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Trip Report

Ecuador Itinerary

Welcome to my Ecuador travel itinerary. Travelling in Ecuador for 3 months to discover the South American culture and the biodiversity of this amazing country!

  • Santa Cruz Island+ 6
  • Quito
  • Quito
  • Ecuador Itinerary
floegz
About Me:I am a French girl of 23 yo travel alone everywhere I can :) read more

South AmericaEcuador24 days / March - April - May 2021

Highs & Lows

The biodiversity of Ecuador

Be careful of the altitude because you can be sick

Itinerary Overview

  • 7 Nights: Quito
    History
  • 10 Nights: Santa Cruz Island
    Scuba diving, nature
  • 7 Nights: Banos
    Hot spring, sport, waterfall
Quito - History
1

Quito History

Quito - History - null
Quito - History - null
Quito - History - null

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is a UNESCO world heritage site. I decided to stay one week in Quito to discover this capital with Spanish influences!

During a walk in the historical center, I could discover the countless churches and cathedrals that populate the historical center. I advise you to stop and enter the Basicilia del Voto Nacional, a haven of peace!

From the historic center, climbing up to the Vigen del Panecillo allows you to have a breathtaking view of the city. However, be careful, because many assaults take place on this path popular with tourists.

The unforgettable experience of the city remains the Teleferico. The attraction takes you to more than 4000 m of altitude and offers a magnificent panorama of the city and the volcanoes that overhang it. I advise you to go in the morning to have a clear sky. Starting point of many excursions, many walks are possible. However, beware of people who have altitude sickness.

To pass by this city a few days is a real surprise!

Santa Cruz Island - Scuba diving, nature
2

Santa Cruz Island Scuba diving, nature

Santa Cruz Island - Scuba diving, nature - null
Santa Cruz Island - Scuba diving, nature - null
Santa Cruz Island - Scuba diving, nature - null

The Galapagos Islands are part of my best memories of Ecuador! To set foot in these islands lost in the middle of the Pacific is to live a waking dream where man adapts to nature and animals.

During my trip in the Galapagos Islands I visited the three main islands of San Cristobal, Isabella and Santa Cruz. I advise to land in Santa Cruz and then visit the other islands by taking a boat. The movements between the islands are done only by boat.

Santa Cruz is a small island where it is good to stop a few days to enjoy the beaches and the local atmosphere! Many excursions by boat are possible, in particular the 360 tour which allows to stop in all the beaches of the island.

If you like diving, the island offers some great spots. Among them, Kicker Rocks where you can dive with hammerhead sharks.

If you are looking for a good restaurant, I recommend the Maui RestoBar which offers delicious ceviche! If you are looking for good beer, the island produces its own beer called Endemicà, so good.

Banos - Hot spring, sport, waterfall
3

Banos Hot spring, sport, waterfall

Banos - Hot spring, sport, waterfall - null
Banos - Hot spring, sport, waterfall - null
Banos - Hot spring, sport, waterfall - null

Banos is the city of adventure! I loved this city that offers many extreme sports. The nature is exceptional.

I could do canyoning, rafting, accrobranche and even bungee jumping. You will find many agencies in the center of the city that offer day trips.

Banos is known as a spa town. It has two places in the city where you can enjoy the hot springs. These natural hot springs can reach up to 50 degrees! Go in the morning to avoid the crowds and remember to bring a bathing cap.

Lost in the mountains, many hikes for all levels are possible.

My favorite activity in this town is the waterfall route. Rent a bike in the city for half a day and ride along the road that goes past a dozen waterfalls. You will finally arrive at the Pailon del Diablo waterfall which is 80 meters high!

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    You can easily stay at least 15 days in Galapagos. However the Galapagos island are very expensive.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Ecuador is not a very big country so you can take easily the bus. Buses are very clean and secure.
  • Booking details?

    To reserve your excursions, I advise you to inquire directly at the hostel. They propose all types of visits and at good prices. For the hostel, I advise you to book directly on booking.

Lodging

  • Hostel. The Secret Garden is an amazing hostel for backpacker! Great location in the historical center, the view on the city is just perfect and you will meet always news people.

  • Hostel. Great location, near the beach but the breakfast is not include

  • Hostel. Good atmosphere, great location near the hot springs.