Ecuador Travel Guide
Many people associate Ecuador only with the Galapagos, but this small country, situated between Colombia and Peru, has much more to offer. From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the Amazon rainforest and several colonial towns, you are spoiled for choice!
I spent about a month backpacking around Ecuador, and this guide is full of valuable tips and information to help you plan your trip effectively.
- When to visit Ecuador
- Documents and vaccinations to enter Ecuador
- What to do and see in Ecuador
- Suggested itineraries in Ecuador
- How to get around Ecuador
- Backpacking Ecuador: costs
- Backpacking Ecuador: safety
Cotopaxi Volcano.
When to visit Ecuador
The best time to visit Ecuador overall depends largely on your interests and the specific regions you plan to explore. However, the dry season from June to September is generally considered the most popular time for visiting the highlands, including the capital Quito and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. During these months, you can expect clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes.
If you’re planning on visiting the Amazon rainforest, the best time is during the shoulder seasons of October and November or April and May. These months offer a good balance of weather, with less rainfall than the wet season and more comfortable temperatures than the dry season.
For the Galapagos Islands, the best time to visit is from December to May when the seas are calmer and the weather is warm. However, this is also the peak season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Laguna Quilotoa.
Documents and vaccinations to enter Ecuador
Most passport holders (make sure your passport does not expire within the next six months) receive a free 90-day tourist visa upon entering the country.
You cannot make the classic “visa run” (leaving and re-entering the country to renew your visa) as you are only allowed 90 days every 365. However, you can extend your tourist visa for another 90 days under certain conditions. If you are interested in this topic, I refer you to this guide.
Ecuador does not require any mandatory vaccinations, but Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and yellow fever are recommended, especially if you decide to visit the Amazon rainforest.
What to do and see in Ecuador
Given its small size, Ecuador is a fairly easy country to get around. Most tourist attractions can be reached within a day from Quito, and the next destination is never too far away. Below, you will often find prices in US Dollars ($), which is the official currency of Ecuador. The current exchange rate is approximately 1€ = 1.17$. For the current exchange rate, I suggest you look at this page.
N.b. Throughout the guide you will find links to https://www.alltrails.com/. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the Alltrails app you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in “Google Earth KML” format and then uploading them to organic maps, which is by far one of my favorite travel apps.
Quito
At 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, so as soon as you arrive, even climbing the stairs might leave you short of breath! Here are some tips for overcoming the so-called “mountain sickness”. In general, try not to overdo it and drink plenty of water.
What to do and see in Quito
The old city
One can easily spend a day visiting Quito’s historic center perhaps by joining a free walking tour. Plaza Grande (Google Maps), where the main government buildings are located, is really beautiful. The Basilica del Voto Nacional (Google Maps) is also definitely worth a visit. In the evening I recommend walking along Calle La Ronda (Google Maps), an alley full of bars and restaurants.
Plaza Grande.
Pichincha Volcano
Take the cable car (Google Maps) to the Pichincha volcano overlooking the city. It is the second highest cable car in the world, and on a clear day once you get to the top (it is actually the summit of Cruz Loma at 4100m) you can see half a dozen volcanoes.
You can also continue on foot to the actual summit of Pichincha volcano at 4680m. It is about a 10 km round trip but given the altitude it could take 4-5 hours (All Trails). If you are not yet acclimatized you should have no problem taking the cable car but i would not recommend continuing on foot, altitude sickness can lead to serious problems.
If for whatever reason you don’t want to or can’t continue on foot you can still enjoy the view of the city from the station, probably in the company of some llamas! The cable car ticket costs $9 (official website). Depending on where you are staying, you can take public transport as describe here, a taxi from the historical center should cost about 5-6$.
Pichincha Volcano.
Ciudad mitad del mundo
Located 26 kilometers from Quito, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or “Middle of the World City,” is geographically split by the Equator.
Primarily tourist-oriented, the town offers little beyond the monument (Google Maps) marking the Equator (though the actual location is about 240 meters off). Nonetheless, it remains a worthwhile half-day trip. Admission to the site is $5. To get to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo from Quito you can get the bus line “Mitad del Mundo” from the center, 0.40$.
