Uncovering Ecuador: A 2-Week Itinerary from Cuenca to Quito
Welcome to the ultimate Ecuadorian adventure—a journey we took on our 7 month South American backpacking trip. We were travelling via land borders, so, we started our journey in Cuenca after crossing the border from Mancora, Peru. If you're following a similar route, why not join us as we dive headfirst into Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and adrenaline-packed activities, all crammed into our 2-week itinerary that takes you from the cobblestone streets of Cuenca to the dizzying heights (quite literally with that altitude!) of Quito.
Our 2 week Ecuador Itinerary
Day 1-3: Cuenca
Ah, Cuenca—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a charming, time-warped postcard, with the added bonus of a bakery on nearly every turn! (Thinking about the amount of delicious cookies we had here is making my stomach rumble!)
Where to Stay:
Budget: Wild Monkey Hostel – Central location, kitchen available, and one of the most wallet-friendly rates? Say no more.
Mid: Floré Hotel Boutique Cuenca - If you’re looking to unwind in style but still want to walk to all the good stuff and not break the bank, this place is for you.
Luxury: Mansion Alcazar – Channel your inner royalty in this historic gem. It’s fancy, it’s classy, and honestly, why not!
What to Do:
UNESCO World Heritage Site Stroll – Lose yourself in narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings that scream take a photo here at every corner. Why not take a tour which will help you learn all about the history, here!
Cuenca Cathedral – With architecture this grand, it feels like the city is showing off a bit. Go on, be impressed.
Plaza de las Flores – One word: flowers. Lots and lots of them.
Ingapirca Archaeological Site - The Ingapirca ruins are the most important Inca site in Ecuador, and visitors get to learn about the local Cañari culture as a bonus!
Why Cuenca?
Cuenca's charm is a mix of old-world elegance and youthful energy. You’ll find locals sipping coffee in cafés that look straight out of a movie set, all while the Andes mountains tower majestically in the background. Plus, Cuenca’s art scene is bursting with creativity, that and there are some seriously cute shops to explore here. Not to mention the Inca ruins, why wouldn't you want to come here!
Day 3-7: Montañita
If Cuenca is your artistic, sophisticated friend, Montañita is the wild one who knows how to throw a serious beach party. A night in Montanita is not for the faint of heart, with the cocktail street leading you right onto the beach, you're never far away from someone asking you if you want to partake in a game of shot roulette!
Where to Stay:
Budget: Hidden House Hostel – A place just off the main street but has plenty of spaces to relax and lots of activities like the $6 night we will talk about!!
Mid: Hotel Kundalini – Cute hotel with free breakfast and killer ocean views.
What more can you want?
Luxury: Dharma Beach– The hotel you can't miss on the beach, its amazing architecture and tranquil environment will blow you away!
What to Do:
Surf Montañita Beach – Whether you’re a pro or you’ve only ever surfed the web (like me!), Montañita’s waves welcome all!
Just relax! – Think laid-back cafés, art galleries, and beach bars. It’s like a small town that permanently exists in vacation mode. This was exactly what we needed after a very busy month of hiking in Peru!
Go Paragliding - Paraglide in front of the sea! Enjoy the stunning views of Ruta Spondylus (Ruta del Sol), Playa Bruja, Libertador Bolivar, Montañita, and Santa Elena while flying around like a bird!
Sunsets at La Punta – The sunsets here are pretty nice, especially with a beer in hand of course!
$6 all you can drink nights – Yes, you heard that right. But be prepared to be stumbling home in the bright lights of the morning.
Why Montañita?
Because you’re overdue for a beach break where the only thing on your agenda is deciding between surfing or enjoying a beer by the sea. It’s bohemian, it’s carefree, and yes, it’s a bit touristy, but in the best way possible.
Day 7-10: Baños
Ever wonder what it’s like to rappel down waterfalls or swing off the edge of the world? In Baños, you don’t have to wonder—you just do it.
Where to Stay:
Budget: Casa Balcon de Banos – A solid choice for a cheap but cheerful spot in a prime location!
