Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide 2023

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Need some help planning your Ecuador 3 week itinerary? 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* Ecuador route for 3 weeks for you to follow.

Ecuador is a beautiful country, and it’s underrated. With fewer tourists than its neighbours Colombia and Peru, it’s a backpacker’s paradise when it comes to scenery, wildlife, nightlife and adventure.

Whilst some destinations in Ecuador are more budget-friendly than others (cough cough, the Galapagos), Ecuador is one of the ‘cheaper’ countries to travel in South America.

It’s also full of friendly locals (everyone we met was kind and welcoming to us), an abundance of culture and history, incredible food and of course, bucket-list experiences. Well; we wouldn’t have it any other way, would we?!

You can either explore Ecuador on a luxury budget and stay in the best hotels, or move around some of the best, budget-friendly social hostels in South America. Whatever you do, Ecuador is a breathtaking country anyone can visit.

Three weeks in Ecuador is the perfect amount of time to really get a ‘feel’ for the country. You’ll easily be able to see some of the best sights and not spend overwhelming time on transport.

So, where do you start when visiting Ecuador for three weeks? Where do you stay? What do you do in all of these new and unknown places?! All of your burning Ecuador questions are answered in this post – or in one of my many other Ecuador posts!

Still got a question about backpacking Ecuador for 3 weeks? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

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Amazon Tours Ecuador — ***Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks***

Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: A Summary of the Route

Contents

The following Ecuador 3-week route is a good starting point for planning your trip. The way you do the itinerary will depend on your starting point and where you are coming from – don’t be afraid to switch it around.

Locations such as the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest take a little while to reach (and include taking either a bus, boat, canoe or plane), so make sure you research the places you absolutely want to visit.

If you’d prefer to spend a little longer in locations like the Galapagos or Mindo, I recommend removing or cutting down time in either Quito or Guayaquil. They’re both big cities, and if you’re in Ecuador for the scenery, can easily be cut.

Ecuador itinerary for 3 weeks

🗺️ Arrive in Quito > Mindo > Quito > Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno) > Cotopaxi > Banos > Guayaquil > Galapagos Islands > Onward travel.

Nights 1 & 2: Fly into Quito, and spend some time exploring the capital city of Ecuador. Then take the bus north to Mindo. (2 nights)

Nights 3 & 4: Mindo Cloud Forest. This is a must for any nature/adventure fans! There is a 2.5-hour bus that runs straight from Quito to Mindo, which you can find out more about in my complete Quito to Mindo guide. (2 nights)

Night 5: Quito. Rest and sleep, because tomorrow you’re off to the Amazon Rainforest! (1 night)

Nights 6, 7, 8, 9: Amazon Rainforest tour. This must be pre-booked; find out which Ecuador Amazon tour is best here! (4 nights)

Night 10: Arrive back in Quito around midnight/1 am from the Amazon tour. Sleep, wash, sleep and wash again (the Amazon is pretty full on!) before heading to the incredible Cotopaxi tomorrow.

Nights 11, 12: Head to Cotopaxi with either Community Hostel or Secret Garden Hostel. They both organise transport and tours or you can find out how to travel between Quito and Cotopaxi independently here.

Nights 13, 14, 15: Head to Banos! Known as the adventure capital of Ecuador, Banos also has some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. End by heading from Banos to Guayaquil.

Nights 16: Spend the evening in Guayaquil before heading off on your big final adventure in the morning.

Nights 17, 18, 19, 20, 21: Finish your Ecuador trip in one of the most magical places on earth; the Galapagos Islands.

Note; you may want more time than this in the Galapagos! You will need to cut down time in other locations if you want more time to explore the islands.

Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, and it’s likely you’ll start your trip here. It often gets quite a bad rep – it isn’t as colourful or lively as Cartagena or Cusco, some of South America’s most favoured cities, but it is still worth visiting.

Whilst in Quito, you can 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!

Or you can take a free walking tour with Community Hostel and learn more about the local history and culture.

Sadly, we were told – by locals themselves – to not walk around Quito at night. I have no idea what it is but for a capital city, Quito at night is exceptionally quiet. Even in the busy parts! 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 best to book flights to Ecuador. We don’t recommend getting the bus across the border for both safety and comfort reasons.

Where to stay in Quito

Quito is a big city. Whilst we were there, we stayed in two different areas; the main city centre and La Floresta.

If you’re staying short term, I recommend the city centre. This is the main cultural ‘hub’ (although there is nothing going on at night) and has a lively atmosphere during the day.

For digital nomads and those staying over 2 nights in Quito, I recommend La Floresta. This is a buzzing part of Quito full of bars, restaurants and cafes.

If you’re visiting Quito, I highly recommend cooking your own meals in the evenings or staying at a hostel that runs family dinners at night. When writing this, we did not feel safe walking around Quito at night (but safety is subjective).

Some of the best accommodations in Quito include:

Viajero Hostel (city centre): a beautiful hostel that includes free breakfast!
Community Hostel (city centre): the perfect social hostel for the Amazon Rainforest tour!
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.