How to reach Quito?
From the airport, you have options for transportation: you can take a taxi, which takes about 45 minutes and costs about $25. Alternatively, a cheaper option is to take a bus. Buses operate roughly from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will take you to the Rio Coca Bus Terminal (Google Maps) for $2. From there, you can transfer to a city bus heading downtown for $0.25.
If you’re continuing to other destinations within Ecuador, take a bus to the Carecelen Terminal, also known as “Quito Norte” (Google Maps)). From here, you can find connections to destinations north of Quito such as Otavalo, Mindo, and Mitad del Mundo. For destinations south of the capital, take a bus to the Quitumbe Terrestrial Terminal, also known as “Quito Sur” (Google Maps).
By land, there are direct connections to Quito from all major cities in the country. Depending on your point of departure, the arrival terminal in Quito varies as described.
Where to sleep in Quito?
The secret garden Quito won the award for best hostel in Ecuador in 2014 for so many good reasons, the rooftop terrace is fantastic. Community Hostel Quito is another great option.
Volleyball in Quito.
Otavalo
Otavalo is situated approximately 2 hours north of Quito and is renowned for hosting the largest handicraft market in Latin America. While the main market day is Saturday, many vendors set up daily.
For travelers arriving overland from Colombia or heading there, I recommend stopping and spending a night in Otavalo to break up the journey. For those coming from Quito and intending to return without exploring further around Otavalo, it’s more practical to visit the town during the day. It’s advisable to arrive early as vendors begin to leave around 4 p.m.
What to do and see in Otavalo
In addition to the artisanal market located in Plaza de Ponchos (Google Maps) mentioned earlier, which is undoubtedly the main attraction, you can also explore the nearby Peguche Falls (Google Maps), just a few kilometers away. A taxi ride to the falls costs only a few dollars.
I have not been there but Laguna Cuicocha (Google Maps) is also recommended. It’s an inactive volcano with a crater filled with water and two volcanic islands at its center. A scenic trail of about 12 km (approximately 5 hours) surrounds the lagoon (All Trails).
To reach Laguna Cuicocha from Otavalo, you can take a bus to Cotacachi for around $0.35 and then a taxi to the lagoon for $5-6.
How to reach Otavalo?
If you are coming from Colombia, once you have crossed the border and arrived in Tulcan, it is possible to take a direct bus to Otavalo (4 hours, $3-4), in all likelihood the bus in question will be headed to Quito and you will be dropped off along the panamericana (it is about 2 km from downtown Otavalo) and not at the bus terminal.
From Quito, buses leave regularly from “Terminal Carcelen” (Google Maps). It takes about 2 hours and $2.50.
Where to sleep in Otavalo?
The Traveler Hostel, good hostel just outside the center, breakfast included. La Rosa Otavalo e Santa Fe offer cheap private rooms right in the center.
Otavalo market.
Mindo
Mindo is located just two hours from Quito and is described by many as a beautiful mountain village nestled in the rainforest and surrounded by waterfalls. If you’re a nature lover, there is no shortage of outdoor activities here, including forest walks, horseback riding, zip-lining, hiking, and chocolate tours.
While I have not personally visited Mindo, I have heard that it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends when locals from nearby Quito come in search of a city escape.
You can find a very detailed guide about Mindo on this page.
How to reach Mindo?
Buses to Mindo depart from Terminal Terrestre Norte (Google Maps) with the Flor de Valle company.
Where to sleep in Mindo?
Cinnamon House and La Casa de Cecilia are the most recommended hostels.
The Amazon rainforest
A trip to South America cannot be considered complete without visiting the Amazon rainforest. While it can be reached from Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador, the fact that it can be easily accessed by land in Ecuador makes it a good budget choice.
The Cuyabeno Reserve is one of the most accessible parks in the region and also one of the least expensive to visit. Admission to the reserve is free.
The best way to explore the reserve is by staying in one of the many lodges that typically provide food, lodging, and 2-3 activities per day. There are options for all budgets, but expect to pay around $250 for a 3-night stay. You can book directly on the lodges’ websites or through one of the many agencies in Quito and Baños.
