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 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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• 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 Galapagos Islands

  A 1,500-mile Ecuador odyssey spans 6 major destinations. UNESCO-recognized Quito, bustling Otavalo market, misty Mindo cloud forest, therapeutic Baños springs, lush Archidona Amazon, and Santa Cruz Island's legendary Galapagos wildlife create unforgettable memories.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Quito & Surroundings

    Start in Quito where you'll need time to adjust to the high elevation of 9,350ft. "The local guides were excellent at pacing activities while we adjusted to the altitude." Spend your first day exploring Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center. Head to Otavalo Market early on day 2, around 8am to beat the tour buses. Make time for the leather shops in Cotacachi and beautiful Cuicocha Lake crater. Your third day takes you to Mindo Cloud Forest where you can spot some of the 500+ bird species, try ziplining, and learn about chocolate making.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Baños Adventure Base

    Travel the scenic route to Baños, where adventure activities await. Take a day to bike or drive the "Route of the Waterfalls." Bring sturdy shoes with good grip for the wet walk to Devil's Cauldron waterfall. Wrap up your day relaxing in thermal pools. A local tip: the municipal pools are just as good as private ones and cost much less.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Amazon Rainforest

    Stay at an Amazon lodge near Archidona. You'll spend your time on jungle walks, visiting waterfalls, and meeting local Kichwa communities. Pack quick-dry clothes and strong insect repellent. One visitor shared: "The night walks were incredible for spotting nocturnal creatures - our guide knew exactly where to look."

    
  • Day 8

    Cotopaxi National Park

    Visit this stunning volcano early to avoid afternoon cloud cover. You can hike to Refugio José Rivas at 15,800ft. It's challenging but possible if you take it slow and drink plenty of water. Pack warm clothes as temperatures drop quickly at this altitude.

    
  • Days 9-14

    Galapagos Islands

    Fly to Baltra and make your way to Santa Cruz Island, your home base for exploring. Key activities include: - Snorkeling with sea lions at La Lobería - Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station - Taking day trips to uninhabited islands (availability depends on park permits) - Optional activities like kayaking or diving Budget $100 for park fees and $20 for the migration card. Book your flights strategically. As one traveler noted: "Morning flights from Quito often have clearer weather for spectacular aerial views of the volcanoes." Pack for every climate: warm clothes for the Andes and light, quick-dry gear for the Amazon and Galapagos. You'll experience everything from mountain cold to tropical warmth on this trip. Stay flexible with your Galapagos plans since weather can change boat schedules. Take your time watching the incredible wildlife that shaped Darwin's understanding of evolution.

    

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