Ecuador is effortlessly a top South American dream destination, thanks to its rich flora and fauna, which captivates both the adventurous and the appreciative. It lies close to Peru and Colombia and sits on the Pacific Ocean coastline with beautiful islands and rainforests.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Visiting Ecuador is such a unique experience. Here, you can visit the “centre of Earth”. There’s a specific spot in Quito City which is in the middle of the equator line. After that, you can either hike some incredible mountains, and finish off by seeing the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands.
In this 2 weeks in Ecuador, I will show your 2 travel itineraries that you can choose from. You will also read some travel tips on when to go, travel cost, and using the public transportation. Later on, a list of what to do and where tp stay in each city, plus list of local food to try.
BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR ECUADOR
When is the best time to travel to Ecuador
The best time to visit Ecuador depends on what you’re looking for. Peak season, from June to August, offers drier weather and is popular for tourists, especially in the Galapagos Islands.
Rainy season, from December to May, brings lush landscapes but occasional heavy rains. Shoulder season, from September to November, has fewer crowds and still decent weather.
For the Galapagos Islands, the best time is during the dry and cool season from June to November when the waters are cooler and ideal for diving, although wildlife is abundant year-round.
Are 2 weeks enough for Ecuador
Yes, 14 days is plenty of time for Ecuador. While you won’t be able to see everything, it’s a good start in exploring this country.
You can visit 3-4 locations, or visit 3 places in the mainland Ecuador and spend the last 4 days in Galapagos Islands.
How to get around
In Ecuador, getting around is convenient via buses for longer distances, offering affordability and frequent routes.
Flying domestically is a fast way to travel around Ecuador, especially for long distances. Domestic flights connect major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, as well as smaller towns and the Galapagos Islands.
For shorter trips within cities, taxis are common and relatively inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify operate in major cities like Quito and Guayaquil, providing convenient alternatives with transparent pricing.
Additionally, renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring rural areas, but it may be more expensive and challenging due to varying road conditions and traffic rules.
Language and currency
The main language in Ecuador is Spanish. While some locals may speak English, especially in tourist areas, it’s helpful to know basic Spanish for smoother communication.
Ecuador’s main currency is the US dollar (USD)m, which has been in place since year 2000. Tourists can typically pay with USD, and some establishments may accept major credit cards.
However, it’s advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller towns and markets where card acceptance may be limited. Cash is often preferred for small purchases and in rural areas where card facilities may not be available.
While some places accept other major currencies like euros, it’s best to have USD for simplicity and wider acceptance.
Visa
Visa for Ecuador is mostly easy for visitors from 90% of the North and Latin America, Europe, Oceania, East Asia, some parts of Africa, and some parts in South and Southeast Asia. These visitors can enjoy free visa 3o to 90 days.
If you’re not in this list, you must apply for a visa in advance at the nearest embassy or consulate of Ecuador.
Cost of 2 weeks in Ecuador
It can be hard to give an actual number since it depends on many things such as your travel style, how comfortable you want to be, and spending money on food. But here are some ideas:
For an affordable two-week vacation in Ecuador, budget around $900 to $1200 per person. This covers budget accommodations, local transportation, meals, and some excursions.
For a mid-range experience, expect to spend between $1500 to $2500 per person, including comfortable accommodations, meals at mid-range restaurants, guided tours, and additional activities.
A luxury vacation could cost $2500 to $5000 or more per person, featuring upscale accommodations, gourmet dining, private transportation, guided tours with premium experiences, and exclusive amenities.
On top of these estimated cost, you also have to add the main cost of flight and travel insurance.
Travel arrangement tips
Apart from the information about, I also have a list of travel sites and services that you can check out when it comes to making travel arrangement. I hope these can help you plan your travel itinerary for 2 weeks in Ecuador.
MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN ECUADOR
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
2 WEEKS IN ECUADOR ITINERARY
As your fellow backpacker, I understand you want to maximize your holiday trip. But it’s also true that each of us is a different traveller with a unique approach, and it’s okay.
You can curate a slow travel plan that allows you to focus and relax or build a busy one to explore different places from every corner of Ecuador.
