Arrive in Ecuador's capital and acclimatize to the altitude while exploring the famous equatorial monument and experiencing
Quito's spectacular cable car ride with panoramic Andean views.
Morning
Visit Middle of the World
Start your Ecuador adventure at this iconic monument marking the equator line. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere, explore the interactive museums showcasing indigenous cultures, and participate in fun experiments demonstrating equatorial physics. The complex includes several exhibitions about Ecuador's diverse ecosystems and pre-Columbian civilizations. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best photos at this must-see landmark.
2-3 hours
$5-8
No advance booking needed; purchase tickets on arrival
Lunch
A traditional Ecuadorian restaurant near the monument complex
Local specialties including locro de papa and empanadas
Budget
Afternoon
TelefériQo Cable Car to Andean viewpoint
Ride one of the world's highest aerial lifts up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano to 4,100 meters above sea level. The cable car journey offers breathtaking views of
Quito sprawling in the valley below and surrounding volcanic peaks. At the top, take short walks to acclimatize, visit the viewpoint, and enjoy the crisp mountain air. On clear days, you can see multiple snow-capped volcanoes. Dress warmly as temperatures drop significantly at altitude.
3-4 hours
$8-10
Go in the afternoon for clearer skies; purchase tickets at the base station
Evening
Dinner and stroll in La Mariscal district
Explore the modern neighborhood with numerous dining options serving international and fusion cuisine, followed by a leisurely walk to adjust to
Quito's altitude
Where to Stay Tonight
La Mariscal or Historic Center, Quito (Mid-range hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Central location provides easy access to both modern amenities and colonial attractions, with good restaurant options nearby
Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day -
Quito sits at 2,850 meters and altitude sickness can affect anyone. Coca tea helps with acclimatization.
Day 1 Budget: $100-130
Journey to the adventure capital of Ecuador, where you'll experience the famous treehouse swing overlooking an active volcano and explore one of the country's most dramatic waterfalls.
Morning
Travel to
Baños and visit La Casa del Arbol
After a scenic three-hour drive through changing landscapes, reach the iconic treehouse perched on a mountainside overlooking Tungurahua Volcano. Experience the exhilarating swing that launches you over a cliff edge with nothing but sky and volcano views ahead - one of Ecuador's most photographed attractions. The seismic monitoring station turned tourist attraction offers multiple swings and platforms. The adrenaline rush combined with spectacular scenery makes this unforgettable. Arrive early before tour groups.
2-3 hours including travel
$1-2 entrance
No reservation needed; bring a camera and go early morning for best light
Lunch
A café in central
Baños specializing in fresh trout
Local trout dishes and traditional Ecuadorian plates
Budget
Afternoon
El Pailón del Diablo waterfall hike
Visit one of Ecuador's most impressive waterfalls, where the Pastaza River plunges dramatically into a narrow gorge. Follow the well-maintained trail that descends through lush vegetation, crosses suspension bridges, and leads to multiple viewing platforms. The closest viewpoint brings you face-to-face with the thundering cascade, where mist creates rainbows in the sunlight. The name 'Devil's Cauldron' comes from the powerful churning waters. Wear waterproof clothing as you'll get wet near the falls.
2-3 hours
$2-3
Evening
Thermal baths and dinner in
BañosSoak in natural hot springs fed by volcanic activity, then enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving cuy or other Andean specialties in the town center
Where to Stay Tonight
Baños de Agua Santa (Comfortable hostel or mid-range hotel near the center)
Staying in Baños allows for easy exploration of the town's nightlife and thermal baths, plus early morning access to nearby attractions
Rent a bicycle to explore the Ruta de las Cascadas if you have extra time - it's a scenic waterfall route with multiple stops along the way.
Day 2 Budget: $110-140
Travel south to Ecuador's most beautiful colonial city, stopping at an ancient Incan archaeological site before exploring
Cuenca's stunning churches, plazas, and artisan workshops.
Morning
Visit
Ingapirca Archaeological Complex en route
Break up the journey to
Cuenca with a stop at Ecuador's most important Incan ruins. The Temple of the Sun showcases remarkable stonework with precisely fitted blocks characteristic of Incan architecture. Explore the elliptical structure, ceremonial platforms, and learn about both Incan and earlier Cañari cultures that inhabited this site. The complex sits at 3,100 meters with sweeping views of surrounding countryside. A small museum provides context about the site's astronomical and religious significance.
