Ecuador in 10 Days
Ecuador is a small but incredibly diverse country in South America packed with unforgettable experiences. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the fascinating Galapagos Islands, every day offers something unique. This 10-day itinerary covers the Amazon, Quito, and the Galapagos, providing a taste of Ecuador’s natural beauties, culture and wildlife.
Key Facts, Getting There & Best Time to Visit
Ecuador is located in the northwestern corner of South America, bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. Despite its compact size, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The capital of Ecuador is Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved historical center.
Regions: Andes mountains, Amazon jungle, cloud forest, Galapagos Islands
Currency: US Dollar
Language: Spanish (Quechua and other Indigenous languages are also spoken)
Plugs: Same as the US (Type A and B). The standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. A universal adapter works for most electronics—choose one with surge protection!.
Credit cards: Accepted in major cities like Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil, but carry cash for smaller towns or remote areas.
When to Go
Highlands: June to September (dry season)
Coast: December to April (sunny and warm)
Amazon: Year-round, with slightly drier months from December to March.
Galapagos Islands: Good any time; December to May is warmer with calmer seas.
10-Day Ecuador Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Quito & Travel to the Amazon
Days 2–3: Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Day 4: Return to Quito & Explore the City
Day 5: Travel to the Galapagos Islands
Days 6–9: Island-Hopping & Wildlife Adventures
Day 10: Fly Back to Quito & Return Home
Day 1: Arrival in Quito & Travel to the Amazon
Most international flights land in Quito or Guayaquil in the evening. Since our flight to Coca (the gateway to the Amazon Jungle) was early the next day, we stayed overnight near the Quito airport.
The short flight to Coca took about 40 minutes. At the airport, a guide from Sani Lodge, the jungle lodge, met us. After a quick bus ride to the river pier, we took a 2.5-hour ride down the Napo River. A large speedboat covered the first leg which was followed by a quieter paddle canoe trip to the lodge. By late afternoon, we were settled into our room surrounded by thick jungle and the sounds of nature.
Days 2–3: Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Staying at Sani Lodge was an unforgettable experience. We booked their 4-day/3-night adventure package, which included guided walks, canoe rides, and visits to a local Kichwa community. Highlights included are:
Early morning bird watching from a canopy tower.
Spotting monkeys, caimans, toucans, and even the pink dolphins.
A night walk to see the insects and nocturnal animals.
The lodge is fully run by the local community and the guides are experts in the area’s wildlife. Days start early and end with candlelit dinners and jungle stories.
Day 4: Return to Quito & Explore the City
After breakfast, we retraced our journey by canoe and boat back to Coca and then caught a flight to Quito. This time, we stayed in La Mariscal which is a popular area with restaurants, shops and lively plazas.
In the afternoon, we joined one of the many walking tours through Quito’s historical center. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches, and colorful markets made our experience more memorable. We then visited the Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand on the equator. To wrap up the day, we took the cable car, the Teleférico, up to the Pichincha Volcano for sweeping views of the capital.
Day 5: Travel to the Galapagos Islands
Flights to the Galapagos Islands leave early from Quito or Guayaquil. After a short layover, we landed on Baltra Island and then moved to Santa Cruz. On the way, we stopped by the Charles Darwin Research Station and saw our first giant tortoises. We chose a land-based tour, staying in Puerto Ayora and taking day trips to nearby islands.
Days 6–9: Island-Hopping & Wildlife Adventures
Each day brought something new:
Snorkeling with sea lions, reef sharks, and rays
Hiking lava fields on Bartolomé Island
Watching blue-footed boobies perform their mating dance
Walking alongside marine iguanas and giant tortoises
We visited different islands, such as North Seymour, Santa Fe, and Isabela. Each has its own unique landscape and animals. Whether swimming, hiking, or relaxing on the beach each activity felt personal and unhurried. If you’re into photography or nature, this is paradise. Tours were led by naturalists who explained the fragile ecosystems and answered every question with passion.
Day 10: Fly Back to Quito & Return Home
We took a morning flight from Baltra back to the mainland and spent a few hours in Quito before heading to the airport for our international flight. It was the perfect mix of nature, culture, and wildlife in just 10 days.
Packing Tips for Ecuador
Because Ecuador’s regions vary so much, pack for a mix of conditions:
Light clothes for the Amazon rainforest
Layers and a light jacket for the highlands
Swimsuit and quick-dry clothes for the Galapagos Islands
Comfortable shoes for walking tours and hikes
Rain gear (especially for the Amazon)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Quick Highlights
Amazon rainforest: Stay in a remote jungle lodge, canoe rides, wildlife
Quito: UNESCO World Heritage Site, historical center, Mitad del Mundo, cable car, and La Mariscal
Galapagos Islands: Unique animals, snorkeling, hiking, boat and day trip options
Cotopaxi National Park (optional add-on): If you have more time, take a day trip to see the Cotopaxi volcano or hike around the volcanic crater lake at Quilotoa.
This 10-day Ecuador itinerary gives you a taste of the country’s most iconic regions. Whether you are into wildlife, history, or outdoor activities, Ecuador delivers without needing long travel times between destinations. From the quiet paddles in the Amazon to the surreal landscapes of the Galapagos every day here feels like something new.