But if you prefer to travel in comfort, don’t worry – I also have you covered. In this 2 weeks Ecuador itinerary, I will help you plan your vacation. If you have other places in your mind that are not on this list, don’t worry! These are only ideas on how to explore and navigate Ecuador.
If you want to combine Ecuador with another country, we have an itinerary for 2 weeks in South America.
Itinerary #1: First-timer (Quito, Guayaquil, Ambato, Galapagos Island)
You should at least spend 2 weeks in Ecuador to fully immerse in its vibrant life. Visiting Quito, Guayaquil, Ambato, and the Galapagos Islands will be worthwhile as it will introduce you to its preserved history and unique capital.
These cities are famous for their architecture, underrated food scene, and breathtaking views of Ecuador’s Andes Mountains.
This is an ideal itinerary for first-timers because it will account for everything you need: where you’ll be going and how to get there, what you can enjoy in these places, and the timeline you’ll ideally spend. Whether you seek leisure or a thrilling getaway, you will surely be in awe as you wander around the majestic Ecuador.
Quito for 4 days
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is famous for being the world’s second-highest capital city, at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level. If you start here, you can visit the Middle of the World City, which is precisely what it says: a city closest to the equatorial line where the laws of physics are broken.
Apart from this, you can be amazed by Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila and Capilla del Hombre after souvenir hunting in Mariscal Artisanal Market.
It’s best to start in Quito because it offers easy access to international flights and well-connected transportation lines that serve as a gateway to your next domestic stop.
You’ll never have trouble finding your way in whether you want to explore the beaches next, the rainforests, or the countryside. Also, it’s better to get used to the higher altitude in the country.
Ambato for 3 days
Your 2 weeks in Ecuador should have three days in Ambato, including hiking to Cotopaxi National Park and appreciating the protected animal life. Here, you can see llamas, deer, Andean wolves, and rabbits and be astonished by the snow-capped highest active volcano in the world.
You can also indulge in an exciting bike trail to Pailon del Diablo waterfalls or do another hike to Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo to see the vicuñas and the Chimborazo volcano.
Ambato has no airports, but the bus route, which is 152.6 km (94.8 mi) from Quito to Alóag to Ambato, only takes 2 hours. This city will be a great home base for hiking because of its proximity to popular parks and trails.
You can find a lot of hostels or guesthouses here, perfect for backpacker. This is also a great starting point for multiple-day excursions without being overwhelmed by tourists.
Guayaquil for 3 days
Guayaquil is the biggest port in Ecuador, so it’s a great city to visit before heading to the beautiful Galapagos Island. While you’re here, climb the 465 stairs up to Santa Ana Hill for a colourful overview of the city and stroll around the waterfront stretch of Malecon 2000 with its monuments, restaurants, and museums.
It’s also exciting to see the pastel houses of Guayaquil Historical Park and the dry forest reserve of Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco.
Guayaquil and Ambato are 272.8 km (169.5 mi) away, and bus travel takes almost 6 hours. I recommend riding a bus to San Miguel de Salcedo, then taking another bus back to Quito, which takes 2 hours. Then, fly from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito to Guayaquil for almost an hour.
Galapagos Island for 4 days
Our last destination for this trip is the Galapagos Islands, known for its unique plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.
Specifically at Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, you can enjoy a Charles Darwin Research Station tour or witness black sea turtles laying their eggs at Tortuga Bay. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Los Gemelos, the twin-pit craters.
1,169 km (726.3 mi) away from Guayaquil, the fastest and cheapest option is to fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos, taking you nearly 2 hours for around $120. Spending your last four days on these islands will be unforgettable because it has the wildest activities in Ecuador, from thrilling hiking and climbing to underwater adventures.
You can depart from here through Seymour Airport in Baltra Island, but it will still stop at Guayaquil to drop off passengers before heading to Quito.
Itinerary #2: Nature Lovers (Quito, Mindo, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Galapagos Islands)
This itinerary is tailored for travellers with an adventurous nature. I will give you an ideal starting point and a series of destinations to spark your bold spirits. You will find intense activities like rappelling and hiking, underwater adventures, and trips to remote villages.
