9 Days Ecuador travel itinerary for Your Wanderlust

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador

Ahh! You are now prepared to take your trip to this beautiful land of Ecuador. You are going to arrive here at Quito Airport where you will be met with your guide. He will be taking you to your hotel in Quito. This is going to be a leisure day and you can roam around and check out with some Ecuador facts and the life of people here. At the end of the day, enjoy your dinner and catch up with some rest to get yourself ready for the next day!

Day 2: Quito - Bellavista Cloud Forest

Today, you will have to start a little too earlier! After you are done with your breakfast and everything, just venture out to reach Bellavista Cloud Forest. On your way to the forest, you will be stopping by at Puluhua Volcano. Take a glimpse into the crater of this volcano, which is almost on the verge of extinction.

You‘ll be descending down the beautiful Mountainous Road via the Avenue of Volcanoes. On your way, the second stop is going to be the Pahuma Reserve. There’s scope for an adventurously delighting hike to a wonderful waterfall and a visit to the vibrantly beautiful orchid display.

And, then you are going to arrive at Bellavista! It’s time to enjoy a connoisseur lunch. Once you are done with your lunch, plan out for your next stop! You are going to enjoy a swarm of hummingbirds and taking a guided tour along the way. Get yourself ready to hear about the fascinating vegetation and wonderful birdlife. You can also enjoy trailing through on your own. You can hike to the Falls to see the geodesic dome that gives the perfectly enjoyable view of the cloud forest. If you are still left with some energy till night, you can go for a night walk and look for those quirky yet amazing nocturnal creatures.

Day 3: Otavalo, Ecuador

This is the third day of your Ecuador travel itinerary and Otavalo is going to be your spot of the day. In the morning, after breakfast and everything, you can spend some time relaxing. Then you can start off by taking an adventurous hike to the waterfall that has hidden in the deep forest.

Then you will be heading towards the historic Hacienda Pinsaqui! It’s located just outside the popular Otavalo Market Town. Tn 1790, Hacienda Pinsaqu was built to serve as the textile plant which used to produce native fabrics.  It went through a massive reconstruction after the Earthquake of 1867. It’s now become an example of elegance with French chandeliers, stone fireplaces, and fine wood floors. But, the age-old tradition of the hotel still continues! You can travel further to the city of Ibarra.

Day 4: Otavalo Market

Fourth Day of your Ecuador travel itinerary and you are going to visit the Otavalo Market! Otavalo Market is the largest market in the South American continent! The local people call it Centenario Marke or Plaza de Los Ponchos and it is particularly known for the artisan.

You don’t have to worry, which day it is! The market is open all through the week, but it’s great if you are visiting on certain days of the week. Saturday is the best to visit the Otavalo Market and Wednesday is also not bad.

Here, you will get to see a variety of handmade leather, ceramic, textile, metal products, and a variety of imported souvenir items. You will also get an opportunity to visit the animal market, where you can enjoy horse trading and bargain for woodwork, sweaters, and tapestries. You will notice that indigenous people from the Mountain come to sell their textiles, crafts, goats, and cows.

Otavalo Market is the most popular market of Indian origin on the continent! After visiting the market, if you are still left with time, relax at Hacienda Pinsaqui.

Day 5: Cotopaxi National Park

Today, after breakfast, head towards the South, Cotopaxi. It’s the highest active volcano in the World! You are on your way to experiencing magnificence, splendor and the breathtaking beauty of nature. As you proceed towards the snow-kissed Cotopaxi, the breathtaking beauty of the high plains will win your heart without any doubt.

Here, there’s the highest probability to find the Andean Condor. Once you have reached the Limpiopungo Valley, a 12540ft high valley, enjoy your lunch. Enjoy a delicious lunch and then move further towards El Parqueadero situated at a height of 15180ft. Then hike for an hour to reach El Refugio. You are going to spend your night at one of the most popular haciendas, La Cienega.

Day 6: Cotopaxi to Banos

Today morning, after breakfast and everything, you are going to continue with your  Ecuador travel itinerary to Banos. This is one of the most charismatic cities in Ecuador that will enthrall you all through. It’s amazingly the gateway to the Amazon river basin! With its huge varieties of beautiful Orchids and wondrous waterfalls, it’s going to be an amazing destination on your bucket list of Ecuador travel.

Day 7: Banos - A Leisure Day

In the morning, you will be heading for Pailon del Diablo, which a beautiful waterfall. And, it’s located just at a small distance from the city. And, after this, it’s going to be your own day. You can enjoy on your own pace. There are many activities here that you can do today. some of these activities include bike riding, white water rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, and much more. It’s your choice if you want to just relax and enjoy some free time or go for these activities.

Day 8: Quito, Ecuador

Start this day by visiting Salasacas! It’s a community that works towards tapestries and textiles. Then you can move towards the magnificent Central Valley! Then you can add to your list of today’s Ecuador visit, emerald lagoon, the village of Tigua. Spend the night in Quito.

Day 9: Quito - Home Calling

It’s time to go back home! You have seen and known a lot of things with this Ecuador travel itinerary.