BOOK A STAY IN QUITO

Quito to Banos — ***The main square in Quito***

Mindo

Mindo is a tiny village in a cloud forest, around two hours north of Quito. It quickly became my favourite place in Ecuador, as it is one of the most beautiful and tranquil locations I have ever visited.

Mindo is entirely walkable, and you’ll quickly slip into a ‘Mindo bubble’ when there. Nestled in a cloud forest valley, you’re surrounded by trees, mountains and wildlife, with the opportunity to hike, swim in waterfalls and participate in some epic adventure activities like tubing.

We stayed in the incredible Saguamby Mindo Lodge – which was genuinely one of the best hotels we stayed in during our Latin America trip. Our rustic cabin was right next to the River Mindo, and we were able to hear the gushing water from our bed.

The location was also perfect – just a five-minute from the high street, coffee shops and restaurants. I highly recommend booking Saguamby if there’s availability!

If you’re visiting Mindo for the first time, I recommend staying for at least 2 nights. This gives you enough time to explore the local area, hike to some of the waterfalls and take part in some activities along the river (like tubing).

Quito to Mindo — ***Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks***

Where to stay in Mindo

As previously mentioned, I’d recommend booking the Saguamby Mindo Lodge if there is availability! But if not, here are some of my other choices:

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.

BOOK A STAY IN MINDO NOW

The Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve)

Visiting the Amazon has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. When I found out that you can do tours from Quito to the Amazon a few years ago, I made it my mission to get there.

Most companies (such as Community Hostel) run tours to the Amazon Rainforest that last around four days. You’ll travel by bus deep into the Cuyabeno Reserve, then canoe along the river to your lodge surrounded by thick rainforest.

From spotting wildlife to swimming in lagoons, watching the sunset and getting up close to caimans – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip any adventure fan needs to do!

You can find out EVERYTHING about booking an incredible Amazon Rainforest trip in Ecuador in my full Cuyabeno blog post.

If you’re visiting Ecuador, make sure this one is on your list. It’s one not to be skipped!

Need help packing for the Amazon Rainforest? Check out my post: What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi volcano is one of the most iconic sights in the Ecuadorian Andes. You’re likely to have seen the volcano in a travel magazine or website and not even realised it!

With its perfect snow-capped summit, Cotopaxi is an active volcano adventure-seekers from around the world travel to hike, summit and admire. With its close proximity to Quito, it can be visited on either a day trip or overnight tour.

Cotopaxi is also one of the tallest active volcanoes on earth, standing at a height of 5,897 meters (19,347 ft). For those wanting a closer look, Cotopaxi can be climbed, but is always dependent on weather and volcanic activity.

Even if you don’t want to hike Cotopaxi, visiting the national park is an experience in itself. Just seeing the summit from the ground is incredible, and will make for a photo you’ll set as your desktop background.

Related posts: Quito to Cotopaxi

Where to stay in Cotopaxi

Most of the lodges in Cotopaxi are cosy, wood cabins full of colourful Andes traditions. From the thick, woolly blankets to the free-roaming alpacas, traditional flute music and burning fires; staying in Cotopaxi is an experience of a lifetime.

If you’re visiting 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.

BOOK A STAY IN COTOPAXI

Banos

One of the best budget-friendly adventure locations in the world, Banos is perfect for any adrenaline junkie in Ecuador. From white water rafting to canyoning, ziplining over waterfalls and cycling through the rainforest, Banos is worth visiting if you want to get your blood pumping.

Other than the adventure activities, it’s a small town with quaint restaurants and lots of local food. There’s also the chance to take cooking classes and relax in the hot springs.

If you’re visiting for the first time, two to three nights in Banos is a good place to start. This gives you enough time to relax, do some adventure activities and see some of the incredible landscapes.

Where to stay in Banos

Banos is a small, picturesque town surrounded by volcanoes and the Andes mountains. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights as a backpacker looking for adventure. Some of the best accommodations 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.

BOOK A STAY IN BANOS

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is the biggest city in Ecuador (yep, it’s bigger than Quito!) and is known for being the gateway to the Galapagos Islands.

There are plenty of things to do here, but if you’re not a big city person, I only recommend staying in Guayaquil for one night.

From taking a stroll through the beautiful parks to spotting iguanas in the trees, visiting some of Guayaquil’s most iconic landmarks and the Malecón 2000 boardwalk, it’s an interesting stop for any city fans.

🦉 TOP TIP: Being the largest city in the country, it’s always recommended to take extra safety precautions; especially when walking around at night.

➡ 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!

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.

BOOK A STAY IN GUAYAQUIL

The Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are on most travellers’ bucket lists. The sheer abundance of wildlife is enough to warrant a visit; with sea lions, giant iguanas and tropical birds frequently roaming the streets and interacting with humans.

But aside from the wildlife, the Galapagos are also known as some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Accessible by plane or boat from Guayaquil, most travellers spend at least 5-12 days exploring the islands.

The Galapagos is made up of 13 major islands, and 60 smaller islands. However, most tourists focus on just three of these – Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal. When researching your trip, you will need to decide on how many islands you’ll visit, for how long and how you will travel between them.

➡ 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, or check out the best ways to travel to the Galapagos here!

