Multi-Day Trips in Ecuador

October 19, 2026

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, with airside transit at Guayaquil airport excepted) and to the 20 km strip along the Colombian border, which includes Lago Agrio. The US State Department rates Ecuador Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, with higher levels for named areas. Quito’s old town, the Andean highlands and the Galápagos lie outside the FCDO areas, but street crime, express kidnapping and taxi scams are real, so use registered taxis, stay on busy streets by day and keep valuables out of sight. Heavy rain and landslides are forecast for the 2026-27 El Niño. Read the current UK FCDO advice and US State Department advisory before you book and again before you fly. This page is written for the areas outside the warnings.

Ecuador’s multi-day trips range from a three-day hike between mountain villages to a week among the Galápagos islands. Prices are approximate unless an official source is named, and several options are expensive, so compare before you commit. Rain and landslides can close mountain roads during the wet season, which normally runs October to May.

Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa Loop is a walk of about three days between villages near the crater lake, which sits at a rim height of about 3,900 m. There are no ATMs along the way, so carry cash in small notes. Heavy rain and landslides are a risk during El Niño, so check conditions before each stage. The community fee at the crater is about US$2 per adult.

Cotopaxi two-day climb

Climbing Cotopaxi (5,897 m) legally requires an accredited mountain guide, and the FCDO notes that high mountaineering without one is illegal. Crampons and an ice axe are essential, and the route is non-technical but glaciated. Shared two-day climbs start at roughly US$365 per person and several operators list US$700 to 765 or more. The climb begins from the José F. Ribas refuge at about 4,800 m, and the volcano has been open to climbers again since late 2023. Acclimatise for several days first and check IG-EPN and the park before booking. For accredited guides, see ASEGUIM .

Galápagos stay or cruise

Flights run from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal, and there is no overland route. If you transit Guayaquil, ask your airline how to stay airside, because the FCDO advises against all but essential travel in Guayas. Foreign visitors over 12 pay a US$200 park fee on arrival, plus a US$20 Transit Control Card from the CGREG counter before check-in. Mandatory travel health insurance applies, tourists may stay a maximum of 60 days a year, and you should reach the airport 3 hours early. Short cruises start from about US$2,000 per person and often cost far more. The CGREG FAQ lists the documents. Several serious boat accidents have been reported, so use a reputable operator and check life jackets.

Yasuní lodges

Napo Wildlife Center lists three nights at US$1,635 and four at US$2,000 for a standard double, and Sacha Lodge lists four nights at US$2,290. Confirm whether rates are per person. A LATAM flight from Quito to Coca costs US$256 return per person, with a motorised canoe transfer after that. The FCDO advises travellers on the Napo River to take local advice, travel in daylight with a reputable official guide and have an emergency plan.

Alausí and the Devil’s Nose

Base yourself in Alausí or Riobamba for a night. The train runs Thursday to Sunday and holidays at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00 for US$30 plus VAT for foreign adults. Alausí is about 3 to 4 hours by road from Cuenca.

Quito to Cuenca

The coach takes roughly 9 to 10 hours, so consider a domestic flight, and avoid night buses.

Cuyabeno

Cuyabeno is normally reached through Lago Agrio, which sits inside the FCDO border advisory area, and the US rates Sucumbíos Level 3. Go only with an official guide, local advice and an emergency plan.

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