I visited the Amazon rainforest in Perù so I cannot speak from personal experience. That being said, here are a few options in Cuyabeno Reserve: Waitalodge, Caiman Eco Lodge, Jamu Lodge, Dolphin Lodge and Green Forest eco Lodge. Shop around.
If money is a non issue you can check out the nearby Yasuní National Park (Napo Wildlife Center, Sacha Lodge and La Selva Eco Lodge).
One more option could be the Jatun Sacha Reserve further south close to Banos, here you can check out Gaia Lodge, Misa Lodge, La Casa del Suizo and Ceibo Lodge.
How to reach the Cubayeno Reserve?
Night buses depart daily from Quito and Banos to Lago Agrio (7-8 hours) from where transportation to the lodge is then arranged.
Caiman in the Amazon rainforest.
Latacunga
The town itself does not have much to offer but is a good base for exploring nearby Cotopaxi volcano and Quilotoa lagoon.
How to reach Latacunga?
From Quito’s Quitumbe Terminal (Google Maps), buses leave every half hour or so and take about an hour to reach their destination at a cost of $2.50.
Where to sleep in Latacunga?
Hostal Café Tiana is centrally located and good value for money. They allow you to leave your luggage in storage if you decide to do the trek to the Quilotoa Lagoon. Latacunga Hostel is another good option that also offers lots of private rooms.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi, reaching an altitude of 5,897 meters, is the highest active volcano in the world. It is located about 100 km south of Quito and 60 km north of Latacunga. You can either climb to the summit or, as many do, reach the refuge located at 4,864 meters just below the glacier that covers the summit. The park is easily visited on a day trip from either Latacunga or Quito. Regardless of your starting point, there are two options for reaching the volcano:
- Organized Tours: This is one of the few times I recommend an organized tour. It costs $45-$50 and includes breakfast, lunch, transportation, a guide, and most importantly, the rental of a bicycle for the descent from the parking lot where the climb to the refuge begins. In my opinion, this is really worth it.
- Do-It-Yourself Tour: From Latacunga, take a direct bus to Quito. Once on the bus, ask to be dropped off at the “entrada de Parque Nacional Cotopaxi.” The cost is about a dollar. At this point, you should easily spot 4×4 vehicles offering tours for about $20 USD per person (the price is negotiable). I recommend this option for those who are not interested in biking downhill or simply want to spend as little as possible. However, remember to leave early in the morning or arrive in a group because these solutions work best when the vehicle is full; otherwise, you risk paying more than the cost of the tour.
Cotopaxi.
Laguna Quilotoa
The Quilotoa Lagoon is a vast, volcanic-origin lagoon that can be visited in a day or as the culmination of a highly recommended 3-day hike. This trek takes you through valleys, rivers, small Quechua communities, and stunning landscapes.
How to visit Laguna Quilotoa on a day trip?
There are direct buses to the lagoon that leave about every hour from the Latacunga bus terminal (Google Maps), 2.5hrs, $2.50. The bus will take you directly to the crater where you can go down to the lagoon, walk around it or just enjoy the view. The village is full of restaurants and accommodations in case you want to spend the night here. Entrance to the lagoon costs 2$.
How to hike the Quilotoa Quilotoa loop?
Let’s start by saying that this is a relatively easy trek, provided you are acclimatized, as the finish is almost at 4000 meters. The trek can be done starting at the lagoon (3914 meters) and ending at Sigchos (2800 meters), making it mostly downhill. However, I recommend starting in Sigchos so you have the reward of reaching the Laguna at the end of the trek.
The route is relatively easy to follow, and many hostels along the way and in Latacunga provide detailed maps with directions. Additionally, the local people are extremely friendly and helpful if you need directions. For added security, I recommend downloading the organic maps app on your phone.
Note: Bus schedules may not always be up-to-date or correct. I strongly recommend asking your hostel for confirmation to avoid any surprises.
Quilotoa loop.
Day 1. Latacunga -> Sigchos -> Isinlivi (All Trails)
From the Latacunga bus terminal, the first bus to Sigchos leaves at 6:30 a.m., the next at 9:30 a.m., then every half hour until 12 noon, and finally every hour until 6 p.m. 2$ and 2 hours approximately.
