When people think of Ecuador, they often think of the Galapagos Islands. However, there is so much more to Ecuador than this archipelago of islands. Ecuador also contains the Amazon, gorgeous scenic volcanos, and the Andes Mountains. Follow this one-week Ecuador Itinerary for sites outside of the Galapagos Islands.
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Pro Tip: Many parts of Ecuador are at a higher altitude, so make sure to be prepared to manage your altitude sickness.
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Table of Contents
History of Ecuador
It is believed people have lived in the Ecuador area for over 16,000 years. There were a few native groups prior to the Inca, and these tribes formed the first villages. When the Inca arrived, they took over the area. The Inca lived in the highland region for several hundred years until the Spanish arrived.
When the Spanish arrived, they brought smallpox with them to the area, thus infecting many of the Inca. The survivors were forced into labor for the Spanish. The Spanish effectively took over the area and ruled it for several hundred years.
Ecuador became independent between 1820-1822. Once it became independent, there was a series of rulers and several battles over land boundaries. In 1979, Ecuador shifted to a democratic system
Pro Tip: Ecuador’s currency is the America Dollar so no need to convert money.
Best Time to Visit Ecuador
Depending on what you want to do, you can have a great trip to Ecuador any time of the year. If you plan on only visiting the Galapagos Islands, December to May is the best time to visit. We opted to visit Ecuador in July, which was their wintertime and had the best time on the mainland. Keep in mind, it will be a bit colder and you may get a little bit of rain. If you plan on spending time in the Amazon, July-December is the best time to visit.
How to Get to Ecuador
The main airport in Ecuador, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is located in Quito. Even if you are going to the Galapagos Islands, all flights will connect through Quito. Flights from the United States typically range from $200 and up. Our flight from Los Angeles was around $500.
Transportation Around Ecuador
We opted to travel around Ecuador on a tour through Gate1Travel. I would highly recommend this option as it made the logistics of the trip very easy. However, you could also rent a car and drive around yourself, hire a driver, or take the public bus.
One Week Ecuador Itinerary
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Hotel Options: Hotel LEF or Hilton Colon Quito
Today, you will arrive in Quito to begin your one-week Ecuador itinerary. Take time to get acclimated to the elevation and the new time zone. Spend some time today exploring the Old Town of Quito. This is the part of town that has gorgeous architecture and many older buildings.
First, stop at the Basilica del Voto Nacional (La Basílica). This cathedral is known for its Gothic style and is the largest Neo-Gothic Basilica in the Americas. The towers of the Cathedral offer awesome views of Quito.
Next, stop at Carondelet Palace, the Presidential Palace of Ecuador and the seat of the Ecuadorian Government. Visitors are allowed on the bottom floor to view a variety of artwork, murals, and several reception rooms.
After the palace, head to Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, the most ornate Cathedral in Quito. It took over 160 years to build, and the inside is decorated entirely in gold. Also, check out the Iglesia de San Francisco, which contains a ton of art.
End the day by exploring Plaza de Independencia and Calle de La Ronda. The main square has a ton of shops and restaurants and shops around the area. I recommend stopping at Cacao & Cacao for a delicious coffee or hot chocolate. It makes for a great place to unwind after a busy day.
Day 2: Quito to Otavalo, Ecuador
Travel Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Hotel Option: Puerto Lago Country Inn
Today, depart Quito and head to Otavalo. First, stop at La Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or the Middle of the World. This area contains a cute town that includes a monument to the equator, a museum, restaurants, and various shops. You can easily spend a couple hours exploring the area.
Next, stop at the Otavalo Markets in Otavalo. This is the ultimate stop for shoppers. They have a ton of local crafts and goods, such as blankets, sweaters, scarves, tapestries, and even headbands. Make sure to negotiate the prices for anything you would like to buy.
Other fun things to do in Otavalo include the Peguche Waterfall and the Otavalo Condor Park. Then spend some time relaxing at the Puerto Lago Country Inn. The property is set at the base of a lake that has a volcano in the middle of it. It has a huge play area complete with swings and a zip line. There are also many alpacas wandering around. It is the perfect place to end your second day of a one-week Ecuador itinerary.
Day 3: Otavalo to Papallacta, Ecuador
Travel Time: 2 hours
Hotel Option: Termas de Papallacta
Today, finish up seeing whatever you would like in Otavalo and then head to Papallacta. Papallacta is a small village located high in the Andes Mountains at about 11,000 feet. It is known for its thermal hot springs. Plan to stay at Termas de Papallacta, an amazing resort that gives you access to many of the natural hot springs.
As a guest of the resort, you will have access to the thermal pool steps from your room. You can use these for the entirety of your stay and they are so relaxing.
If you want an upgraded experience, opt to book a spa package that includes access to the spa pools, a thermal spring cave, and a back and neck massage. The spa pools are less busy and have more amenities with them. I highly recommend booking a spa package as it is made for a relaxing afternoon.