2 hours
$6-8
Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance for deeper historical insights
Lunch
A roadside restaurant serving traditional highland cuisine
Hornado, mote pillo, and other Andean dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Explore
Cuenca's historic center and Turi Viewpoint
Wander through
Cuenca's UNESCO-listed colonial center with its blue-domed cathedral, cobblestone streets, and flower markets. Later, head to Turi Viewpoint on the city's southern hillside for panoramic views of the entire city with its distinctive red-tiled roofs, white buildings, and church domes set against mountain backdrop. The small church at the viewpoint is a peaceful spot. Visit during late afternoon for golden hour photography. The vista showcases why
Cuenca is considered Ecuador's most beautiful city.
3-4 hours
$5-10 for taxi to viewpoint
Evening
Dinner along the Tomebamba River
Dine at a restaurant overlooking the river, then stroll the illuminated riverside promenade and enjoy
Cuenca's sophisticated evening atmosphere
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center, Cuenca (Colonial-style hotel or charming guesthouse)
The historic center offers walking access to all major attractions, restaurants, and the beautiful evening ambiance of illuminated colonial architecture
Visit a Panama hat workshop - despite the name, these famous straw hats originated in Ecuador, and
Cuenca is the center of production.
Day 3 Budget: $120-150
Journey from the Andes to the coast, arriving in Ecuador's largest city and main gateway to the Galápagos, with time to explore the revitalized waterfront and prepare for
island adventures.
Morning
Take a morning bus from
Cuenca to
Guayaquil, descending from the cool highlands through changing ecosystems to the tropical coast. The four-hour journey offers spectacular views as you pass through cloud forests and eventually reach banana and cacao plantations. Watch the landscape transform from mountain peaks to coastal plains. Use this travel time to rest and prepare for the Galápagos adventure ahead. Arrive in
Guayaquil by early afternoon with time to settle in.
4 hours
$8-12
Book bus tickets one day in advance during high season
Lunch
A seafood restaurant in the Malecón 2000 area
Fresh coastal seafood, ceviche, and encebollado
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Malecón 2000 and Las Peñas
Stroll along
Guayaquil's beautifully renovated riverside boardwalk featuring gardens, monuments, museums, and river views. Continue to Las Peñas, the city's oldest neighborhood with colorful colonial houses climbing a hillside. Walk up the 444 numbered steps to Santa Ana Hill for panoramic city views. The artistic neighborhood has galleries, cafés, and a bohemian atmosphere. Visit the lighthouse at the top for 360-degree vistas. Evening brings cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting along the waterfront.
3-4 hours
$5-10
Evening
Final mainland dinner and Galápagos preparation
Enjoy coastal cuisine at a restaurant in the Urdesa neighborhood, then organize gear and confirm early morning flight details for Galápagos departure
Where to Stay Tonight
Near airport or city center, Guayaquil (Comfortable hotel with early check-out options)
Proximity to airport is essential for early Galápagos flight; many hotels offer pre-dawn breakfast and airport transfers
Pack light for Galápagos - bring only essentials in a soft bag. Purchase any last-minute supplies like sunscreen and snacks in
Guayaquil as prices are higher on the islands.
Day 4 Budget: $100-130
Fly to the legendary
Galápagos Islands and begin your wildlife adventure with pristine beaches, marine iguanas, and the unique creatures that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution.
Morning
Flight to Galápagos and orientation
Take an early morning flight to Baltra
Island in the Galápagos archipelago. Upon arrival, pay the national park fee and go through biosecurity checks to protect this unique ecosystem. Transfer by bus and ferry to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz
Island, the archipelago's main town. The journey itself offers first glimpses of the unusual landscape. Check into accommodation and get oriented in town. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises of different species.
Full morning including flight
$100 park entrance fee
Book Galápagos flights well in advance for better prices; only Ecuadorian residents and citizens get discounted rates
Lunch
A casual eatery in Puerto Ayora serving fresh fish
Grilled fish, patacones, and local specialties
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit Tortuga Bay Beach
Hike the well-maintained 2.5-kilometer trail through arid vegetation to reach one of the Galápagos' most stunning beaches. The main beach features powdery white sand and turquoise waters perfect for photos. Continue to the protected mangrove cove where marine iguanas bask on rocks, baby sharks swim in shallow waters, and sea turtles often appear. The contrast between pristine beach and unique wildlife exemplifies the Galápagos experience. Bring water, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear. The walk back takes about 40 minutes.