From Sgchos to Isinlivi is about a 3-4 hour walk. Arriving in Isinlivi you should definitely sleep at the Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge (Official website), a dormitory bed costs $21 per night with dinner and breakfast included (delicious food). There is also a spa on the property to which you can have access by paying extra. It is undoubtedly one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in and I cannot recommend it enough. Be sure to book in advance because the hostel is very popular.
For the lazy, it is possible to take a bus directly to Isinlivi from Latacunga without then walking the Sigchos -> Isinlivi section.
From the Latacunga bus terminal:
Daily at 1 p.m., except Sundays at 11 a.m., with the “Vivero” company (on Thursdays departing from Saquisili Market).
At 12:15 p.m. passing through Sigchos with the “14 de Octubre” company (on Thursdays departing from Saquisili Market at 12:00 p.m.).
Day 2. Isinlivi -> Chugchilan (All Trails)
It’s about 4-5 hours of fairly light hiking through beautiful scenery. Once you get to Chugchilan I recommend staying at Cloud forest hostel (Official Website). The place is really nice, although not as nice as Llullu Llama, the food on the other hand is nothing much. Another great option is Hostal el Vaquero.
Day 3. Chugchilan -> Laguna Quilotoa (All Trails)
This is the only “difficult” section of the trail. It takes 5-6 hours to reach the lagoon, with the last stretch being entirely uphill. By walking slowly, you should have no problems, and the view is definitely worth it! After walking a section along the ridge of the crater, you will arrive at the village of Quilotoa, where you can take a bus back to Latacunga. Ask at the information office about the first bus departure time or alternatively take a colectivo to Zumbahua, where buses back to Latacunga are more frequent.
Note: There are no ATMs along the way, so try to bring enough cash with you. Dinner and breakfast are provided by the hostels (you can also get a packed lunch). In the various villages along the route, you can find food, but I still recommend bringing snacks.
Laguna Quilotoa.
Banos
Banos is a small mountain town in a valley at the foot of Ecuador’s most active volcano, Tungurahua. It is also an extremely tourist destination for locals so don’t expect a quiet town.
What to do and see in Banos
There are many possible activities to do in Banos: rafting, canyoning, horseback riding, trekking, jungle tours, etc. etc. Below I list some low cost activities:
La ruta de las cascadas
Rent a bike ($7-10 per day depending on the model) and ride La ruta de las cascadas to Puyo (60km). Geotours has some good bikes and also offers all sorts of tours in the area (Google Maps). The road is mostly downhill, even if you really take your time you should be done in 5-6 hours.
As you may have guessed, along the way there are numerous waterfalls, many of them visible from the road. The most impressive ones are: Cascada Manto de la Novia (Google Maps), here for 2$ you can take a very basic cable car across the gorge, Pailón del Diablo (Google Maps), here you have to pay an entrance fee of 3$ and finally Cascada El Rocío Machay (Google Maps) where after a short hike you can actually go for a swim, entrance fee is 1.5$. There is only one road so there is no danger of getting lost and the waterfalls are well marked.
If you’re feeling tired or simply prefer not to ride all the way to Puyo, you can stop one of the many buses heading to Baños and load your bicycle on board. The ticket from Puyo should cost around $3-4.
La casa del Arbol
You may have seen a picture of a swing suspended in midair with a volcano in the background. This is the place in question. Besides the famous swing, for which you should be prepared to wait in line, there are other attractions, especially for children (Google Maps).
The park is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, with an admission fee of $1. You can take a bus at the intersection of Calle Pastaza and Luis A. Martinez (Google Maps), which leaves at 5:15 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm. The return buses run at 8 am (weekends), 1 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. The bus fare is $1. If you’re up for it, you can actually hike up from Baños (All Trails).
La ruta de las cascadas.
The thermal baths
There are several hot springs to choose from, the most famous being Termas de la Virgen (Google Maps) located near the center of town but being so famous they are also the most crowded. For those who want something quieter I suggest visiting the Balneario El Salado (Google Maps) about 2 km outside of town. The cost is $4 plus a dollar for swim cap rental.
