Ecuador (officially the Republic of Ecuador) is widely known for its diversity both environmentally and culturally. About two-fifths of the population are Indian (mostly Quechua), and two-fifths are mestizos; most of the rest are of Spanish ancestry. The language that is spoken the most in Spanish but some people speak Quechua, Shuar, depending on where they live. It is a lively country with lots to see and do. If you were to spend five whole days in Ecuador, what can you do? Here is my dream itinerary.
Day 1: Visit Galapagos Islands; for nature lovers
The Galapagos Islands offer different places to visit depending on what you’d like to experience. For example, the most popular islands that are frequently visited are Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal, and Floreana. Each island varies from birdwatching, snorkeling, hiking, or seeing specific wildlife so consider your best interests.
Book a hotel at your desired islands but for a cheap option the hotel “La Casa de Judy” near the Galapagos National Park in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz is a good option. This hotel offers a spacious room with an outdoor pool for only at $66 a night. This includes free breakfast, free wifi, a cute bar, and laundry facilities. It is close to some famous attractions such as the Charles Darwin Research Station and Academy Bay, as well as its only 81 minutes from Isla Baltra which is an airport. To know more about this hotel, visit this website to rearrange your stay at galapagos.islands.
Day 2: Cuenca
Cuenca, the most beautiful and popular city in Ecuador and has always been a spot that tourists grew to love. You can rent a tour bus found on the website getyourguide.com, that can take you to gorgeous places such as the Andean city of Cuenca and the San Sebastian Plaza. Or if you want to be adventurous, you can take a nearby bus that shows the name of the street where you want to go like for example “La feria libre” but make sure you have someone who speaks Spanish because the bus lines are confusing. If you decide to rent a tour bus, it is a four hour tour, the guides speak both English and Spanish, and you’ll be in a small group of only 15 participants. You even get picked up from the hotel in a private transport vehicle and get to visit the New Cathedral, Central Park, and the plaza de flores.
(Johanna Patino).
Day 3: For history lovers: Wander around Inca ruins in Southern Ecuador!
Visiting this area of Ecuador allows you to get a gist of the history and culture of the city of Cuenca. There are about a dozen Inca ruins you can visit but the most important one is Ingapirca because of its famous and iconic Temple of the Sun and its well preserved constructions. This temple was built with the purpose of creating a sacred place in which people can worship their God and show their devotion to them. It was constructed with an oval shape making it easier to see the beautiful valley and the ruins. If you pay for a guided tour it would take about an hour to complete and they will give you the background of all of the historical edifications
Day 4: Beaches!
You can’t go wrong with visiting the wonderful and clean beaches that can be found within Ecuador. For snorkeling, Bartolome Island in Galapagos will give you an unforgettable experience that no other beach can give you. The sea turtles, playful penguins, and speedy sea lions that will swirl as you float in the calm water are so cute. The most popular beach among teens is montañita beach that is located in the province of Santa Cruz because of its buzzy nightlife and surfing. It also has beautiful sunsets, lush hills and rolling mountains if you’d like to go for a hike or horse riding. For village life, Mompiche would be the perfect place to relax and free your mind because it is much slower-paced and quieter than Montanita. Everyone enjoys playing with the monkeys, seeing the beautiful butterflies and the calm waves that reflect the bohemian feel. Fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and book a hotel at IIIa Experience or Casa Gangotena to explore more of the city before traveling on to the beaches.
Day 5: Traditional food to try!
There are tons of traditional foods which are often questioned because it’s something new and unique that hasn’t been seen before. For example, the typical dish of cuy con papas is grilled guinea pig with corn, avocado and potatoes. It is not an attractive option for some travelers since it is grilled while maintaining its own shape, however for those who love to try new things, it is definitely worth a try. Its taste is nothing out of the ordinary, if anything it tastes like pernil which is slow-roasted marinated pork leg or shoulder. Something that is a little less frightening is “encebollado” which is a coastal dish featuring fish, yucca, and pickled onion. It is a cuisine that has been passed down through generations that is known as a symbol of Ecuadorian national identity.
- “ I love Ecuador and the peace it brings me. The food itself is just why you should go! It’s so tasteful and filled with the Ecuadorian sazón.” – Rosa Hernández, a native from Ecuador.
- “ Ecuador is beautiful, the people are so nice and welcoming. It’s so heart-warming to see them try their best to speak English and communicate with you so you feel at home.” – Alani Valle, a traveler who visited Cuenca this summer.
- “ I like how vibrant and friendly the people are, walking around the mercados allow you to experience their traditions and culture, plus the food is amazing” – Jorge Velazquez, a traveler.
