TravPa

Ecuador

Walk Quito's gilded churches and La Ronda, stand on the equator, bargain at Otavalo's Plaza de los Ponchos, then fly to Cuenca for Panama hats and the Cajas lagoons.

Best timeJun to SepMoneyUS dollar (USD)Plugs[plug types and voltage]Main airportQuito (UIO)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips spend three days in Quito, including a morning at the Otavalo market, about 90 km and 2 hours north by bus, then fly about 55 min to Cuenca for its old town and Cajas National Park. The Galápagos Islands need their own flights, a transit control card and park rules, and are not covered here. The UK advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces, including Guayas, home to Guayaquil.

Quito sits at 2,850 m, so take the first day slowly. June to September is the dry season, with clear mornings and volcano views; October to May brings frequent afternoon rain, and April is the wettest month.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janRainyfebRainymarRainyaprRainymayMildjunBestjulBusyaugBusysepBestoctRainynovRainydecRainy

Otavalo celebrates the Yamor, its harvest festival, at the end of August, with chicha brewed from seven varieties of maize.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Cuenca]
Cuenca in 2 daysParque Calderón, Museo Remigio Crespo Toral, Mercado 10 de Agosto, Homero Ortega, Mirador de Turi, Cajas National Park, PumapungoBalanced pace
[Photo: Quito]
Quito in 3 daysBasílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía, Mercado Central, San Francisco, La Ronda, Mitad del Mundo, TelefériQo, OtavaloBalanced pace
[Photo: Ecuador]
Ecuador in 7 daysBasílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía, Mitad del Mundo, TelefériQo, Otavalo, Cuenca, Homero Ortega, Cajas National ParkBalanced pace

Where to stay

CuencaThe historic center around Parque Calderón for first-timers on foot; the Tomebamba riverside for quieter streets near Pumapungo; El Vado for crafts.Best areas to stay in CuencaHotels in Cuenca
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QuitoThe historic center for churches and La Ronda; La Mariscal for restaurants, nightlife and taxis; La Floresta for a calmer, creative quarter near Guápulo.Best areas to stay in QuitoHotels in Quito
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Getting around

  • Flights: Flights between Quito and Cuenca take about 55 min, and Quito's airport is about 40 km from downtown.
  • Quito Metro: Line 1 crosses the city in about 34 min from 5:30 AM to 11 PM, with San Francisco station in the historic center.
  • Buses north: Buses from Quito's Carcelén terminal reach Otavalo, about 90 km north, in about 2 hours.
  • Taxis and apps: Use official taxis or Uber, DiDi or inDrive at night or with luggage; Quito's airport has authorized taxis around the clock.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates. Quito sits at 2,850 m, so check how your policy treats altitude sickness.
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Phone dataMobile data keeps ride-hailing apps, metro routes and your Quito to Cuenca flight details at hand.How a travel eSIM works
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