7-Day Ecuador Adventure Itinerary: Amazon, Andes & Epic Adventures

Thinking of exploring Ecuador? This 7-day itinerary covers everything from cloud forests to the Amazon rainforest—plus all the adventure activities in between. Use this guide to plan your own trip, complete with personal tips and direct links to book the experiences we loved.

Day 1: Arrival in Quito – Welcome to Ecuador

• Start your adventure by flying into Mariscal Sucre International Airport. We booked through Kiwi.com but Trip.com is also a great option for comparing flight prices.
• Book your private airport transfer in advance for a stress-free arrival. We recommend using Welcome Pickups, which took us straight to our hotel without hassle.
• Stay Overnight in Quito
  • Looking for budget options? We used Hostelworld to find a centrally located hostel.
  • Prefer a hotel? Check Booking.com for options in Quito.
• Pro Tip: Always travel insured! We used Klook to easily book our travel insurance before arrival.

Day 2: Baños – The Ultimate Adventure Day

• Ready for adventure? We recommend booking a full-day whitewater rafting tour just like we did—it’s perfect for beginners and guaranteed to thrill. You can book directly via Viator or GetYourGuide.

• In the afternoon, we tried paragliding over Baños—one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip! You can easily book this adrenaline-pumping activity here or here.

• Don’t miss the Casa del Árbol Swing—book a tour or simply visit yourself for those iconic Instagram shots.
• After your adventure-filled day, relax at Baños hot springs—you’ll thank us after!
• Where to stay in Baños:
  • Budget travelers, we used Hostelworld to find our hostel.
  • Check Booking.com for more comfortable options.
• Essential Gear for Baños Adventures:
  • Stay protected with insect repellent.
  • Keep your belongings dry with this waterproof dry bag.
  • Quick-dry towels are a lifesaver after rafting.
  • Bring a portable power bank to keep your devices charged.
  • Capture all the action with a compact action camera.

Day 3-6: Amazon Rainforest Expedition

• Ready for a true wilderness experience? We highly recommend booking a multi-day Amazon adventure to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Our tour included accommodation, guided canoe trips, jungle hikes, and visits to indigenous communities—all bookable via Viator or GetYourGuide.
• We loved spotting pink dolphins, monkeys, and toucans along the river—plus swimming at sunset in Laguna Grande was unforgettable.

• Choose a package that includes transport from Quito for the easiest experience.
• What to Pack for Your Amazon Tour:
  • Protect yourself with insect net.
  • Keep yourself dry using a waterproof poncho
  • Bring headlamp for night jungle hikes.
  • A pair of waterproof hiking shoes are essential for the hikes through the wet jungle.

Day 7: Cloud Forest Wonders in Mindo

• Mindo was a highlight for us! We booked a full-day Mindo Cloud Forest tour that included hummingbird feeding, a butterfly sanctuary, and a bean-to-bar chocolate tour. Book your own experience via GetYourGuide or Viator.

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Ecuador or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.

Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools

Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com

Book Budget Stays
→ Hostelworld
→ Agoda

Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)

Find Rentals
→ Economybookings

Explore Activities
→ Viator
→ GetYourGuide
→ Go City

Arrange Transfers
→ Welcome Pickups

Plan Your Route
→ Tripadvisor

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