10 Days In Ecuador: Route, Itinerary & Tips (2023)
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Need some help planning 10 days in Ecuador? You’re in the right place! I know how overwhelming planning trips to countries you’ve never been to can be, so I’ve put together the *perfect* route for 10 days in Ecuador.
Whilst some destinations in Ecuador are cheaper than others (cough cough, the Galapagos), Ecuador is one of the ‘cheaper’ countries to travel to in South America and is perfect for first-time backpackers and travellers.
Whether you’re visiting Ecuador on a shoestring budget or as a luxury traveller, it’s an amazing country to visit. With incredible and diverse landscapes, you can go from seeing some of the best wildlife in the world on the Galapagos to exploring the depths of the Amazon Rainforest in a matter of days.
So, where do you start when planning an epic 10-day trip in Ecuador? In the following post, I explain everything you need to know, including where to go, how to get around, what to see and do and where to stay. So, let’s get started and plan the perfect 10 days in Ecuador!
Still got a question about planning 10 days in Ecuador? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!
🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:
- Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Trip From Quito
- Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
- Quito To Mindo: BEST And Easiest Routes
- What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)
10 Days In Ecuador: A Summary
Below I have created two separate ten-day itineraries for Ecuador. Why? Because one includes the Galapagos, and one doesn’t. The Galapagos is a big expense, and if you’re travelling on a shoestring budget, it just might not be possible.
A trip to the Galapagos also takes up a lot of your time. Most travellers visit the Galapagos for at least 5-9 days, so on a ten-day itinerary, it can get a little tight!
So you have two options; one route with the Amazon Rainforest and some of Ecuador’s most iconic locations, and route two, one that has few places, but includes the incredible Galapagos.
Use these 10-day routes and itineraries for Ecuador as you will – change them around, rearrange them and make them fit your wants and needs!
Related posts: What To Pack For Ecuador: All-Year Round Guide | Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide | 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides!
10 Days In Ecuador: The Routes
It’s important to bear in mind that ten days is not a long time in Ecuador. Yes, you can have a great trip, but you will need to miss out on some of the major sites.
For example, it would be pretty tough to fit both the Amazon Rainforest AND the Galapagos Islands into a ten-day trip. That’s why I’ve created two different itineraries for you below, one with the Galapagos Islands included, and one without.
Oh, and if you’re on a tight budget, I recommend the one without the Galapagos. Unfortunately, it’s not a budget destination (it can be done but with meticulous planning!)
For advice on how to get around the country, skip to the section ‘getting around Ecuador’. Planning a trip has never been easier, right?!
Route 1: Adventure Seeking in Ecuador
🗺️ Arrive in Quito > Amazon Rainforest > Cotopaxi > Banos > Onward travel.
Night 1: Arrive in Quito. Stay at Community Hostel to prep for your Amazon Rainforest tour starting the next day. If you arrive early enough, take a free walking tour or visit the equator line. Both can be organised with Community Hostel.
Night 2, 3, 4, 5: Amazon Rainforest tour with Community Adventures. Travel deep into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and have a bucket list adventure of a lifetime!
Night 6: You’ll arrive back in Quito quite late (midnight/1 am), so book another night at Community Hostel to rest and reset. You’ll be heading off to Cotopaxi, the iconic active volcano tomorrow!
Night 7, 8: Leave Quito early to head for Cotopaxi. One of the most beautiful sights in Ecuador, this one isn’t to be skipped unless you really have to! Short on time? You can even do a day trip to Cotopaxi from Quito!
Night 9, 10: Your final couple of days will be in the adventure capital of the country; Banos! Get ready for waterfall hikes, ziplining, white water rafting and incredible scenery. When you’re finished, either travel back to Quito for your international flight (exact route and ways here) or head to your next destination.
Need help getting around Ecuador? I have in-depth guides on how to travel from Quito to Cotopaxi, Banos to Guayaquil and Banos to Cuenca. Check them out!
Route 2: Galapagos and beyond
🗺️ Arrive in Quito > Mindo > Galapagos Islands.
Night 1: Arrive in Quito and spend some time exploring. I recommend taking a free walking tour, heading to the historic centre and taking a trip to the ‘Middle of the World’ equator line.
Nights 2, 3: Take the short 2-hour trip to the beautiful Mindo Valley. Located in a cloud forest, it’s one of the most stunning locations in Ecuador.
Nights 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Travel back to Quito and fly to the Galapagos Islands. You can fly to the Galapagos from either Quito or Guayaquil, so if you’d prefer to explore Guayaquil, you can change your itinerary to go there first instead.