Trekking
There are quite a few trails in and around Baños, such as the Los Sauces Trail (All Trails). If you’re up for a challenge, you could also attempt to summit Chimborazo, which is the highest mountain in Ecuador at 6,263 meters. A guide is mandatory for any mountain above 5,000 meters. Expect to pay around $300-$400 for a two-day tour.
How to reach Banos?
From Quito (3.5 hours, $4), Riobamba (2 hours, $2), Guayaquil (6.5 hours, $10). From Latacunga take a bus to Ambato, from there buses frequently leave for Banos (1 hour, $1).
Where to sleep in Banos?
For those looking for really cheap accommodation, I recommend wandering around the city a bit asking at the many hotels and Hospedaje. My German friend and I found a double room in the center for $6 each. A nice, cute and cheap hostel right in the center is Hostal D´Mathias. If you’re looking for something more luxurious a little outside the center check out Mama Tungu hostel.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and among Latin America’s largest ports. The city has been described to me by many as uninteresting and most travelers pass through without even visiting. Something to keep in mind is that flights to the Galapagos tend to be cheaper than to Quito.
Having not been there personally I refer to this article in case you want to spend time exploring the city.
Galapagos
Unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of visiting this fantastic archipelago due to budget constraints. For detailed information, I refer you to an extremely comprehensive guide for a land based itinerary. That being said, if I were to visit the islands, I would personally try to get a last minute deal on a cruise.
One important note for low-cost travelers is that the islands are very expensive. Everything costs two to three times more than in the rest of Ecuador, and the visa alone to access them costs $100, not including airfare. Be sure to read the guide to get a clear idea!
Sea iguanas in the Galapagos.
Montanita
Every self-respecting backpacking destination has its “party town,” and Ecuador is certainly no exception. Here, in addition to the many venues and clubs, you can surf or simply relax on the beach while waiting for the evening to arrive before heading out.
I spent New Year’s Eve in Montanita, and it was really fun. However, if you’re not interested in nightlife, I would recommend skipping it.
Where to sleep in Montanita?
One good budget option close to the center is Esperanto Bed & Breakfast Surf Hostel. If you are looking for something nicer, check out Casa del Sol
How to reach Montanita?
If you are not already somewhere along the Ecuador coast then you will likely have to reach Guayaquil first and take a direct bus that leaves at the following times 05:00, 6:00, 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:30, 18:30 (USD$6), about 3 hours. Alternatively take a bus to Santa Elena or Libertad from where buses to Montanita are more frequent.
New Year’s Eve in Montanita.
Puerto lopez
The small town itself does not have much to offer but is an excellent base for visiting nearby Isla la Plata and Playa Los Frailes.
What to do and see in Puerto lopez
Isla la Plata
Isla la Plata, also known as the Poor Man’s Galapagos, is an island located about an hour and a half by boat from Puerto Lopez. Among the many animal species—mostly birds—you can see a colony of Blue-footed Boobies.
The tour should cost no more than $30-$35 (haggle!) and includes transportation, lunch, snorkeling (where it’s common to see turtles), and a walk along one of the island’s trails accompanied by a guide. All in all, I recommend this tour for anyone who cannot afford the Galapagos.
You only need to walk a few minutes along the waterfront before someone offers you the tour. From May through October, you can also join a whale-watching tour.
Isla de la Plata.
Los Frailes
The beach is considered the most beautiful in Ecuador and is located about 10 to 15 minutes north of Puerto Lopez by bus (Google Maps). It is part of Machalilla National Park as isla la Plata. To get to the beach take a tuk-tuk to the bus terminal (Google Maps) and from there take any bus bound for Manta asking to get off at the entrance to Los Frailes beach, 10-15 minutes $0.50.
Once you arrive at your destination, entry is free but you must register. You can follow a 2.5km trail that passes two more beaches and finally arrive at Los Frailes, or go there directly on foot or by taking a tuk tuk ($2-3).
How to reach Puerto Lopez?
Buses along the coastal road run frequently. From Monatanita it takes about an hour and costs $2.50. To return to Guayaquil there are daily direct buses at 4:00, 4:50, 6:55, 7:50, 9:00, 10:05, 12:00, 13:00, 14:35, 16:00, 17:00, 17:35. Approx. 4 hours ($5.50).
