Stay : Ecuador's must-sees

Ecuador may be a small country, but you'll need at least 10 days to get your first taste of it. You should opt for one of the two major options offered by the country: a cruise to the Galapagos Islands or a stay in the Amazon rainforest (in both cases, allow for a substantial budget), without forgetting to spend a few days in Quito to discover its listed historic center.

Summary of the stay

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Summer
Autumn
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Best time to go

Suggested by Petit Futé

14 days

€€€ - Luxury

All audiences
Culture / Heritage
Faune and flora
Adventure / Sports & Leisure
Free time
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Detail of the stay : Ecuador's must-sees - 14 days

  • Quito
  • Quito
  • Quito
  • Quito
  • Quito
  • Esmeraldas
  • Esmeraldas
  • Otavalo
  • Cuenca
  • Montañita
  • Puerto López
  • Canoa
  • Mompiche
  • Parque Nacional Machalilla
  • Parque Nacional Machalilla
  • Parque Nacional Machalilla
  • Atacames
  • Atacames

Day 1: Visit Quito

Steps: Quito

Visit the colonial city, its churches and colonial houses. Enjoy the views from Panecillo Hill, the Telefériqo or Itchimbía Park.

Day 2: Continuation of Quito tour

Steps: Esmeraldas, Otavalo

Morning in Quito, to complete the tour of the historic center or discover the superb Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank. Afternoon departure for Otavalo - a Wednesday or Saturday is best for visiting the market.

Places of interest :
MUSÉE DE LA BANQUE CENTRAL

Day 3: Otavalo market

Early in the morning, visit the animal market and then the gigantic craft market. Return to Quito in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Heading for the Amazon

Immersion in the Amazon rainforest (4 to 5 days). Prefer the Cuyabeno region (in the northeast of the country) to see more animals. Allow two days for the round trip from Quito and the transfer by pirogue to the lodge.

Day 5: Amazonian explorations

In the programme: daytime and night excursions in the forest, observation of wildlife and flora, visit of indigenous communities.

Day 6: Amazonian explorations, next

Continue exploration.

Day 7: Amazonian explorations, next

Continue exploration.

Day 8: Direction Cuenca

Return to Quito in the afternoon. Possible connecting flight to Cuenca. Evening and overnight in Cuenca.

Day 9: Visit this jewel of colonial architecture

Steps: Cuenca

Discover the colonial city of Cuenca, a historic jewel and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 10: Transit via Quito

Return to Quito or stopover in Guayaquil before boarding your flight to the Galapagos or heading for the Pacific coast.

Day 11: Off to the Galapagos?

Steps: Montañita, Puerto López, Canoa, Mompiche

Cheaper option: departure from Quito or Cuenca for Puerto Lopez and/or the surrounding area. Choose from Montañita for surfers and party-goers, or Canoa or Mompiche for those seeking peace and quiet. This tour is described in more detail below.

Amore expensive option: a cruise around the Galapagos Islands, including the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. Travel organized via a local agency (this option saves time and allows you to take part in as many activities as possible: boat excursions, discovery of the islands and certain islets, visits to must-see sites, diving opportunities). Choose to arrive on Santa Cruz Island.

Day 12: Frailes Beach Beach

Steps: Parque Nacional Machalilla

Around Puerto Lopez, visit the National Park of Machalilla to the beautiful beach of Los Frailes, where you will spend a whole day, between hiking and swimming.

Day 13: Isla de la Plata, the "Galapagos of the poor

Steps: Atacames

VisitIsla de la Plata, home to frigate birds, blue- and red-legged boobies and other birds, and take part in snorkeling activities. In season, boat excursions to observe humpback whales (June to September).

Day 14: Time to return

On to Guayaquil or Quito to catch your international flight the next day. Last moments in one of these two cities.

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