3-4 hours
Free
Evening
Sunset at the fish market and dinner
Watch sea lions, pelicans, and frigatebirds gather at the fish market for scraps, then dine at a restaurant serving seafood caught that day
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse)
Puerto Ayora is the Galápagos hub with the best selection of restaurants, tour operators, and amenities, making it ideal for island-based exploration
Wake early to see marine iguanas warming up on the rocks along the waterfront - they're most active in morning sunlight and completely fearless of humans.
Day 5 Budget: $180-220 including flight
Take a day tour to explore additional islands, snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles, observe blue-footed boobies, and experience the incredible biodiversity that makes Galápagos a natural wonder.
Morning
Day tour to nearby islands within Parque Nacional Galápagos
Join a guided day tour to explore uninhabited islands within the national park boundaries. Depending on the tour, visit sites like North Seymour, Bartolomé, or South Plaza to observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, land iguanas, and sea lions in their natural habitats. Expert naturalist guides explain the unique adaptations of Galápagos species and the islands' volcanic geology. Witness wildlife behavior impossible to see anywhere else on Earth. The boat journey between islands offers chances to spot dolphins, rays, and seabirds.
Full day tour (8-10 hours)
$150-200
Book day tours 2-3 days in advance through Puerto Ayora agencies; prices are regulated by the national park
Lunch
Packed lunch provided on boat tour
Sandwiches, fruit, and snacks included in tour
Included
Afternoon
Snorkeling and wildlife observation
Most day tours include snorkeling opportunities where you'll swim alongside sea turtles, playful sea lions, colorful fish, and possibly penguins or marine iguanas. The underwater world of Galápagos is as remarkable as the land animals. Crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make every snorkel session memorable. Guides ensure safe distances from wildlife while maximizing viewing opportunities. Return to Puerto Ayora in late afternoon with unforgettable memories and hundreds of photos.
Included in day tour
Included in tour price
Evening
Relaxed evening in Puerto Ayora
Enjoy a leisurely dinner reflecting on the day's incredible wildlife encounters, then stroll the waterfront to spot sharks and rays in the harbor waters
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island (Same hotel as previous night)
Staying in the same location allows you to leave non-essential items behind while on the day tour
Bring an underwater camera or waterproof case for your phone - the snorkeling opportunities are once-in-a-lifetime and you'll want photos of swimming with sea turtles.
Day 6 Budget: $200-250
Enjoy final Galápagos moments with a morning wildlife encounter before flying back to the mainland, concluding your unforgettable week exploring Ecuador's incredible diversity.
Morning
Las Grietas swimming and final wildlife spotting
Take a water taxi across the bay and walk to Las Grietas, a stunning volcanic crevasse filled with crystal-clear brackish water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The dramatic rock walls create a unique natural pool where you can cool off one last time in Galápagos waters. Look for tropical fish and enjoy the peaceful setting. Return to Puerto Ayora with time to visit any missed spots, purchase souvenirs, or simply observe the fearless wildlife along the waterfront one final time before departure.
2-3 hours
$5-10 for water taxi
Lunch
A final seafood meal in Puerto Ayora before airport transfer
Fresh fish, lobster, or ceviche as a farewell feast
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. The journey reverses your arrival route with ferry and bus connections. As you fly over the archipelago, appreciate the volcanic landscapes and turquoise waters from above. Arrive in
Guayaquil with time to connect to international flights or spend a final night in Ecuador. The contrast between the unique Galápagos ecosystem and mainland life becomes apparent immediately upon landing. Reflect on an incredible week spanning multiple ecosystems and unforgettable experiences.
3-4 hours including transfers
Flight cost
Confirm return flight times and arrange airport transfer the evening before
Evening
Depending on international flight times, either depart Ecuador or spend a final night near the airport with a farewell dinner celebrating your journey
Where to Stay Tonight
Airport area, Guayaquil (if needed) (Airport hotel for convenience)
Easy access for early morning international departures or late-night arrivals from Galápagos
Save some US dollars for the
Guayaquil airport - there are good last-minute souvenir shops and cafés before international departure gates.
Day 7 Budget: $140-180 including flight