There is also an on-site restaurant that has many delicious options for dinner. No matter what, you will have a relaxing time at Termas de Papallacta.
Day 4: Papallacta to The Amazon (Punta Ahuano), Ecuador
Travel Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Hotel Option: Casa del Suizo
Today, depart after a relaxing night in Papallacta and head to the Amazon! It is quite a journey to get there, but it is worth it. To get to the Amazon resort, you will need to head to Punta Ahuano. From there, it is a 20-minute canoe ride to the resort, Casa del Suizo.
Casa del Suizo is located along the Napo River. I recommend booking a package through the resort to include everything. The hotel offers various packages and activities for your stay. This afternoon, opt to relax around the resort and take in the spectacular Amazon views.
Each room at the resort comes with a balcony and a hammock. The rooms are very comfortable, and all offer great views. All meals are included in your stay as well. There is a pool area in the middle of the resort. Casa del Suizo also has boots for you to borrow for your stay since trekking through the Amazon can get muddy. Visiting the Amazon is a must-visit stop on your one-week Ecuador itinerary.
Day 5: The Amazon, Ecuador
For day five of your one week Ecuador itinerary, you will have a choice of activities. Depending on what package you book with the resort, you will have your choice of activities.
The following are activities offered by Casa del Suizo.
- Indigenous Family Visit with a blow-dart demonstration
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Balsa Log Raft
- Nature Hikes
- Canopy Adventure Park
- Butterfly Farm
- AmaZOOnico Park (Amazon animal rescue center)
- Cacao Farm
- Spa Treatments
- Ceramics Demonstration
- Balsa Wood Carving Demonstration
With our package, we got to visit an Indigenous family, go on a nature hike, floated down the river on a balsa log raft, and zip-lined at the canopy adventure park. All were very fun activities, and I highly recommend any of them. Note that the nature hike requires a bit of an uphill hike. You also get to cross a suspension bridge and go on a zip line basket.
My favorite activity was the balsa log raft ride. You got to float down the Amazon on the raft. Note that you will get wet, but it is so much fun. After a busy day of activities, enjoy your last night in the Amazon.
Day 6: Punta Ahuano to Baños, Ecuador
Travel Time: 3 hours
Hotel Option: Hacienda Leito
This morning, leave the Amazon and head to the small town of Baños. Baños is known for having lots of adventure activities and an active volcano nearby. It is a bit of a drive from Punta Ahuano.
Prior to arriving in Baños, stop at El Pailón del Diablo (The Devil’s Cauldron), one of the most famous waterfalls in Ecuador. It is a short hike down to the waterfall across several suspension bridges. You will get pretty wet during this hike as you do have the opportunity to head underneath the waterfall. Stopping at the Devil’s Cauldron is a must-do activity on a one-week Ecuador itinerary.
After you have had your fill of hiking around the waterfall, stop at a rose plantation to learn about the rose growing process in Ecuador. Although roses are not native to Ecuador, there are a ton of rose farms as they grow very well in the terrain.
This afternoon, you have time to explore some of the adventure activities in Baños if you would like. Ziplining and bungee jumping are popular activities. There are also more thermal baths here, other waterfalls to see, water rafting, and canoe tours. We opted to ride in a cable car out to a waterfall that zips you back.
Finally, head to Hacienda Leito where you will stay for the night. If adventure activities are really your thing, you can always add another night to this one-week Ecuador itinerary in Baños.
Day 7: Baños to Quito, Eucador
Travel Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Hotel Option: Hotel LEF or Hilton Colon Quito
Today, wrap up your one-week Ecuador itinerary by heading back to Quito. This second day in Quito will be all about exploring the views of the city. Since Quito is located so high in the Andes Mountains, it provides a ton of impressive views of the area.
Once you arrive back in Quito, head to the Pichincha TelefériQo. This cable car takes you up to the base of the Pichincha Volcano. You can spend as long as you like hiking around the top and taking in the views.
Next, grab Lunch at Pim’s, a must-eat-at restaurant in Quito. Opt to visit the location by Loma El Panecillo because it has the more impressive views. Then, once you are finished with lunch, head to Loma El Panecillo. This angel statue overlooks Quito and is the tallest aluminum statue in the world.
After exploring Quito, opt to grab dinner at Cosa Nostra. This pizza place serves true New York style thin crust pizza, and it is a great way to end your one-week Ecuador itinerary.
Day 8: Quito to Home
Today, head home from Quito. Many flights leave very early in the morning. If you have more time, opt to spend another day or two in Quito and take some day trips. I highly recommend visiting Cotopaxi National Park. You could also head to the Galapagos Islands and take another week to explore what all of the islands have to offer.
Final Thoughts on a One Week Ecuador Itinerary.
Ecuador is such an amazing country and should be on everyone’s list to visit. The people are so friendly and there are so many beautiful sites. If you have more time, opt to pair the trip with Colombia or Peru. We opted to visit Bogota prior to heading to Ecuador and it was an awesome decision.
