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
Best time to go
14 days
€€€ - Luxury
Detail of the stay : Ecuador's must-sees - 14 days
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.
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.
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks Ecuador
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