Welcome to this Ecuador itinerary that I have planned out!
If you are still planning a trip to Ecuador and looking for ideas on where to go: you are in the right place.
With Ecuador’s pristine landscapes and crip fresh air, you’ll probably be wondering which places are worth your precious time.
Table of Contents
Ecuador Itinerary
Ecuador, best represents the entirety of the continent within one small country! Many backpackers traveling through South America manage to find peace and tranquility within Ecuador’s borders.
Ecuador has many destinations that appeal to the mass and also has some of the best, consistent weather throughout the year due to being located right on the Equator.
However, if you’re sensitive to heat, humidity, and intense sun, knowing exactly where to visit in Ecuador may be a deciding factor for you?
Ecuador 2 Week Itinerary
🇪🇨 Route: Quito > Otavalo > Banos > Guayaquil
If you’ve read anything about Ecuador you may have read that you can spend US dollars here which makes life easier in many off-the-beaten-path locations.
Jungles, highlands, mountains, and beaches, you could easily spend a good few months here.
Ecuador offers a nice micro-experience of all of the continents which would make a nice addition to any South American backpacking itinerary.
Quito
Duration: (4 Days) > Time: Day count: 11
After a long, overnight journey having crossed the border (or flight) from Colombia, you will arrive in Quito. For those backpacking South America on a budget, Quito makes a great stop.
The altitude is a lot higher here, so take your time to adjust and buy any anti-sickness medications.
Head to nearby Otavalo for the biggest market in the continent, and spend a day visiting the Cotopaxi volcano and the Quilotoa crater.
For the Instagrammers out there, head to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo which has the line of the equator pained right through the middle!
Guayaquil
Duration: (3 Days) > Time: Day count: 15
Are you a fan of history and culture? Even if you only have one week in Ecuador or less, Guayaquil is a must!
Famous for being one of Ecuador’s most prominent port cities looted by British pirates in 1687, Guayaquil’s hot and humid climate can be a lot to take on.
Aside from knowing what to do in Ecuador, carrying the necessary clothing and traveling relatively light is equally important.
Baños
Duration: (3 Days) > Time: Day count: 15
This small town is a nice escape from the bigger cities and is an adventure-lovers paradise.
Visit the Pailon del Diablo waterfalls, the “swing at the end of the world” and try out some thrill-fuelled activities like paragliding or bungee jumping!
For your next stop in Máncora, Peru, I recommend spending a night in the small town of Arenillas which is close to the border and helps break travel times up (or you can do it all it one hit if you prefer).
Ecuador: Extremely Useful Links
Are you ready to start booking your trip to Ecuador?
My #1 goal is to help you get deals and discounts no matter where you’re from or where you’re going in Latin America.
In this Extremely useful links section, I share a list of companies, hostels, and tour providers that I’ve personally used or done extensive research on and will be using in the near future.
Why reinvent the wheel? I spend 40% of my current day-to-day planning travel in and around Latin America.
Whether in South America, Central America, or on an island in the Caribbean (usually Jamaica) you can rely on me to give you a great starting point for booking your trips to the continent.
Planning a Trip to Ecuador
Here is my first port of call no matter where I’m going to I start by looking at these sites for ideas:
- Hostel World – A reliable platform for review and booking
- Booking – Great for discounts on accommodation
- World Nomads – Travel insurance market leaders
- Get your Guide – My go-to site for cultural tours
As you begin to refine your Ecuador itinerary you’ll have a better idea of the landmarks and accommodation you’ll visit.
Time is of the essence when backpacking and the idea are to put yourself in the best possible position to see everything you planned for yourself.
As you probably will already know, staying safe in Latin America is a big deal and not to be underestimated.
Safety concerns are one of the main reasons why people shun the idea of backpacking the continent and will choose continents such as Asia or Europe instead.
Safety in South America
Keep all this travel gear locked up and deterring theft is a must.
- For Securing – My backpack gets locked securely with this.
- Hidden Wallets – Carry a wallet that conceals your cash.
- Hidden Pockets Pants – Perfect for hiding cash and phones.
I have created a specific page below for those who are concerned about lugging their belongings around and are in need of a backpack that is designed to conceal valuables.
When planning a trip to Ecuador I recommend you consider packing the following items I have noted below. Some of which you can buy whilst in the country too if you decide to.
What to pack for Ecuador:
You’ll that depending on which countries you visit on your South America backpacking journey the climate will change drastically.
It’s smart to think about this before leaving your hometown!
South America is not all beaches and palm trees, in fact, I have some of the coldest nights in the mountain regions of Colombia or in other countries such as Argentina and Peru.
Winter in the southern hemisphere is not to be underestimated.
Finally, when staying in a hostel, here a few link that I recommend you check out before booking anything:
Ecuador Hostel Checklist:
Travel Insurance for Ecuador
Whilst traveling around Ecuador I recommend World Nomads insurance for an adequate cover. Get a Free Quote below:
On more than one occasion World Nomads has proved to be the best insurance for travel in Latin America.
**This list will get updated regularly: See my Travel Gear Page in the Main Navigation for even more ideas 🙂
Ecuador Itinerary
Right, we have now arrived at the end of this Ecuador itinerary!
For anyone thinking about backpacking Ecuador this guide has covered a few of the best places in Ecuador the country has to offer. Not to mention, given you insights into what to expect here.
Not only do you know some of the best places to visit; you have helpful links to be able to do more research.
In regards to safety in Ecuador sticking to the usual travel and transport routes shouldn’t be a problem.
Hopefully, you decide the best month to visit Ecuador for you, and with proper planning and perseverance, you’ll have a great time.
Remember to exercise extra caution when traveling by bus in Ecuador with your belongings.
Do you want to see my full South America itinerary? See my guide for more inspiration and to learn more about the Ecuadorians see these books about Ecuador to gain more insight.
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