Things to Do in Ecuador: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Ecuador packs an astonishing variety into a small country: the colonial capital Quito, the equator line, snow-capped volcanoes along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, cloud forests, the Amazon rainforest and the legendary Galápagos Islands. It is easy to travel, uses the US dollar and offers great value for nature lovers.
This guide covers the best things to do in Ecuador, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Ecuador
Quito Old Town
UNESCO colonial center.
Mitad del Mundo
Equator monument.
Galápagos Islands
Unique wildlife.
Cotopaxi
Snow-capped volcano.
Quilotoa Lagoon
Crater lake.
Baños
Waterfalls and adventure.
Otavalo
Indigenous market.
Cuenca
Colonial city.
Ecuador in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Quito
Explore Quito's UNESCO-listed old town with Plaza Grande, the gold-covered La Compañía church and the Basílica del Voto Nacional, where you can climb the towers. Lunch with locro de papa. In the afternoon, ride the TelefériQo cable car up the Pichincha volcano for views, and dine in La Ronda street.
2Day 2 · Equator and Otavalo
Visit Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan museum on the equator, then continue to Otavalo for one of South America's most famous indigenous markets, full of textiles and crafts. Lunch near Lake San Pablo. Overnight in a hacienda or return to Quito.
3Day 3 · Cotopaxi
Head south to Cotopaxi National Park to hike to the José Rivas refuge near 4,800 meters and see wild horses and the glacier-topped cone of one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Lunch at a hacienda. Continue to the Quilotoa area for the night.
Ecuador in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Quilotoa
Hike the rim or descend into the emerald Quilotoa crater lake, then walk part of the Quilotoa Loop through Andean villages. Lunch in a local hostel. Drive on to Baños in the afternoon, a town nestled below Tungurahua volcano.
5Day 5 · Baños
Ride the 'Route of the Waterfalls' by bike to the Pailón del Diablo, swing at the Casa del Árbol and relax in thermal baths. Lunch in town. In the evening, taste the local taffy and try a massage or spa.
Ecuador in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Amazon or Cuenca
Take a jungle lodge excursion from Puyo or Tena into the Amazon with canoeing and wildlife, or fly to Cuenca, a colonial gem with blue domes and Panama hat workshops. Lunch on the way. Overnight in the lodge or in Cuenca.
7Day 7 · Galápagos and farewell
End with a Galápagos extension from Quito or Guayaquil to see giant tortoises, marine iguanas and sea lions, or a final day in Quito with chocolate tastings and a farewell dinner of Ecuadorian ceviche.
What to do in Ecuador on a weekend
Things to do in Ecuador on a weekend? Saturday: Quito old town and TelefériQo. Sunday: Mitad del Mundo and Otavalo.
Inti Raymi festivals in June and Carnival in February.
What to do in Ecuador in the evening
In the evening, La Ronda street in Quito.
Thermal baths in Baños.
Ecuador for couples
For couples, haciendas, the Galápagos and Cuenca.
Ecuador with kids
With kids, the equator museum, Baños adventures and wildlife.
What to eat in Ecuador
Ceviche
Ecuadorian style.
Locro de papa
Potato soup.
Llapingachos
Potato patties.
Encebollado
Fish soup.
Chocolate
Fine cacao.
Where to stay in Ecuador: best areas
Quito
Capital.
Baños
Adventure.
Cuenca
Colonial.
Galápagos
Islands.
What to do in Ecuador when it rains
Things to do in Ecuador when it rains? Quito museums, chocolate tours and thermal baths.
How much does a trip to Ecuador cost?
Expect $40–150 per night on the mainland; Galápagos is far more expensive.
Practical tips for Ecuador
Best time to visit
June–September for the Andes; Galápagos year-round.
Getting around
Buses, private drivers and domestic flights.
Our practical tips
- Acclimatize in Quito.
- Use the US dollar.
- Book Galápagos early.
- Layers for altitude.
- Sun protection.
- Use registered taxis.
Mistakes to avoid
- Rushing altitude.
- Night buses.
- Unlicensed tours.
- Tap water.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Ecuador?
Quito, Cotopaxi, Baños and the Galápagos.
What currency?
US dollar.
Is it safe?
Take precautions in cities.
Best time?
June to September.