Where to sleep in Puerto Lopez?
Hospedaje Dannita B&B is the cheapest option I found. The hostel is nothing much but it is clean and the dorm has air conditioning. If you want something nicer, check out Viejamar B&B and Azuluna Ecolodge.
Note: I have not visited any other destinations along the coast, but if you are looking to spend more days at the beach, there are quite a few options like the popular Mompiche. You can find an overview of all the destinations here.
Cuenca
Cuenca is definitely my favorite city in Ecuador. It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its streets are filled with colonial buildings, churches, and cathedrals, making it a truly pretty and photogenic place.
Cuenca.
What to do and see in Cuenca
Explore the historic center
As mentioned above, the historic center is really nice. The main square called Parque Calderon (Google Maps) houses the Cuenca Cathedral which recently opened its roof to the public ($1) offering a great view of the city (Google Maps).
Mirador de Turi
Located south of the city (Google Maps), it is probably the best place to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Cuenca. I walked there (it is about 4 km from the center).
El Cajas National Park
About an hour from Cuenca is the beautiful El Cajas National Park, which is free of charge and features more than 250 lagoons.
The visitor center (Google Maps) is a short walk from the road. After registering, you can follow one of the many trails through the park. The trails are well-marked, and if you have camping equipment, it is possible to camp inside the park. However, it is easily visited in a day. I recommend this trail, but there are many other options to explore as well.
Rainfall is frequent, and it can get really cold, so come prepared. Bring water and food from Cuenca. To reach El Cajas National Park from Cuenca, simply board any Guayaquil-bound bus and ask the driver to drop you off at the park entrance.
El Cajas national park.
Where to sleep in Cuenca?
Check Inn Bed and Breakfast is super cheap, well located, breakfast is included and the rooftop terrace is amazing. I honestly don’t understand why the review score is so low, I super recommend it.
How to reach Cuenca?
Cuenca is located along the Panamericana and is easily accessible by bus from all major cities in Ecuador. If you plan to continue to Peru, there are direct buses that go all the way to Chiclayo, with stops in Mancora and Piura.
Vilcabamba
Once I arrived in Cuenca, I decided to continue to Peru without stopping in Vilcabamba, which, however, seems to be an extremely popular destination among backpackers. The area is known as the Valley of Longevity, and the main activities here, besides relaxation, are trekking. For lodging, Hosteria Izhcayluma is extremely popular for many good reasons.
Here you can find a good guide.
Now that we have covered the main tourist destinations, I would like to briefly mention the Andes train, known as the Tren Nariz del Diablo, which seems to attract a lot of interest. It had been described to me as a tourist trap, but since I haven’t experienced it myself, I won’t comment further. I recommend reading this article for more information.
If you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site, doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU & UK Residents, i recommend True Traveller. For everyone else i recommend HeyMondo (5% discount). Thanks!
Suggested itinerary in Ecuador
Below I list possible 2, 3 and 4 week itineraries. Obviously there is no perfect itinerary given a time frame, so take what follows as inspiration and modify the itinerary according to your interests/budget!
2-week itinerary in Ecuador
Quito (3 nights)
Spend the first few days acclimating and recovering from jet lag. Visit the historic center, Mitad del Mundo, and the Otavalo market. Leave the Pichincha volcano for last so you are already a little acclimatized.
Cotopaxi (1 night)
To save time, I highly recommend visiting Cotopaxi from Quito and then transferring to Latacunga in the afternoon once the tour is over, without returning to Quito. Just inform the tour guide, and they will drop you off along the Panamericana, where it will be easy to board a bus bound for Latacunga. Be sure to take all your luggage with you when you leave Quito in the morning.
Quilotoa loop (3 nights)
Spend two nights doing the Quilotoa loop, and spend the third night in Latacunga. The next morning, head to Baños. Although you could theoretically skip the night in Latacunga and go directly to Baños, you will likely be tired after the three days of trekking!
Banos (3 nights)
Spend the first day exploring the town, and in the evening, visit one of the hot springs. On the second day, you could go to the Casa del Arbol or do any activity you like. I would dedicate the third day to the Ruta de las Cascadas.