You can get used to the country’s high altitude and get a glimpse of Ecuadorian culture in Quito first. There are a lot of well-preserved churches and structures that span from the 16th and 17th centuries here. This will be a warm-up before jumping into gripping day trips and tours.
Then, from here, gear up for a jam-packed schedule featuring trips to Mindo, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and the Galapagos Islands. There’s a lot of amazing stuff here, honestly. But don’t worry because I’ve got you covered, whether you want to witness wildlife near the Andes Mountains or scenic adventures that you will only find in Ecuador.
Quito for 2 days
Quito is Ecuador’s capital, popular for its preserved yet modernized historic centre, and it is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the meantime, when you’re here, you can enjoy a cable car ride using TelefériQo and appreciate the city’s mountainous landscape.
You can also tour Independence Square, Parque La Carolina, or the Intiñan Equator Museum.
In Quito, you will not only have a gateway to all the other vacation gems in Ecuador but you can also be equipped to travel by purchasing local SIM cards and withdrawing local cash.
And since you’re sort of just preparing for the coming days, you can arrange and finalize your transportation routes, book hotels or guesthouses, and avail of tours that match your liking.
Mindo for 3 days
Mindo is home to the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve, where different species of birds, butterflies, and orchids thrive together. The best thing to do here is to visit the Hosteria Mariposas de Mindo butterfly farm or take the chocolate factory tour in El Quetzal.
Apart from this, you can pay for a chairlift ($8/person) at Minjoy Park to appreciate the cloud forest of Mindo.
Mindo Valley is 97.7 km away (60.7 mi) from Quito, and riding a bus will take 2 hours (costs $4), while a taxi takes 1 hour (costs about $50). Both are available at Terminal La Ofelia bus station. As you arrive in Mindo, you will find interesting accommodations like an Airbnb treehouse, exciting your stay.
Cotopaxi and Chimborazo for 4 days
Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are both known for the same things: their volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, and the natural life around them. Cotopaxi Province has a ziplining activity at Baños and a hike up to Quilotoa Lagoon.
Additionally, you can take a full-day tour of the Puyo Jungle, where you can appreciate rivers and waterfalls and engage in different activities on the Ecuadorian Amazon.
I’d personally make Ambato my home base since it’s settled between Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, which are in opposite directions. Mindo and Ambato are 243.0 km (160 mi) apart, and a cost-saving option is taking a taxi from Mindo to Aloag and then a bus to Ambato, which is 3 hours and 30 minutes for around $70.
From Ambato, Cotopaxi is 197.4 km (122.6 mi) away, which will take almost 2 hours using the bus (around $10), while Chimborazo is 311 km (193.2 mi) away, which will take 1 hour and 30 minutes via taxi (around $30).
Galapagos Islands for 5 days
Galapagos Islands is a living laboratory for scientists and the home of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. You can enjoy out-of-this-world activities, like conquering the Sierra Negra and rappeling 500 feet down the crate of Volcán Trillizos on Isabela Island.
If you do not mind spending money on a private boat to shuttle you around the islands, you can also snorkel in Kicker Rock at San Cristobal Island.