The Galapagos Islands can be explored for any length of time, but the recommended amount is at least five days. Most backpackers and travellers spend 9-15 days on the islands, as there is just so much to see and do.
Want everything sorted and planned for you? Take a look at this five day Galapagos trip from Quito!
Best locations to visit for your 10 days in Ecuador
Quito
Quito is the capital of Ecuador, and you are likely to start your trip here. It often gets quite a bad rep, but it isn’t even nearly as bad as the media portrays it. In fact, we found the locals to be some of the kindest we met in South America!
Whilst in Quito, you can take a free walking tour with Community Hostel, or visit the ‘Middle of the World‘, a monument that sits directly on the Equator. You’ll also get a certificate to prove you’ve been there!
Sadly, we were told – even by locals themselves – to not walk around Quito at night. Quito at night is exceptionally quiet, and we didn’t even want to walk around after sundown. For safety reasons, we recommend only walking around at night in Quito if it is absolutely necessary.
🦉TOP TIP: If you’re travelling from Colombia, it’s recommended to book flights (rather than taking the bus) to Ecuador. We don’t recommend getting the bus across the border for both safety and comfort reasons.
Where to stay in Quito
Some of the best accommodations in Quito include:
- Community Hostel (city centre): the perfect social hostel for the Amazon Rainforest tour!
- Viajero Hostel (city centre): a beautiful hostel that includes free breakfast!
- Secret Garden: (city centre): around a 15-minute walk to the main square
- Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe (La Floresta): a hotel with offers stunning views of the Guápulo Valley.
- NH Collection Quito Royal (La Floresta): a more luxurious stay with a health club, free WiFi and free breakfast.
The Amazon Rainforest
If you’ve seen any of my other Ecuador posts, you’ll know how much of a fan I am of the Amazon Rainforest. If you’re in the country, you do not want to miss out on a chance to explore the biggest rainforest in the world!
Our Amazon tour with Community Hostel was perfect; from start to finish. From spotting wildlife in the trees, standing 3m from a wild caiman, watching pink river dolphins swim whilst we ate breakfast, taking canoe rides to watch the blood-orange sunset and swimming in giant lagoons, it was truly the best few days of our lives.
For more information about how to book a Cuyabeno tour, check out my in-depth and detailed Amazon Rainforest guide here!
Related post: What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is one of the most iconic and well-known sights in Ecuador. It’s worth visiting for at least a day (you can do day trips from Quito), or for at least one night if you’d like to hike or climb the volcano.
Even if you don’t want to hike Cotopaxi it’s worth the visit. The pure magnitude of how big the snow-capped volcano is is breathtaking, and is one of the most beautiful sights in South America!
Related posts: Qutio to Cotopaxi
Where to stay in Cotopaxi
If you’re visiting Cotopaxi for the first time, I recommend the following accommodations:
- Secret Garden Cotopaxi (book via Secret Garden Quito): perfect for backpackers, couples, solo travellers and those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime trip in Cotopaxi.
- Tambopaxi Lodge: a remote lodge in the Cotopaxi National Park. Perfect for those who want to escape the real world, hunker down in front of a fire and be surrounded by incredible landscapes.
- Cuscungo Cotopaxi Hostel & Lodge: perfect for all ages, another traditional and beautiful wood cabin in the middle of Cotopaxi.
Mindo
Mindo is nestled in a cloud forest in Ecuador. It quickly became one of my favourite places in the country when we visited, and I truly couldn’t fault it. With a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, it’s the perfect spot for a couple of nights during your ten day trip.
With over 500 species of birds, Mindo is a popular birdwatching spot, so you can book an early morning tour and enjoy the scenery. Or, if you prefer something a little faster, you can hike through the forest, explore the stunning waterfalls, and zipline through the treetops!
Related posts: Quito To Mindo: BEST And Easiest Routes
Where to stay in Mindo
- Saguamby Mindo Lodge: my top choice for couples or groups in Mindo! It may be a little quiet if you’re a solo traveller, but if you don’t mind having a relaxing few days by yourself, this hotel is perfect.
- Terrabambu Lodge: another tranquil and peaceful lodge in the rainforest.
- Cinnamon House: for solo travellers or couples wanting a hostel in Mindo.
Banos
From epic white water rafting and heart-pounding canyoning to ziplining over jaw-dropping waterfalls and cycling through the beautiful rainforest, Banos has it all for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
But Banos is also a small town that offers a charming vibe with cozy restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to take cooking classes and unwind in the hot springs.
If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend staying in Banos for two to three nights.
