Ecuador 6 Day Itinerary

Ecuador 6-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

  • Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito.
  • Visit the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including La Compañía de Jesús church, and the Equatorial Monument (Mitad del Mundo).
  • Explore the modern district of Mariscal Sucre with its vibrant nightlife.
  • Things to know: The official language is Spanish; English is spoken in some tourist areas. The local currency is the US dollar.
  • Visa: Citizens from many countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Always check the latest requirements before travel.
  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available, or you can use Uber. Buses and trolleys cover much of the city.

Day 2: Quito - Otavalo

  • Travel to Otavalo (1.5 hours by bus). Visit the famous Indigenous Market.
  • Explore the beautiful Lake Cuicocha.
  • Overnight stay in Otavalo.

Day 3: Otavalo - Mindo

  • Travel to Mindo (2.5 hours by bus).
  • Spend the day visiting butterfly farms, bird watching, and exploring the cloud forests.
  • Overnight stay in Mindo.

Day 4: Mindo - Baños

  • Travel to Baños (1.5 hours by bus).
  • Visit the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, swing at the End of the World, relax in the natural hot springs.
  • Overnight stay in Baños.

Day 5: Baños - Puerto López (Santa Elena Peninsula)

  • Travel to Puerto López (4 hours by bus).
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Reserve.
  • Boat tour to Isla de la Plata, known as the ‘Galapagos Lite’.
  • Overnight stay in Puerto López.

Day 6: Puerto López - Guayaquil

  • Travel to Guayaquil (3 hours by bus).
  • Explore the historic center, Las Peñas neighborhood, and the Malecón 2000.
  • Departure from José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil.

Things to know: Ecuador uses a mixture of American and European electrical plug types (A, B, C). Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The local currency is the US dollar.

Transportation: Buses are the most common form of transport between cities. Taxis are also available, and Uber operates in some areas. For long-distance travel, consider hiring a car or arranging for a guided tour.