From Ambato, you need to ride a bus to Guayaquil, which is 272.3 km (169.1 mi) away, and fly to Seymour Airport in Baltra Island in Galapagos, which is another 1,169 km (726.3 mi). Then, from the airport, you can head to your next stop. Ending your 14 days in Ecuador here will surely be memorable because it holds all the beauty and thrills of Ecuador.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN ECUADOR (per city)
Quito
- Explore Quito via a city tour with Mitad del Mundo stop or a double-decker bus
- Hike Volcano Pichincha
- Middle of the World City – book a private tour with Teleferico & Middle of the World
- Ride Teleferico
- Book a private tour to the Cloud Forest
- Try out their delicacies, such as Locro de Papa and deep-fried guinea pig
- Join a street food tour or a cooking class with market tour or a cultural waking food tasting tour
- TeleferiQo Cable Car
- Independence Square
- Join a full day tour to Otavalo, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha
- Have a stroll at the Old Town
- Plaza de San Francisco
- Parque Metropolitano
- Parque La Carolina
- Parque El Ejido
- Go Birdwatching – see Antisana and Condors
- Day trip to Cotopaxi Volcano
- Day trip to Laguna Quilotoa – check out the price tour or this one
- Visit the actual equator at the Intinan Solar Museum
Guayaquil
- Discover the city via this half-day tour or this double-decker bus or this historic city tour
- Reserve this private shuttle if you’re planning to visit Guayaquil from Cuenca
- Malecon 2000
- La Perla
- Las Penas
- Book a combo tour with waterfalls to the Cloud Forest
- Climb Cerro Santa Ana and see El Faro
- Cycle around Isla Santay
- Guayas River Cruise
- Book a full-day tour to Cocoa Farm or join this chocolate-making class
- Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art
- Row a boat around Estero Salado
- Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
- Parque Bolivar
Ambato
- Hike Chimborazo – Join a tour if travelling from Quinto
- Cevallos Park
- Casa de Montalvo
- Book an adventure to Amazon Jungle
- Museum of the Higher Technical Institute Bolivar
- La Familia Park
- La Providencia
- Day trip to Banos – Join a canyoning tour or go rock climbing or this river rafting adventure
- Atocha Parish
- Miraflores
- Go zip lining – check activity details
Galapagos Islands
- Snorkelling
- Birdwatching
- Tortuga Bay
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- Los Tuneles
- La Loberia
- Rancho Primicias Galapagos Tortoise Ranch
- Maprae Museum
- Volcán La Cumbre
LOCAL ECUADOR DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY
Latin America cuisine has a lot of similarities. However, each country has their own versions of popular dishes across this continent. And Ecuador is no exception on that.
I’m sure you had ceviche and tres leches cake, but try the Ecuador version and see which one you like the most:
- Ceviche de camarón: Shrimp ceviche marinated in lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Llapingachos: Grilled potato patties stuffed with cheese and served with peanut sauce.
- Seco de pollo: Chicken stew cooked with beer, cilantro, and vegetables, served with rice.
- Encebollado: Fish soup with onions, tomatoes, yuca, and cilantro, typically eaten for breakfast.
- Fritada: Fried pork served with mote (hominy), llapingacho, and fried plantains.
- Bolón de verde: Mashed plantain balls stuffed with cheese, pork, or chicharrón.
- Hornado: Roast pork seasoned with spices and served with potatoes and llapingachos.
- Cuy asado: Roast guinea pig, a traditional delicacy often served during festivals and special occasions.
- Tres leches cake: Sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed, and cream).
- Helado de paila: Handmade ice cream prepared in a copper pot, available in various flavors.
- Empanadas de viento: Fried dough filled with cheese and dusted with powdered sugar, served as a sweet snack.
- Canelazo: Hot alcoholic beverage made with aguardiente (sugar cane alcohol), cinnamon, and fruit juice.
- Horchata de morocho: Sweet drink made from morocho (white corn), cinnamon, and sugar.
- Chicha: Fermented maize (corn) beverage, either sweet or sour, consumed throughout Ecuador.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ECUADOR
Quito
- Affordable: Posada Tambuca or Hostel Revolution Quito or Travellers Inn
- Mid-range: Chakana Hotel Boutique or Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe or ibis Quito
- Luxury: Wyndham Garden Quito or Vista del Angel Hotel Boutique or Friends Hotel & Rooftop or Dann Carlton Quito
Guayaquil
- Affordable: Hotel Varadero Internacional or Hotel de Alborada or YU! Smarthotels
- Mid-range: Hello! Las Peñas Siglo XXI B&B or Luxva Hotel Boutique or Hotel Palace Guayaquil
- Luxury: Wyndham Garden Guayaquil or River Garden Hotel + Suites or Courtyard by Marriott Guayaquil
Mindo
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
Ambato
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:Jardines Hotel or Roka Plaza Hotel or Casa de Madera y Marmol or Instant Hotel
- Luxury:
Galapagos Islands
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN ECUADOR
No doubt, there’s simply nothing like Ecuador. The natural reserves of some of the most endangered animals on Earth and the beauty of its islands in the Galapagos are things you’d never want to miss. This place is clearly a testament to nature’s wonders and the fascinating cycle of life.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time travelling or you’re already a travel nomad. Experiencing Ecuador will instantly make you seek more of the world’s wonders and the unique culture of each chosen destination.