The last (3-4 nights)
With the last 3-4 nights available you could:
- Participate in an Amazon rainforest tour (leaving from Banos and returning to Quito).
- Visiting Cuenca.
- Visiting the coast.
- Cut a few destinations from the above and spend a week in the Galapagos.
3- or 4-week itinerary in Ecuador
For itineraries of 3 weeks or more, my advice is to follow the two-week itinerary and add more destinations from those just listed or from what you find in the “what to do and see in Ecuador” section. There should be no shortage of ideas.
How to get around Ecuador
Buses in Ecuador
Like much of South America, the network of buses and colectivos in Ecuador is extremely efficient and allows you to get almost anywhere without too much difficulty.
You can often board a bus anywhere along the route without needing to be at an official bus stop. Most cities have a single bus terminal (land terminal) from which all companies depart (unlike in Peru, for example). As a general rule, buses cost between $1 and $2 per hour of travel, except along the coast where they tend to be more expensive.
Buses, especially those connecting large cities, leave very frequently. There is no need to buy tickets in advance, and the price is often negotiable, especially if you are in a group.
Some companies allow you to buy tickets online at Andestransit. However, I honestly don’t recommend it. Ticket prices are lower when bought directly at the terminal. If you prefer to have everything planned in detail or are simply afraid of running out of seats, buy your ticket for the next leg at the terminal when you arrive at your destination.
Unconventional transport on the back of a pickup truck.
Taxis in Ecuador
A taximeter is used in Quito (minimum fare of $1). Always ask for it to be turned on or set a price before you leave. A short route should never cost more than a couple of dollars. Avoid unofficial cabs. Uber works in Quito and Guayaquil. Cabify and Easy Taxi are also popular options.
Domestic flights in Ecuador
Domestic flights are not extremely expensive and are definitely an option for those who do not have much time, although buses remain far cheaper. A one-way domestic flight can cost $40 to $100. Companies that operate domestic flights are Avianca and Latam.
Hitchhiking In Ecuador
To conclude, hitchhiking is relatively common practice especially in rural areas, you may be asked for a small “expense reimbursement.”
Backpacking Ecuador: costs
How much does a trip to Ecuador cost?
I believe that by traveling at a low cost, sleeping in hostels and using public transportation, a budget of 30-35€ per day should be more than enough for most backpackpackers.
Cost of Transport in Ecuador
Getting around Ecuador is fairly inexpensive as long as you use public transportation. For many destinations, find the cost of bus tickets (prices are approximate and in some cases may be out of date).
Cost of accommodation in Ecuador
A bed in a good hostel costs on average between $6 and $10, depending on the city and time of year. Cheap hotels start at $15, while for something more luxurious, expect to pay at least $25. For those looking to travel on a budget but not willing to sleep in dorms, I still recommend hostels and opting for a private room. Airbnb is another option to consider.
Cost of food in Ecuador
A menú del dìa or almuerzo literally “menu of the day” readily available for lunch, costs on average between $2 and $3 including soft drink, in the evening street food is a good cheap option. For a meal in a medium-high restaurant, it starts at about $15. Plenty of hostels provide a kitchen, and many facilities include breakfast. A local beer in a bar costs about $1.
Market in Ecuador.
Cost of activities in Ecuador
Many of the proposed tours can be done independently with proper planning and use of public transportation. The two big exceptions are the Galapagos and the Amazon rainforest, where participation in a tour is almost mandatory.
In any case, a day tour, whether it involves trekking, rafting, or any other activity, should never cost more than $50.
Backpacking Ecuador: safety
Is traveling to Ecuador dangerous? As with other parts of the world, tourists should primarily use common sense. Certain neighborhoods in large cities should definitely be avoided, especially at night, as well as the area near the Colombian border, which is considered unsafe for various reasons.
That being said, the greatest “danger” is pickpocketing. Be particularly cautious on buses, and if you take night buses, keep your valuables very close to you. Violence toward tourists is rare unless there is resistance. Use common sense, and you should have no problems. In this article, you will find many tips on how to travel safely.
Are you planning a trip to Ecuador? Check out these posts:
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