After spending more than 40 days exploring its diverse landscapes, I’ve crafted this 3-week Ecuador itinerary to help you experience the best the country has to offer. Ecuador was a mysterious country to me, one that I only heard a few things about but had no expectations of what to see and do.
Since I love to explore unknown places, I decided to go there blindly and find out things on the go for a more spontaneous experience.
This itinerary includes a couple of hikes, cultural activities, and hot springs. It starts in Quito and ends in Guayaquil, taking you through a mix of must-see destinations and hidden gems in my eyes.
Let’s dive into the journey, starting in Quito and traveling south. If you are looking for adrenaline, a new culture to learn from, or just want to relax, Ecuador has something for you.
Table of Contents
Where to start?
This 3-week Ecuador itinerary begins in Quito, the country’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito’s international flight connections make it a good starting point, with easy access to the Andes, the Amazon, and beyond.
From there, you’ll travel south, ending in Guayaquil, where you can catch a flight home or continue your journey.
For those who are planning to continue their trip to Peru, Vilcabamba is the last stop in this itinerary. You can hop on a bus to Loja, catch a night bus to Piura, and enter Peruvian lands.
If you plan to visit Colombia after Ecuador, it’s better to start the trip in Guayaquil and travel north after a detour to visit Loja and Vilcabamba.
The itinerary has some detours due to the limited flight options in the country. There are only two international airports, one in Quito and one in Guayaquil.
If you plan to continue traveling to other countries in South America by bus, you can adapt this itinerary to better suit the beginning of the next country you plan to visit.
My goal here is to show you what you can do in three weeks in Ecuador and give you ideas for planning your itinerary.
Quito(3-4 Days)
Quito is a city that feels like two worlds in one. It’s a city with its history and urban vibes, but you can take a short bus ride and end up at the bottom of the Pinchicha Volcano!!
Of course, acclimatization plays a big role here since the city is one of the highest capitals in the world. The altitude can be challenging at first, but take it slow, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the mountain air.
I recommend starting your trip by joining walking tours and visiting museums. In this way, you will learn more about the history of the country and its culture while preparing yourself for activities at high altitudes.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with preserved churches, like the Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, and lively markets.
Don’t miss the chance to ride the cable car for panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.
Go to La Carolina Park for a morning walk and visit the Mita del Mundo Monument, where you can put your foot on each hemisphere.
Cacao is a big thing in the country, and you can even find beer made with cacao. You can learn much about its influence on their culture if you join a local cacao tour.
If you are already used to the altitude and are fit for an adventure, go on a hike to the top of the Pinchicha Volcano. The views from the top will amaze you; it’s easy to get to the trailhead, but the hike is challenging; you need to be in good shape for it.
Latacunga(2-3 Days)
Latacunga is a charming Andean town and the gateway to two of Ecuador’s best adventures: the Quilotoa Loop and the Cotopaxi Volcano. In this itinerary, Latacunga will be a base for both adventures and a place to rest between them.
If your visit is in September or November, check the dates for the Mama Negra. It’s a festival that brings many locals to Latacunga and celebrates the Virgen de la Merced. If you can make it, add one or two days to the festival. It will be a fun experience.
I recommend you go to Cotopaxi first, rest for one day in Latacunga, and go to Quilotoa. The Hostal Sendero de Volcanes was my choice of accommodation, and it was great.
They had everything I needed there, including guides for the Cotopaxi tour. I also paid a small fee to save my stuff in one of their lockers so I could light pack for the Quilotoa Loop.
Latacunga is a quiet town but an essential stop on your 3-week Ecuador itinerary. After the Quilotoa Loop, spending the night in Latacunga and taking a bus to the next destination is better.
Quilotoa Loop(3 Days)
The Quilotoa Loop is one of Ecuador’s most spectacular treks and one of my favorite in my hiker life. It takes you through Andean villages, green landscapes, and, of course, the Quilotoa Lake at the end.
It is a three-day adventure, and the difficulty increases each day. The last day is by far the hardest due to the high elevation gain. The trek is challenging but rewarding, with great views in many spots on the way.
What makes the Quilotoa Loop special is its cultural immersion. Along the way, you’ll pass through indigenous villages like Chugchilán and Isinliví, where you can stay in hostels and connect with locals.
There are hostels where you will meet only foreigners so pay attention to that. My choice was to spend one night in a hostel where I knew I would meet mostly travelers and another night in a place where locals spend the night.
To start the trek, I spent a night in El Trapiche, and the experience there was incredible. The owner made a nice dinner and drove me to places where he explained the town’s history and showed me future projects.
A fun fact about Quilotoa: the lagoon was formed by a volcanic eruption around 800 years ago, and its waters are so mineral-rich that they glow in shades of green and blue.
Spend your days hiking, your nights stargazing, and your mornings sipping coffee with views of the Andes, not bad ah? The Quilotoa Loop is a great highlight of this 3-week Ecuador itinerary.
Banos(4-5 Days)
Baños is Ecuador’s adventure capital. The town is located in a valley surrounded by waterfalls and hot springs. The area has many activities so make sure to rest and save energy: hikes, cycling tours, rafting, and even a swing.
Besides the activities in the area, Banos has some hot springs waiting for you. Prices are affordable, and you will have a chance to meet many locals there. It’s the perfect place to recharge and have fun during your 3-week Ecuador itinerary.
