Day 1: Explore Quito
Quito is Ecuador’s capital with plenty to offer. Start your day in the historic center. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture, churches, and squares.
Head to Plaza Grande, where you’ll find the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. It’s a great spot to take in the local vibe.
From here, walk to La Compañía de Jesús, one of the most stunning churches in South America. The inside is covered in gold. It’s breathtaking, so definitely go inside.
After lunch, take a cable car up Pichincha Volcano on the TeleferiQo. You’ll get some stunning views of Quito and the surrounding mountains.
In the evening, head to La Mariscal neighborhood for some great food and nightlife. It’s the trendy part of the city.
Where to eat in Quito
For lunch, try Café Plaza Grande, offering fantastic Ecuadorian dishes in a historic setting. For dinner, Zazu is a great option, serving up some modern twists on traditional Ecuadorian fare.
Day 2: Take a Trip to the Middle of the World
Just outside of Quito is “La Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World), where you can stand on the equator. It’s a quick day trip from the capital.
Visit the monument and the nearby Museo Intiñan. Though the monument is the most famous part, the museum offers some fun experiments to demonstrate how things react differently on the equator.
In the afternoon, head back to Quito and visit the Museo Nacional. It’s a great place to dig into Ecuador’s history, culture, and archaeology. You’ll see collections ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts to modern art.
For dinner, head back to La Mariscal and try Achiote for some local cuisine with a twist. Their empanadas and ceviche are fantastic!
Day 3: Otavalo Market and Cotacachi
Start early and head to the famous Otavalo Market. It’s about a 2-hour bus ride from Quito. This is the biggest indigenous market in South America. You’ll find everything—handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and more. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Make sure to visit the animal market in the morning, though it won’t be for everyone. Get your shopping done and then head over to the food section for some local eats.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby town of Cotacachi. It’s known for its leather goods. It’s a small village, but worth a quick visit if you’re in the area.
Return to Quito in the evening for a relaxed dinner. Try Casa Gangotena for a fine dining experience with Ecuadorian flavors. It’s pricey but worth it.
Day 4: Explore Baños and Its Hot Springs
Take a bus or private car to Baños, about 3.5 hours from Quito. This small town is known for its adventure activities and hot springs.
Once you get there, spend the morning relaxing in the thermal baths that the town is famous for. You’ll find plenty of options, but Termas de la Virgen is probably the most popular. It’s right under a beautiful waterfall.
In the afternoon, rent a bike or hire a guide and explore the waterfall route. You’ll see some spectacular sights, like El Pailón del Diablo, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Ecuador.
Baños also offers bungee jumping, zip-lining, and canyoning. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is the place for you!
Later, enjoy dinner at Leoni Pizzería if you’re craving pizza or head to Casa Hood for some solid international dishes.
Day 5: Visit the Amazon in Tena
Get an early start and head to Tena, the gateway to the Amazon. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Baños. Once there, you can arrange a day tour at one of the local eco-lodges.
Most tours include a jungle walk, visits to indigenous communities, and the chance to swim in rivers or waterfalls. You’ll see wildlife, experience the rainforest, and learn about life in the Amazon.
For dinner back in Tena, try Chuquitos. They offer a great selection of Amazonian seafood dishes.
If you have extra time in Tena, consider rafting on the Jatunyacu River. It’s one of the best spots in Ecuador to experience whitewater rafting.
Day 6: Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Today, take a trip to Cotopaxi National Park. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Quito or Baños. It’s home to the towering Cotopaxi Volcano, one of Ecuador’s most iconic sights.
Once in the park, you can hike up to the refuge at an altitude of 4,800 meters. It’s a challenging hike due to the elevation, so take your time. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also arrange to summit the volcano, though you’ll need proper gear and a guide.
If you’re not up for hiking, you can still enjoy the park’s breathtaking landscapes, with wild horse herds and stunning views of the volcano.
In the evening, head back to Quito or stay in one of the eco-lodges near the park for an overnight stay. Relax with a nice hot meal after a long day of exploring. Tambopaxi Lodge is a great option if you’re staying the night in the park.
Day 7: Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure
For your last day, head to the Mindo Cloud Forest. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Quito. Mindo is perfect for nature lovers, offering a completely different landscape from the mountains and cities.
Hike around the area and explore the waterfalls. You can also go zip-lining if you’re still in the mood for adventure or visit a butterfly farm.
Mindo is also one of the best places in Ecuador for birdwatching. You can see tons of hummingbirds and even toucans. If you’re into chocolate, make sure to visit El Quetzal, where you can take a tour and sample locally produced chocolate.
In the late afternoon, head back to Quito for your final evening. For dinner, try Urko Cocina Local for a modern take on Ecuadorian cuisine.
Final Tips
Ecuador’s weather changes based on where you are, so pack layers. In Quito and Cotopaxi, it’s chilly, while in Tena and Baños, it’s more tropical. Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray if you’re heading to the Amazon.
Allow yourself some flexibility. You’ll encounter places where you want to stay longer, so don’t pack your schedule too tight. Ecuador has so much to offer, and you don’t want to rush through it!
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