8 Seriously Amazing Days Traveling in Ecuador

Ecuador is one of South America’s most diverse and underrated destinations, offering everything from colonial cities and colorful markets to the Amazon rainforest and towering volcanoes. We took this incredible trip with Gate 1 Travel for just $1,200 at the time. Our package included international flights, hotels, most meals, transportation, and guided tours—making it one of the best-value international trips we’ve ever done.

In this episode, we share our full week-long Ecuador itinerary, with highlights from Quito, Otavalo, the Amazon, Baños, and beyond. From standing on the equator to ziplining in the rainforest, soaking in hot springs, and dining in historic haciendas, this trip had it all. Plus, we share our must-know tips on vaccines, altitude sickness, and cultural differences so you can be prepared for your own adventure to Ecuador.

On this 8-day Ecuador trip we explored:

• Quito's colonial district
• The Equator! Visiting to the middle of the world and monument that stands on the equator (sort of)
• Shopping at Otavalo Market
• Exploring Peguche Waterfall
• Spa and thermal hot springs high in the Andes Mountains at Termas de Papallacta
• La Punta Ahuano on the Napo River, a tributary leading to the Amazon River
• Hiking the Amazon Rainforest in search for wildlife with natives of the region
• El Pailon del Diablo, the largest waterfall in Ecuador
• Banos, Ecuador
• Rose plantation in Ecuador

Although this was a guided tour, should you decide to do this trip on your own and need to find your own accommodations, we recommend the following hotels in each of the places we visited:

• Hilton Colon Quito
• Hotel Otavalo
• Termas de Papallacta
• Kuyana Amazon Lodge
• Hacienda Leito

Whether you go on this trip with a guided tour, or on your own, be sure to check our additional activities to do and see in Ecuador via Viator to help make the most of your trip!

If you're looking for a flight deals to Ecuador, or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for ⁠⁠⁠⁠Thrifty Traveler Premium⁠⁠⁠ ⁠to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally.

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