7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Ecuador

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

• Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
• Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel (approx. $10-$15 USD)
• Spend the day exploring the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit the Plaza Grande and Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
  • Walk along the Calle La Ronda and take in the colonial architecture

Things to Know:

• Quito is at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), so be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential altitude sickness.
• The official currency is the US dollar.

Day 2: Quito

• Visit the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument, where you can stand in both hemispheres
• Explore the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, a museum showcasing Ecuador’s art and culture
• Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the historic center

Transportation:

• Use taxis or ride-sharing services to get around Quito (approx. $5-$10 USD)
• Consider purchasing an EcoSur taxi card for discounted fares

Day 3: Otavalo and Lake Cuicocha

• Take a day trip to Otavalo, a town famous for its textiles and handicrafts
  • Visit the Otavalo Market and shop for souvenirs
• Explore Lake Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake surrounded by mountains

Transportation:

• Use public buses or private transportation to get from Quito to Otavalo (approx. $5-$10 USD)
• Consider hiring a driver or joining a guided tour for the day

Day 4: Baños

• Travel to Baños, a charming town in the Andean highlands
  • Visit the Baños Hot Springs and relax in the hot water
  • Explore the town’s many shops and restaurants
• Consider hiking to the nearby Tungurahua Volcano or visiting the nearby Papallacta Hot Springs

Transportation:

• Use public buses or private transportation to get from Quito to Baños (approx. $10-$20 USD)
• Consider hiring a driver or joining a guided tour for the day

Day 5: Amazon Rainforest

• Travel to the Amazon rainforest and stay at an eco-lodge
  • Explore the surrounding rainforest on foot or by boat
  • Spot local wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and macaws
• Consider visiting a nearby indigenous community or taking a guided tour

Transportation:

• Use private transportation or join a guided tour to get from Baños to the Amazon (approx. $50-$100 USD)
• Consider staying at an eco-lodge that offers transportation services

Day 6: Cuenca

• Travel to Cuenca, a beautiful city in southern Ecuador
  • Visit the historic center and explore its many churches and plazas
  • Try some local cuisine and visit the nearby Pumapungo archaeological site

Transportation:

• Use public buses or private transportation to get from Baños to Cuenca (approx. $20-$30 USD)
• Consider hiring a driver or joining a guided tour for the day

Day 7: Return to Quito

• Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring Cuenca
• Travel back to Quito and depart from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Visa Requirements:

• Ecuador has a visa-free policy for citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
• Check with your embassy or consulate to determine if you need a visa.

Other Things to Know:

• Ecuador uses both USD and the local currency, the Sucre (ECS).
• Try some local cuisine, such as locro de papas (potato soup) or secositos (small, fried dough balls).
• Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and use reputable taxi services.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, nature, and adventure, but feel free to customize it based on your interests and preferences. Enjoy your trip to Ecuador!