Ecuador-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Quito

  • Places to Go:
    • Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • Plaza Grande
    • Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
    • Basilica del Voto Nacional
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided tour of the historic center to learn about its rich history and architecture
    • Visit the famous El Panecillo viewpoint for stunning views of Quito
    • Explore the local markets, such as Mercado Central or Mercado de San Roque, to try local food and drinks
  • Things to Know:
    • Quito is one of the most culturally intact cities in South America
    • Be prepared for altitude sickness (Quito is at 2,850 meters above sea level)
    • Try some traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, such as locro or humitas
  • Visa Requirements:
    • Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to enter Ecuador, including the US and EU nations. Check with your government’s travel advisory website for up-to-date information.
  • Transportation:
    • Taxis are widely available, but be sure to use reputable companies
    • Quito has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trolleys
    • Consider hiring a car or taking a guided tour to explore the surrounding countryside

Day 2: Otavalo and Cuicocha Lake

  • Places to Go:
    • Otavalo Market (one of the largest and most famous markets in South America)
    • Cuicocha Lake, a beautiful crater lake with stunning views
    • Cotacachi, a charming town known for its textile industry and traditional Andean cuisine
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Otavalo market to see local artisans selling handmade crafts and textiles
    • Take a boat tour of Cuicocha Lake to explore its crystal-clear waters and surrounding landscape
    • Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in this region
  • Things to Know:
    • Otavalo is known for its vibrant textile industry, with beautiful blankets, scarves, and clothing on sale at the market
    • Be prepared for crowds and haggling when shopping at the market
    • Try some traditional Andean cuisine, such as quinoa or ch’arki (grilled llama meat)
  • Visa Requirements:
    • Same requirements apply as Day 1 (see above)
  • Transportation:
    • Hire a car or take a guided tour to visit Cuicocha Lake and Otavalo
    • Consider staying overnight in Cotacachi for easy access to the surrounding attractions

Day 3: Mindo Cloud Forest

  • Places to Go:
    • Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve, a protected area of stunning natural beauty
    • The Pazuzu cloud forest, a unique and fascinating ecosystem
    • Mindo town, with its quaint shops and cafes
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided hike through the cloud forest reserve to spot exotic birds and plants
    • Explore the Pazuzu cloud forest for its unusual geology and stunning views
    • Visit Mindo town for some relaxing shopping and dining
  • Things to Know:
    • The Mindo Cloud Forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 200 bird species
    • Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions in the cloud forest (rain or shine!)
    • Try some local specialties, such as chocolate-making or coffee-tasting tours
  • Visa Requirements:
    • Same requirements apply as Day 1 (see above)
  • Transportation:
    • Hire a car or take a guided tour to visit Mindo Cloud Forest and Pazuzu
    • Consider staying overnight in Mindo for easy access to the surrounding attractions