from verdant grasslands to rocky, volcanic terrain. While I wasn't able to hike, the walk to the refuge was rewarding.
Cajas National Park, with its pool-like lagoons nestled among mountains and meadows, and the feeling of being in such a unique ecosystem, was also a gem.
And I can't forget to mention Baños de Agua Santa, a town surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs, where you can enjoy everything from extreme sports to relaxing with unparalleled views. There, amidst so much water falling from the heights, I felt the living power of the Ecuadorian earth.
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.
Although I took this trip a while ago and haven't written a detailed post about all the places I visited, I hope to be able to fill in the details over time so you can learn more about this incredible country.
I decided to start my trip from the south, in the city of Guayaquil, because there were direct and affordable flights from Cusco, Peru (where I was before arriving in Ecuador). I also had to end my trip in Quito, from where I would take the return flight.
Day 1: Guayaquil, one of the few cities I didn't like
Day 2: Puerto López, a coastal town ideal for visiting Machalilla National Park
Day 3-4: Cuenca and Cajas National Park
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
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