Best of Ecuador Tour in 16 Days: Amazon, Andes & Coast

Day 1 – Arrival in Quito
Welcome to Ecuador’s capital city, nestled high in the Andes. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take the evening to rest and prepare for your upcoming adventure.

Day 2 – Quito City, Teleférico & Equator Line
Discover Quito’s colonial heritage at its churches and plazas before ascending by Teleférico for panoramic views. Visit the Equator Line and Intiñan Museum for fascinating cultural and geographic experiences. End the day surrounded by Andean scenery.

Day 3 – Cotopaxi National Park
Travel to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Hike around Lake Limpiopungo and admire Andean wildlife and landscapes. Visit the park museum before reaching the refuge for stunning views.

Day 4 – Quilotoa Lagoon & Baños
Drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, visiting indigenous homes and the art village of Tigua. Explore the turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake, where you can hike or kayak, before heading to Baños to swing over breathtaking valleys.

Day 5 – Papallacta Hot Springs & Misahuallí
Relax in the thermal waters of Papallacta surrounded by mountain scenery. Stop at Guango Lodge to spot colorful hummingbirds, then continue to Misahuallí for dinner and an introduction to your Amazon lodge.

Day 6 – Kichwa Community Experience
Immerse yourself in Kichwa culture, learning ancestral traditions, chocolate-making, and the uses of medicinal plants. Enjoy traditional dishes and dances for a deep connection with the Amazon’s native heritage.

Day 7 – Las Latas Waterfalls & Cacao Experience
Hike through lush rainforest to the Las Latas waterfalls and swim in crystal-clear natural pools. Later, join a cacao workshop to learn the journey from bean to chocolate and taste the Amazon’s sweetest secret.

Day 8 – Journey to Baños
Travel from the Amazon toward the town of Baños, surrounded by rivers, canyons, and lush jungle landscapes. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Andean foothills and spend the afternoon exploring this charming valley town.

Day 9 – Waterfalls Route & Pailón del Diablo
Follow the “Route of the Waterfalls” and hike to the famous Pailón del Diablo, one of Ecuador’s most spectacular cascades. Visit the Casa del Árbol, Manto de la Novia, and Mano de la Pachamama before continuing to Riobamba.

Day 10 – Colta Lagoon & Ingapirca Ruins
Admire the serene Colta Lagoon, reflecting the mighty Chimborazo Volcano. Visit Balbanera Church, Ecuador’s oldest, then explore the Ingapirca Fortress, the country’s most important Inca site, before heading to Cuenca.

Day 11 – Cuenca City Tour & Artisan Villages
Explore Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its colonial charm, cathedrals, and panoramic views from Turi Hill. In the afternoon, visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, renowned for traditional silver and gold crafts.

Day 12 – El Cajas National Park & Guayaquil
Enjoy a walk through El Cajas National Park, home to over 200 glacial lagoons and pristine highland scenery. Depending on conditions, visit the Gualaceo Valley before continuing to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s coastal gateway.

Day 13 – Ruta del Sol & Pacific Coast
Embark on the scenic Route of the Sun, visiting fishing villages and beaches like Salango, Montañita, and Puerto López. Marvel at ocean views, enjoy local seafood, and—seasonally—spot humpback whales near Isla de la Plata.

Day 14 – Isla de la Plata Excursion
Sail from Puerto López to Isla de la Plata, often called the “Little Galápagos.” Enjoy whale-watching (seasonal), guided hikes to spot blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.

Day 15 – Montecristi & Mindo Cloud Forest
Depart Puerto López with a stop in Montecristi, home of the world-famous Panama hats and traditional artisans. Continue through lush landscapes to Mindo, a peaceful cloud forest paradise rich in biodiversity and birdlife.

Day 16 – Mindo Cloud Forest Exploration & Return to Quito
Take a guided walk through the Mindo Cloud Forest, discovering exotic orchids, butterflies, and waterfalls. Visit the Hummingbird Garden, where dozens of species can be observed up close, before returning to Quito for your departure. Connection with your international flight