Related posts: Banos to Guayaquil: Routes + Guide | How to get from Banos to Cuenca | Quito To Banos: FULL Guide + Route
Where to stay in Banos
Some of the best accommodations in Banos include:
- Mama Tungu Hostel: the perfect hostel in Banos for solo travellers, digital nomads and couples. Well-located, great facilities and comfy rooms!
- Erupcion Art Hotel & Hostel: the best social hostel with a rooftop in Banos!
- Papacho’s Hostel: another great hostel in Banos for solo travellers and couples wanting to be in the middle of all of the action.
- La Posada del Arte: A great hotel in Banos for couples or those who don’t want to stay in a hostel.
- Aldea Real Eco-Friendly: An amazing eco-friendly hostel in Banos.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, the mighty metropolis of Ecuador (yep, it outshines Quito in size!), is the ultimate gateway to the legendary Galapagos Islands.
This bustling city offers a ton of activities, but if urban vibes aren’t your thing, I’d suggest a one-night stay. You can enjoy walks through gorgeous parks, spot iguanas chilling in the trees, visit iconic landmarks and soak up the lively atmosphere of the Malecón 2000 boardwalk.
🦉 TOP TIP: As the largest city in the country, it’s always wise to take some extra safety measures, especially when venturing out at night.
Related posts: Banos to Guayaquil: Routes + Guide
Where to stay in Guayaquil
- Manso Boutique Guesthouse: conveniently located near the Malecón 2000 and the Guayas River.
- Casa Michael: a great hostel for backpackers.
- Wyndham Guayaquil: for a luxury stay in Guayaquil.
- Unipark Hotel: for a budget-friendly hotel stay in Guayaquil.
The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are the ultimate hotspot for epic wildlife adventures. They’re not the most budget-friendly of destinations, but if you can afford to visit, they’re well worth it.
The Galapagos are a group of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Ecuador. The animals are incredible, and you’ll likely see giant tortoises strolling around like they own the place, marine iguanas that can totally rock a snorkel, and funky blue-footed boobies that will make you do a double-take.
➡ Note that you cannot get a boat from the mainland to the Galapagos Islands at this current time. Book your plane tickets to the Galapagos Islands now!
Other locations to consider when in Ecuador
As I previously mentioned, ten days isn’t a long time! But if you do want to squeeze in any other locations, these are some that I highly recommend.
🇪🇨 Otavalo: A lively market town surrounded by volcanoes within the scenic Andes mountain range.
🇪🇨 Cuenca: A charming and vibrant city nestled in the picturesque Andes mountains. Revered as “the most exquisite of all cities” by local Ecuadorians!
🇪🇨 Montanita: An energetic and wild backpacker town ideal for beachside parties. It’s located on the equator line, so expect hot hot hot temperatures!
🇪🇨 Ingapirca: A destination for those wanting to know more about Ecuador’s history and ancient ruins.
Related posts: 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides! | Banos To Cuenca (Ecuador) Full Guide & Routes
Getting around Ecuador
Before our visit to Ecuador, I did have concerns about getting around. Would it be necessary to rent a car? Are the buses safe? Are taxis or private transfers easy to book?
Luckily, getting around Ecuador is not as hard as you think! You can even forget public buses if that’s not your thing. I’ve found backpackers commonly take the secure, dependable, and modern shuttle buses in Ecuador (which is what we preferred).
For those with a limited ten-day timeframe in Ecuador, I highly recommend shuttles and private transfers to get around the country. Shuttles and private transfers can be easily pre-booked online, or via your hostel.
Even better than this, most Ecuador tours run excursions that include transport in the price. For example, the Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno) or visiting Cotopaxi from Quito can both be done as tours with included shuttles or private transfers.
Budget for 10 days in Ecuador
Ecuador, in general, is budget-friendly. It has similar prices to its neighbouring country Colombia (but maybe a tiny bit more expensive in restaurants and cafes).
Note the Galapagos can be done on a budget but needs specific additional savings and planning.
💸 For a budget backpacker: I recommend taking at least £500 ($630 USD) for spending money in Ecuador over ten days. This includes staying in a budget dorm room, cooking most of your own food or buying street food, taking public buses and doing mostly free tours.
🤑 Or if you’re a mid-range traveller (like we are): I recommend a little more than this. Take an average of £900 ($1130 USD) for the 10 days. This includes staying in Airbnbs and hotels, booking tours like the Amazon Rainforest and getting private transfers.
| Accommodation (per night) | Food (per day) | Activities (some activities are free!) | Average daily spend | |
| Low-budget backpacker | Shared dorm: £8-15 | £10-30 | £0-50+ | £50 |
| Mid-range backpacker | Private room: £40-60 | £30-60 | £0-80+ | £80 |
However, if you want to visit the Galapagos, your budget will need to be considerably higher. This will need to be planned and budgeted for separately.