Mid: La Casa Verde Eco Guest House – Feel the stress melt away in a setting that’s so peaceful, you’ll forget you ever had emails to check.
Luxury: Aldea Real Eco Friendly – Fancy rooms, mountain views, and even rooms with a spa bath on the balcony overlooking the mountains, what more could you want?
What to Do:
Pailon del Diablo – Chase waterfalls like a true adventurer, depending on which way you hike, you can either crawl and feel the spray on you from the bottom, or watch the powerful stream from up above. Or, just watch others do it while you sip on a hot chocolate in one of the restaurants.
Thermal Baths – Relax in natural hot springs that locals swear will cure just about everything.
White Water Rafting - Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Pastaza River in Baños, followed by a delicious lunch!
Casa del Arbol – You’ve seen it on Instagram—the swing at the end of the world. Now, go live your best life on it.
Seven Waterfalls Bike Trail - Its a 16km trail which is mostly slightly downhill, that takes you past all of the main waterfalls and ziplines you could want! Even better, there's trucks waiting at the other end to pick you and your bike up after a long day of pedalling!
Why Baños?
Because you deserve a slice of paradise where adrenaline junkies and peace seekers coexist in perfect harmony. It’s a thrill-seeker’s playground, but with the option to unwind in hot springs afterward. You can’t lose!
Day 10-12: Cotopaxi Volcano
Time to swap beaches and waterfalls for volcanic slopes. Cotopaxi is where nature gets wild, rugged, and seriously photogenic! (Maybe not for us though as we had a LOT of rain!)
Where to Stay:
Budget: Hostal Adventure Climbers – A cozy, rustic stay that feels like you’ve stumbled into an Andean postcard.
Mid: Secret Garden Cotopaxi – The best place to meet people with communal dinners and tours in a peaceful setting.
What to Do:
Trek Cotopaxi – Lace up those boots and hike around the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. It’s like hiking on another planet where there's noone around but you and your group!
Horseback Riding – Ever wanted to feel like a cowboy/girl riding through the Andean highlands? Now’s your chance.
Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for wild horses, deers, condors, and maybe even a sneaky Andean fox.
Why Cotopaxi?
It’s not every day you get to hang out near an active volcano. Cotopaxi is perfect for those looking to step outside their comfort zone and into the land. of the volcanoes!
Day 12-14: Quito
Finish your Ecuadorian escapade with a bang in the bustling, history-rich capital.
Where to Stay:
Budget: The Secret Garden – Ideal for travellers looking to meet people and have some delicious food and drinks on the rooftop.
Mid: Olympus Apartments – A beautiful space of your own with amazing views from your bed and even a fitness centre to use!
Luxury: Hotel Patio Andaluz – Go big or go home with this luxurious stay in an elegant boutique hotel with colonial and classic style from the end of the 16th century - plus, its right in the centre of town!
What to Do:
Explore the Old Town – Wandering through Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town feels like stepping into the past, but with better coffee.
Teleferico Ride – Catch some epic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes from this scenic cable car ride.
Basílica del Voto Nacional - La Basilica is probably one of the most visible buildings in the city! Pay just a small fee to hike to the top of the towers and get maybe one of the best views of the city you will get!
Mitad del Mundo – Stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern. It’s touristy, yes—but also kind of cool.
Why Quito?
Quito is the cultural heart of Ecuador, where colonial history meets vibrant modernity. Whether you're hunting down the perfect empanada or geeking out over centuries-old architecture, Quito has a little something for everyone!
Optional: Galapagos Islands
Feeling like a baller? Extend your trip to the Galapagos. Because, really, how many people can say they’ve hung out with blue-footed boobies in the wild? We really wish we had the time and funds for this, but sadly we just didn't this time around. But that doesn't mean we won't get around to it!
So, get ready to explore, relax, and have some serious fun in Ecuador—a country that knows how to balance adventure with sheer beauty. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and let Ecuador charm the hiking boots off of you.
If you enjoyed our blog and are planning your trip to around South America, why not check out our other blogs! We spent 7 months in SA and have plenty of activities and itineraries for you! Thanks for supporting us! ☘️
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