2-Week Ecuador Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Ecuador tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Days in Ecuador, incl. Quito and Amazon

  The colonial streets of Quito launch this 14-day Ecuador adventure through 8 cities. Two nights in traditional Quichua jungle huts, UNESCO World Heritage site Cuenca, and the majestic Cotopaxi National Park showcase Ecuador's diversity. Nights split between hotels and mountain lodges.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Quito & Baños

    Start in Quito at 9,350ft elevation. Take the first day slow to adjust to the altitude. "The altitude hit harder than expected - spend that first day walking slowly and drinking coca tea." On Day 2, take the 4-hour bus to Baños. Get a seat on the right side for the best volcano views. Visit the thermal springs after 4pm when crowds thin out.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Baños Adventures & Amazon Transfer

    Make the most of Baños on Day 3. Go canyoning in the morning when waterfall conditions are better. On Day 4, take the 3-hour drive to Tena. The road has lots of turns, so bring motion sickness medication. Pack light for the Amazon because you'll need to carry your bags on muddy paths to reach the community cabañas.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Amazon Jungle & Papallacta

    Spend two full days with the Quichua community. Early morning is perfect for bird watching if you bring binoculars. One visitor said: "Waking up to howler monkeys and hiking with our local guide who showed us medicinal plants was incredible. But be prepared for basic facilities and lots of insects!" On Day 6, bike to Shandia village before taking the bus to Papallacta's hot springs.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Quito & Otavalo

    Head back to Quito then drive 2 hours to Otavalo. Get to the market before 9am for better prices and smaller crowds. Bring cash and a daypack. The market covers several blocks but the Plaza de Ponchos has the best handicrafts.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Cotopaxi & Cuenca

    Visit Cotopaxi National Park early before clouds block the volcano view. Pack layers since temperatures can change by 30°F in one day. The drive to Cuenca takes 7 hours but offers great views. Stop at the Avenue of Volcanoes for photos.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Cuenca & Return

    Give Cuenca three full days. Take the morning city tour and see the Panama hat factory. A traveler suggested: "Don't miss sunset at Turi viewpoint, but take a taxi up - it's steeper than it looks!" Consider hiking in Cajas National Park. Fly back to Quito on the last morning.

    
  • Day 14

    Departure

    Book afternoon flights from Quito to avoid morning traffic. The airport is far from the city center and can take 1-2 hours to reach.

    

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• 14 Day Ecuador Itinerary, incl. Quito and Cuenca

  Twelve distinct destinations paint a portrait of Ecuador, from Quito's historic center to Guayaquil's coastal charm. The route features Bellavista Cloud Forest, Papallacta Hot Springs, pristine Amazon at Liana Lodge, and Chimborazo National Park, plus UNESCO treasures and traditional markets.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Quito & Cloud Forest

    Start in Quito at 9,350ft elevation while you get used to the altitude. Visit the old town early in the morning before the crowds arrive - it's a UNESCO site worth taking your time to explore. On your second day, visit Bellavista Cloud Forest where you can spot up to 20 different species of hummingbirds.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Northern Andes & Indigenous Communities

    Stay at a historic hacienda and explore the region. Visit San Clemente indigenous community to learn about traditional medicine and embroidery. Take a 3-hour walk around Cuicocha Crater Lake at 10,665ft. "The lake walk offers incredible volcano views, but bring grippy boots as trails get slippery," notes a recent visitor. Make time for the famous Otavalo indigenous market.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Amazon Rainforest

    Travel across Papallacta Pass at 13,350ft and down into the Amazon Basin. "Pack a small duffel for the jungle lodge - you'll need to take a boat transfer. Bring a headlamp as rooms use candlelight, and thick socks for the provided rubber boots." Join guided walks to spot monkeys, kingfishers and fascinating insects.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Baños & Avenue of Volcanoes

    Take the scenic "Road of Waterfalls" to Baños and see the impressive Devil's Cauldron falls. "Don't miss the optional thermal baths - perfect after hiking." Visit Chimborazo National Park for a trek between 15,090ft and 16,400ft. "Take it slow due to altitude and bring sun protection even on cloudy days," a past traveler advises.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Cuenca & Surrounds

    Stop at the Ingapirca Inca ruins on your way to colonial Cuenca. The old town features "the best-preserved colonial architecture in Ecuador." Take day trips to nearby artisan towns like Gualaceo and Chordeleg to shop for silver jewelry and traditional textiles.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Cajas National Park & Departure

    Spend your final days hiking in Cajas National Park's unique páramo ecosystem. "Look for yellow-billed pintails and Ecuadorian hillstars among the 125 bird species," recommends one nature enthusiast. Finally, head to Guayaquil for your departure.

    

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• 14 Days in Ecuador, incl. Quito and Amazon Rainforest

  A grand 14-day Ecuador tour winds through 7 cities from Quito to Cuenca. Spectacular hikes in Cotopaxi National Park, vibrant markets of Otavalo, and authentic Amazon encounters with Quichua communities await. Thrilling activities include Jatun Yaku River rafting and optional canyoning in Baños.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Quito & Baños

    Begin your journey in Quito at 9,350 feet elevation. Book your airport transfer in advance since Quito's traffic is unpredictable. On day 2 take the 3.5-hour drive to Baños through the Avenue of Volcanoes. Plan for morning canyoning to avoid the typical afternoon rain in the cloud forest.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Amazon Transition

    Take the 5-hour drive from Baños to Tena to enter the Amazon region. Pack light clothes that dry quickly. The humidity is intense after mountain air. You'll stay with a Quichua family in simple but comfortable jungle huts. A recent visitor shared: "The transition from Andes to Amazon was incredible - we went from sweaters to t-shirts in just a few hours."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Papallacta & Quito

    Start with morning rafting on the Jatun Yaku River before traveling to Papallacta's hot springs (2.5 hours). Bring water shoes since the natural stone pools can be slippery. Head back to Quito the next day (1.5 hours). Plan to leave after 10 AM to avoid rush hour traffic.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Mindo & Otavalo

    Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest (2 hours from Quito) and its waterfalls. The trails get muddy so wear shoes with good grip. Visit Otavalo Market the next day. Get there by 8 AM before tourist buses arrive. Spend your afternoon hiking around Cuicocha Lagoon.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Cotopaxi & Cuenca

    Visit Cotopaxi National Park (2 hours away). At José Rivas Refuge (15,953 feet) the altitude is tough. Move slowly and drink plenty of water. Take the scenic drive to Cuenca next day (7-8 hours). Consider motion sickness medication if mountain roads affect you.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Cuenca Region

    Start your Cuenca visit at the Panama hat factory before the crowds. Visit Cajas National Park but keep hikes shorter since trails start at 13,000 feet.

  • Days 13-14

    Back to Quito

    Take a morning flight from Cuenca to Quito (45 minutes). Morning flights are more reliable. Use your last day to see Quito's Old Town or add an optional activity.

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