Best time to visit Ecuador
Ecuador has a warm climate, and averages between 22-25°C/70-77°F throughout the year. The mountainous areas have a year-round temperate climate, whereas the rainforest and jungle areas have a tropical climate with humid and hot days.
You can visit Ecuador 365 days a year. There are no distinct ‘best’ times to go, as you will generally find tourists visiting throughout the year.
The hottest month is August and the coldest is February. However, even at the coldest time (unless you’re at the top of a mountain or volcano) shouldn’t drop to lower than 13°C/55°F.
The months from October-May are in the ‘wet season’, and are known for being overly humid with heavy showers.
Visiting the Amazon rainforest? It’s good to know that the rainy season in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve starts in February and lasts until November.
- 🌎 Best overall time to visit Ecuador: June – September (average 15°C-25°C/59°F-77°F)
- 💸 Cheapest time to visit Ecuador: February to March or November.
- 🌳 Best time to visit the Cuyabeno Reserve (Amazon Rainforest): Any time of year, just expect rain!
- ☀️ Hottest time to visit Ecuador: June – September
- 🥶 Coldest month in Ecuador: February (average 12°C/55°F)
- ☔️ Rainiest months in Ecuador: February (average 100mm)
What to pack for Ecuador
Packing for Ecuador is similar to most Central/South American countries, although you need to pack some warmer clothes for locations like Quito.
Luckily for you, I’ve written an entire, lengthy blog post about what to pack for Ecuador; from daily clothes to gadgets and tech, the right kind of backpack and things you may have forgotten. You can check out my full Ecuador packing list here!
Visiting the Amazon Rainforest? Don’t forget to check out my complete Amazon packing list too!
Where to go AFTER Ecuador
If you aren’t going home after Ecuador (yay!), and are backpacking Central or South America, here are some of the most popular onward routes:
✈️ Fly out of the country from Quito or Guayaquil airport. Both have international departures.
🇨🇴 Colombia: many backpackers head north to Colombia after Ecuador. We loved both Medellin and Cartagena!
🇵🇪 Peru: we also had some friends who headed south to Peru. Another bordering country, this one is easy to fly to from Quito or Guayaquil.
🌎 Heading to Central America? This blog is packed full of information on Belize, Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. Check out my blog posts and start planning here!
Is Ecuador safe for tourists and backpackers?
Safety in different countries, cities and towns is subjective. However, I am going to talk about my personal experience of safety in Ecuador and how we found it.
We travelled around Ecuador and felt safe most of the time. However, we did not walk around at night. We had been advised by both locals and tourists to stay indoors after dark; especially in cities such as Quito.
For me, Mindo felt exceptionally safe. Due to it being such a sleepy and small village, I felt safe walking around solo most of the time (but again, only during the day).
Quito felt safe during the day. We didn’t get heckled even nearly as much as we did in locations such as Cartagena or Medellin. However, there were areas that did feel a little sketchier than others (I highly recommend sticking to the historic centre and La Floresta when visiting).
But safety is subjective. What feels safe for me might not feel safe to you. Always take safety precautions and use common sense. It also helps to know basic Spanish!
I recommend joining the Facebook group ‘Backpacking Ecuador’ when visiting for inside info from the people who are actually there at the moment. This helped us a lot when deciding whether or not to go to Quito (as there were expected protests).
10 days in Ecuador: FAQs
1) Is 10 days enough for Ecuador?
Ten days is a good amount of time to explore certain parts of Ecuador. You won’t be able to fit everything in, but you’ll be able to visit at least two or three major destinations in the country.
2) Is Ecuador cheap or expensive?
Ecuador is known for being one of the cheapest countries in South America. It is perfect for those who want to have a great, adventure-filled time on a budget.
3) Is Ecuador friendly to tourists?
Yes! Of course, this varies from person to person, but we met so many friendly locals whilst in Ecuador. We enjoyed getting to know some of the local traditions, and our (limited) Spanish went a long way when it came to building connections.
4) Do I need an eSim to travel around Ecuador?
Yes, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Ecuador.
We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards. ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!
If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
10 Days in Ecuador: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the perfect 10 days in Ecuador. When you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Ecuador content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:
- Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
- Quito to Mindo: Full Travel Route
- Frog Concert Mindo: WHAT Is It?!
- Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Tour
- What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
