While spending ten days in a country allows for a deeper exploration of its offerings, Ecuador exceptionally showcases nature in its most extreme and diverse forms. A five-day itinerary gives you a thrilling taste of Ecuador, but with ten days, the adventure is simply doubled. So relax and enjoy this unforgettable journey.
For more details, check out our blog on the 5-day Ecuador itinerary here.
Explore Cuenca and Beyond with Our Private Tours
During our five-day adventure in Ecuador, we explored the cloud forests of Mindo, the headwaters of the Amazon along the Pastaza River, the volcanic thermal baths of Papallacta, and the charming town of Baños. Now, we are ready to journey toward the coast, but first, we will fully immerse ourselves in the Andes, discovering its incredible diversity and visiting Ecuador’s most beautiful city, along with various highlights.
Let’s start our journey in Baños. After admiring the stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views from the “swing at the end of the world,” we will head back toward the inter-Andean valley to experience the sacred lake of Ozogoche. This icy highland lake is famous for the dramatic suicides of hundreds of Upland sandpipers each September and October, believed to possess mystical powers that attract the birds to their fate. The surrounding landscapes are awe-inspiring, and the local community is fascinating, showcasing lakeside rituals that honor the sandpipers’ return to nature, marking the beginning of the rainy season in the region.
Next, we will travel to Alausí, stopping at the famous Devil’s Nose viewpoint (a notable stop on the Ecuadorian train, currently not in operation) before spending the night with the Caguanapamba community—an Andean ethnic group ready to share insights into their vibrant culture and way of life.
We will then explore the Coyoctor archaeological ruins and Ingapirca, the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. To the south, we find the picturesque church of Biblián, dramatically perched on a cliff, before finally arriving in Cuenca.
Our morning tour will include visits to the artisan towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, renowned for their exquisite filigree jewelry. Of course, we’ll enjoy a city tour of Cuenca itself, which boasts a spectacular, quaint, and picturesque historic center sure to captivate you. We’ll conclude our day with a stunning view of the entire Cuenca valley from the viewpoint at Turi.
From the Andes to the Pacific Coast: Our Best Tour
Cuenca may be nestled in the Andes, but it is just three hours away from the coastal city of Guayaquil. We will ascend into the enchanting El Cajas National Park, celebrated for its over 4,000 water bodies and breathtaking landscapes of hills and paramo.
Before we reach Guayaquil, we will stop at a local cacao plantation to learn about cacao pods and the chocolate-making process, eventually arriving in Ecuador’s largest and busiest city.
You will quickly notice how different Guayaquil is from the Andean cities of Quito and Cuenca. It feels as though you’ve crossed into another country. The hot and humid climate, abundant palm trees, mango trees, and iguanas in parks create a distinct atmosphere. What portal did we pass through to transition from spring-like Cuenca to the tropical vibe of Guayaquil? The Andes mountains and its location along the Equator explain this unique geographic phenomenon, making for an incredible experience.
Heading to the Pacific Coast
As we continue our ten-day exploration of Ecuador, we’ll set our sights on the equatorial Pacific Coast, specifically the surf town of Montañita. The entire coastline is known as the birthplace of the oldest civilization in the Americas. Few are aware that the Pacific Coast of Ecuador was once home to a magnificent nation of city-states, a communal society that thrived for thousands of years.
One significant remnant of this culture can be experienced in the small town of Barcelona. Not to be confused with the city in Catalonia, this tiny hamlet in Ecuador’s Santa Elena province is characterized by its residents’ involvement in “Panama” hat-making.
You’ll have the opportunity to witness the entire process, with weavers working beside their homes at various stages—from harvesting the palms to preparing the straw and weaving the final products. Interestingly, Panama hats are entirely Ecuadorian, having originated from Ecuador’s ancestral coastal cultures.
Next, we will arrive at the vibrant town of Montañita, which is particularly popular among younger audiences seeking to surf, soak up the sun, and engage in nightlife. The area offers numerous activities, including surfing lessons and visits to stunning inland waterfalls and tropical forests.
As we traverse the coast, we will encounter more secluded beaches, including Ecuador’s only protected beach: Los Frailes. This stunning bay, located within Machalilla National Park, features floury white sand and a fragrant Palo Santo forest—an idyllic spot to spend a leisurely day. We’ll also visit the captivating community of Agua Blanca, where insights into ancestral cultures can be further explored.
The town of Puerto López serves as an excellent base for exploring Machalilla. From here, we can embark on an excursion to Isla de la Plata, a small islet in the Pacific Ocean where you might spot nesting albatrosses and, if you’re lucky, snorkel alongside manta rays.
During August and September, you can enhance your visit with the unique opportunity to watch whales just meters away as they breach and swim with their young in the open ocean. Humpback whales journey thousands of miles from Antarctic and Oceanic waters to breed in the warmer temperatures of our Pacific Coast. They are incredibly serene and awe-inspiring from any vantage point.
This and so much more awaits you in Ecuador. Reach out to Wanderbus to explore the hidden gems that few others visit!