What makes Baños special is its endless outdoor activities. From zip-lining and canyoning to biking the Ruta de las Cascadas (Route of the Waterfalls), there’s no shortage of options. A tour I recommend is to visit the Pailon del Diablo, which can be combined with a visit to the Cascade El Rocio Machay.
A fun fact about Baños: the town’s full name is Baños de Agua Santa (Baths of Holy Water), named for its thermal springs and the belief in their healing powers. It’s also a pilgrimage site, with a beautiful basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Decide how many days you want to spend there based on the mix of adventure/relaxation you wish to have in this town. The atmosphere is also lively during the evenings, with many local bars open.
Tena(2 Days)
The next destination will change the vibes of the trip. It is time to explore Tena, the gateway to Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest. It is easy to get there from Banos, passing by Puyo.
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the Amazon, this is your chance. There is no need to book tours in advance. Just get there and find an agency or a person to guide you there spontaneously; you will find better prices than on the Internet.
In these guided jungle tours, you can spot wildlife and learn about medicinal plants and indigenous culture.
Tena is known as the “Cinnamon Capital of Ecuador” because of the vast cinnamon plantations in the area. You’ll find the spice in everything from local dishes to artisanal crafts.
Join a kayaking or rafting tour to add more adrenaline to your visit.
Cuenca(4 Days)
Cuenca is a beautiful city, and even though modernization is advancing, its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets are well-preserved in some areas.
After active days in Banos, Cuenca will bring more history to your 3-week Ecuador itinerary. It’s a city where you can visit museums like Pumapungo and Remigio Crespo. I recommend you join a walking tour around Calderon Park to learn more about the history of the third most populous city in the country.
I was surprised when I learned that Cuenca’s international community is big. There are a lot of expats, mostly from Canada and the USA, setting down and enjoying a calm lifestyle.
Walk around the historic center to admire places like the blue-domed Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción and the Mercado de las Flores.
A fun fact about Cuenca: it’s home to the Panama hat, which is actually Ecuadorian. Visit a local workshop to see how these hats are made, and pick up one for yourself.
For more adrenaline, add the Cajas National Park to the itinerary. It is perfect for a day or two-day hike if the weather is good. There are no huts, but you can bring a tent and spend the night in the park.
Loja(2 Days)
Loja is known as the capital of music in Ecuador. The city is very lively, with many events happening throughout the year. During my visit, I was lucky enough to be there for the Festival de las Artes Vivas, which lasts for 10 days. This festival was the reason why I extended my stay in Loja.
It was a great decision to stay longer because I had more time to learn about the influence of music in the city. Many of the best musicians in Ecuador come from Loja.
Walking around the center and communicating with locals have become nice daily activities for me, and I recommend that you do the same. There are a couple of museums where you can learn about the secrets of Loja’s Musical skills.
The nearby Podocarpus National Park offers hiking trails through forests, with chances to spot rare birds and wildlife.
Vilcabamba(3 Days)
Vilcabamba is a calm town known for its mountain views and wellness scene. Often called the “Valley of Longevity,” it’s a place where time seems to slow down and people live longer, making it the perfect spot to complete your 3-week Ecuador itinerary.
Many people visit Vilcabamba to join yoga or ayahuasca retreats. The combination of clean air, freshwater, and a healthy lifestyle contributes to increasing the lifespan of locals. Of course, people are interested to go there and learn more about their secrets.
I compare Vilcabamba with Pisac in the Sacred Valley in Peru. Both towns attract similar crowds interested in alternative healing methods and wellness.
Once I learned about its healing properties, I went on a hike to drink fresh water from the source of the river Yambala that flows near the town. I hope to live 5 years more because of that :).
What makes Vilcabamba special is its natural beauty and laid-back vibe. Besides the retreats and wellness, talk to locals around the central plaza; they are very open and will tell you several histories. It’s known that people live an average of 80 to 95 years in Vilcabamba, and they do have some knowledge to share.
After getting tons of information and relaxing in this peaceful town, it’s time to close the trip and return home.
What about Galapagos?
You might be wondering why the Galápagos Islands aren’t included in this 3-week Ecuador itinerary. During my travels, I met many adventurers who visited the islands—some spent a few days, others weeks, and a few even stayed for months.
After hearing their stories, I realized one thing: the Galápagos deserves its own dedicated trip.
The islands are a whole world, with unique wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and many unforgettable experiences like snorkeling with sea lions or hiking volcanic trails. To truly appreciate their magic, you need time—at least 10 days, if not more.
Trying to squeeze the Galápagos into a 3-week itinerary would mean rushing through mainland Ecuador’s incredible destinations, and trust me, those deserve your full attention too.
So, while the Galápagos is a bucket-list destination for me, I recommend you save it for a separate adventure as well. That way, you can give both the islands and mainland Ecuador the time and focus they deserve.
Conclusion
Ecuador is a good country for ecotourists, and it requires many visits. From the cobblestone streets of Cuenca to the Amazon rainforest, the Andes, and the peaceful Vilcabamba, this 3-week Ecuador itinerary is designed to show you a bit of the best of what this diverse country has to offer.
It’s an adventure that mixes adventure, culture, and relaxation in a beautiful way. I enjoyed my time there a lot, and I hope you will, too.
This itinerary is just a starting point, and I believe you’ll leave wanting more.
As always, let me know about your travel plans or your experience in the comments.
See you all in the next blog post! Safe travels!!!
