The highlights of Ecuador in three weeks
Ecuador itinerary
Created by:
itinerary-hub
Published on:
Sept. 14, 2020
21 days
3099 km
9 steps
This itinerary will show you the main highlights of Ecuador including the Galapagos Islands. The itinerary is a round trip starting and finishing in the Ecuador's capital city, Quito.
Step 1: Quito
3 days recommended
Quito
Quito, located in the Andes mountains at an elevation of 2850 metres, just south of the equator, is Ecuador's capital. Quito is the oldest of all South American capitals and is known for its well-preserved old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
step 1: Quito
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
64 km / 39 miles
step 2: Cotopaxi National Park
Step 2: Cotopaxi National Park
2 days recommended
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park is located not far to the south of Quito. The park encompasses the Cotopaxi volcano. This 5,897 metres high snow-capped volcano is one of the highest in the world and an impressive sight. The surrounding area is also known for its unique flora and fauna.
step 2: Cotopaxi National Park
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
143 km / 88 miles
step 3: Baños
Step 3: Baños
3 days recommended
Baños
Baños, full name Baños de Agua Santa, is a small city located at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities. There are hiking trails up the volcano, and a lot of options for adventure sports.
step 3: Baños
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
55 km / 34 miles
step 4: Riobamba
Step 4: Riobamba
2 days recommended
Riobamba
Riobamba is a city located in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. The city is surrounded by several large hills and snow-capped mountains. Riobamba is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding mountains, inculding the 6,263 metres tall Chimborazo, the highest peak of Ecuador and nearby Sangay National Park.
step 4: Riobamba
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
193 km / 119 miles
step 5: Ingapirca
Step 5: Ingapirca
1 days recommended
Ingapirca
Ingapirca is a small town located in Ecuador’s Cañar province. It’s known for the nearby Ingapirca Ruins, an archaeological complex with some well preserved Inca ruins like the temple of the sun.
step 5: Ingapirca
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
75 km / 46 miles
step 6: Cuenca
Step 6: Cuenca
3 days recommended
Cuenca
Cuenca, located in southern Ecuador, is the third largest city of the country. Cuenca is known for its colonial buildings and its laidback culture.
step 6: Cuenca
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
198 km / 123 miles
step 7: Guayaquil
Step 7: Guayaquil
1 days recommended
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, located at the Pacific coast and on the banks of the Guayas river, is the largest city of Ecuador and an important port city. The city is known for its Simón Bolívar promenade along the Guayas river and Las Peñas, a neighbourhood full of colourful houses.
step 7: Guayaquil
Transportation type:
airplane
1053 km / 654 miles
step 8: Santa Cruz Island
Step 8: Santa Cruz Island
3 days recommended
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is located in the central of the Galápagos Archipelago. The main town of Puerto Ayora is the archipelago’s tourism hub. The island is known for its sany beaches, for the Charles Darwin Research Station and for its amazing diverse flora and fauna and marine life.
step 8: Santa Cruz Island
Transportation type:
car/bus/boat
68 km / 42 miles
step 9: Isabela Island
Step 9: Isabela Island
3 days recommended
Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the by far the largest island of the Galápagos archipelago with a length of 100 kilometres. Isabela Island is known for its rough volcanic landscapes and abundance of marine wildlife.