Banos, Ecuador
For a 10 day trip to Ecuador, Id do what I recommended in the 5 day itinerary as seen below first…
First fly into Quito.
Once in Quito see the colonial old town, the best in Ecuador, then go up the teleferico (cable car) which has some spectacular views and a nice hiking trail.
Then be sure to go out partying in EL MARISCAL nightlife district.
After 2 days and 2 nights in Quito head south to Latacunga where you can see Quilotoa and Cotopaxi Volcano. Amazing area. 1 Day Bike tours are available from Quito.
From there continue south to Baños, a neat place to eat well and live cheap for a few days. Adventure sports like rafting, hiking and biking also abound.
After Baños Id head to Puyo 60 km away, which is at the mouth of the Amazon Jungle so at least you can get a small taste of what life is like in that region of Ecuador.
Then back 4 hrs to Quito.
Then…
In Quito Id fly to Manta, stay one night in Manta or head straight south 25 minutes along the coast to the kiteboarding haven of Santa Marianita.
After Santa Marianita, Id continue heading south and make quick visits to two of Ecuadors nicest beaches, Puerto Cayo and the National Park Los Frailes.
Near Los Frailes Id stay with the Indigenous community at Aguas Blancas near Puerto Lopez where you can take a small tour and see how coastal Ecuadorians live.
From there Id head to Montanita, the hippest beach in Ecuador, where you can surf all day and party all night. If you like the quiet scene instead opt to stay in nearby Olon, but be sure to eat in Montanita by day (try the Ceviche soup carts).
After Montanita Id go to Ayangue for 1 day and 1 night, the best spot on the coast to scuba. The beach is in a small cove great for swimming.
And after that Id head to Salinas, a small resort town with a nice beach for swimming and some delicious food. Then off 2 hrs to Guayaquil where you can fly back to Quito (45 minutes) to catch your flight home.
Be sure to visit me at Murali B/B Airport Guayaquil if you pass by Guayaquil! Ill show you the ropes!
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