Where to stay on the Galapagos Islands

As previously mentioned, there are three major islands in the Galapagos to visit.

Santa Cruz – a holiday destination in itself – is full of tropical beaches, lively nightlife and delicious restaurants. If you’re staying here for the first time, I recommend either Hotel Fiesta or Hotel Blue Galapagos Sustainable Eco Lodge.

Isabela is another popular spot that is known for being the largest of the islands, with an abundance of wildlife and pretty landscapes. The stays I recommend are Mi Playa Beach Front or the beautiful Isamar Hotel.

San Cristobal is known as the ‘best’ island to visit because of its wildlife and snorkelling – where you can spot sea lions, giant tortoises, sting rays, swimming iguanas and more.

For first-timers in San Cristobal on the Galapagos, I recommend staying at either Cucuve Eco Lodge or Galápagos Eco Friendly. For a luxury (not budget-friendly stay), check out the beautiful Villa Bonita.

BOOK YOUR STAY IN THE GALAPAGOS NOW!

Other locations to consider in Ecuador

Of course, there are plenty of other locations to visit in Ecuador! This itinerary is only for 3 weeks, so you can’t fit in everything. But if somewhere doesn’t take your fancy, and you’d rather explore some off-the-beaten-track areas, I recommend checking out:

🇪🇨 Otavalo: a bustling market town surrounded by volcanoes in the Andes mountains.

🇪🇨 Cuenca: a quaint and colourful city in the Andes mountains. Called “the most beautiful of all cities” by the Ecuadorian locals!

🇪🇨 Montanita: a high-energy, wild and crazy backpacker town for those who want to party on the beach around the clock. Expect high temperatures (it’s on the equator line, and at an altitude of 7m).

🇪🇨 Ingapirca: for those interested in ruins and the history of Ecuador.

Getting around Ecuador

Before we visited Ecuador, I was worried about getting around the country. Did we need to hire a car? Are the buses safe? Can we get taxis or private transfers?

The truth is, getting around Ecuador isn’t as hard as you may think. You absolutely do not need to use public buses if you don’t want to. In fact, the most popular way to travel around Ecuador as a backpacker is via safe, reliable and modern shuttle buses.

If you are visiting Ecuador for the first time and only have 3 weeks, I highly recommend using these shuttle buses or private transfers to travel around the country.

Safe, clean and modern shuttle buses can be booked via your hostel or at local travel agents or pre-booked online here. We used private transfers to get around often, simply as they were so cheap. Again, they can be pre-booked here.

And don’t forget – most of the trips you will do in Ecuador actually provide transfers (for example the Amazon Rainforest and Cotopaxi tours). This takes most of the stress away from journey planning.

Shuttles/buses do not have toilets, but they make frequent stops where you can top up snacks and use the loo. Expect some long journeys in Ecuador (especially when visiting the Amazon), so don’t be afraid to ask the bus driver to stop if you need the toilet.

Budget for 3 weeks in Ecuador

Ecuador is pretty budget-friendly. I would say it’s just slightly more expensive than its neighbour Colombia, especially in restaurants and bars.

Budget backpacker: For three weeks, I recommend saving a budget of at least £1500 ($1900 USD). This is a budget made from cooking your own meals, sharing dorm rooms in hostels, using public buses and only booking a few tours. Note the Galapagos can be done on a budget but needs specific additional savings and planning.

Mid-range backpacker: For three weeks in Airbnb and private rooms, plus all of the major tours and private transfers, expect to need around £2000 ($2500) in Ecuador.

	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

Ecuador’s average costs

Prices will vary and depend on the time of year that you are visiting Ecuador. My biggest tip when visiting Ecuador, especially if it’s only for 3 weeks, is to book in advance. Both hostels and hotels will get booked up quickly during peak time, and you don’t want to miss out!

If you are visiting the Galapagos, you will need to plan and budget accordingly. It’s not known as the best budget destination, so do your research!

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!

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!

Are 3 weeks enough to see Ecuador?

Yes, if you are prepared to spend some of your time on shuttles, boats, planes and buses. Three weeks in Ecuador is a good amount of time to see some of the best bucket list destinations in the country and immerse yourself in some of the local cultures.

It’s also enough time to visit both the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos.

Need some help planning a shorter trip to Ecuador? Check out my 10-day and 2-week itineraries in Ecuador now!

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).

Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FAQS

1) What is the best month to visit Ecuador and Galapagos?

Ecuador is a 365-day-a-year destination, and you can visit whenever is best for you. However, December to May is a good time to visit the Galapagos due to the water being clearer, making for excellent snorkelling!

2) How long is a boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?

There is currently no boat from the mainland to the Galapagos Islands. You will need to fly to reach the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador.

➡ Book your plane tickets to the Galapagos Islands now!

3) How many days are ideal in Galapagos?

This depends on your budget and how much you want to explore. Ideally budget at least 5-9 days in the Galapagos Islands, but the more the better!

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. This is a good addition to your packing list for your Ecuador itinerary 3 weeks.

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!

Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the perfect Ecuador itinerary for 3 weeks. 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:

MEET THE AUTHOR!

Jennie

TRAVEL BLOGGER

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).