Ecuador 5 Day Itinerary
Title: 5-Day Ecuador Adventure: Quito & Galapagos
Day 1: Arrival in Quito (Capital City)
- Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
- Visit Old Town Quito: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the historical center with its beautiful churches, plazas, and colonial architecture. Don’t miss the La Compañía de Jesús church.
- Transportation: Taxis are readily available at the airport. You can also use Uber or local buses (Microbuses) which are cheaper but may require some Spanish skills.
- Things to Know: Quito is located at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), so be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
Day 2: Explore Modern Quito & Equator Monument
- Visit the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World): Here you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere!
- Explore TeleferiQo: Take a cable car ride up to the Pichincha Volcano for stunning views over Quito.
- Transportation: Buses and taxis are available, or consider booking a guided tour.
Day 3: Travel to the Galapagos Islands
- Flight from Quito to Baltra Island.
- Visit Santa Cruz Island: Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, see giant tortoises, and visit the highland lava tunnels.
- Transportation: Flights, buses, and boats are used for transportation in Galapagos.
- Things to Know: The Galapagos Islands have a $100 entrance fee per person. Book tours in advance as they fill up quickly.
Day 4: Explore Isabela Island
- Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
- Snorkel at Tintoreras: Spot marine iguanas, sea lions, and possibly sharks!
- Relax on beach: Isabela has beautiful beaches such as Playa del Amor (Love Beach).
Day 5: More Galapagos Exploration & Departure
- Explore the Sierra Negra Volcano: One of the largest active volcanos in the world.
- Relax at Concha y Perla: A bay with clear waters and a variety of marine life.
- Depart from Baltra Island.
- Transportation: Boats for island hopping, and buses for land tours.