Ecuador with your family - 2 weeks: volcanoes, jungle and adrenalin

About Ecuador

For me, Ecuador has always been a special destination. That's where I did my first real backpacking trip, in the early 2000s, and to be back in these landscapes today with my family is a real return to my roots.

The capital, Quito, perched over 4,000 metres in the Andes mountains, Its colonial streets, markets, squares and architecture tell the story of local history and culture in a unique way. Ecuador is a concentrate of diversity We offer a wide range of activities: imposing volcanoes, tropical forests, traditional villages and heavenly beaches, all in a human-sized country that's easy for families to explore.

This trip is an opportunity to share the same wonder with my children that I had felt as a young traveler, while discovering the country's cultural and natural wealth through their eyes.

Ecuador is easy to discover by bus, without having to rent a car. The routes between towns and tourist sites are fast, safe and affordable, and even offer the chance to admire the scenery along the way.

For added comfort and flexibility, it's also easy to call a private cab, which is still very reasonably priced, It's fast and practical for a family. It's ideal for avoiding complicated transfers, managing the timing of excursions and making the most of every stage of the trip.

Why choose Ecuador for a family vacation?

Ecuador is one of South America's best-kept secrets. Small in size but immense in diversity, this country the size of the UK concentrates in a few hours' drive ecosystems that other entire continents can't manage. For families who want to experience everything without spending weeks in transit, Ecuador is a revelation.

A small country, easy to travel in
This is one of Ecuador's greatest advantages: everything is close at hand. From Quito, you can reach the Amazon jungle in 5 hours, the Pacific coast in 4 hours and the Andean peaks in less than 2 hours. There's no need to take long, expensive domestic flights or spend entire days in a bus - ideal when traveling with impatient children!

Simple, affordable transport
Ecuador has a dense, punctual and extremely economical intercity bus network linking all the country's major cities and regions. For families who prefer greater comfort and flexibility, car rental is available and the main roads are well maintained. Short distances mean that even the longest journeys are manageable with children.

Breathtaking Andean landscapes
The Volcano Route through the Ecuadorian Andes offers some of the most spectacular views in South America. Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, and Chimborazo, the closest peak to the sun on Earth, impress young and old alike. Otavalo's colorful and lively indigenous markets immerse the whole family in authentic, vibrant Andean culture.

The Amazon jungle at your fingertips
From Tena or Puyo, family lodges in the heart of the Amazon can be reached in just a few hours from Quito. River canoeing, wildlife watching, encounters with indigenous communities and nights under the stars in the jungle - unforgettable experiences that your children will remember for the rest of their lives, without the long flight connections from Brazil or Peru.

The Galapagos, a world wonder
For families who want to take their adventure a step further, the Galapagos Islands can be reached from Quito in just 3 hours by plane. Observe marine iguanas, giant tortoises and sea lions in their natural habitat, just a few meters away - nowhere else in the world is such an experience possible. A moment that will leave a lasting impression on your children.

Activities for the whole family
Ecuador is full of experiences for all ages and tastes.

COVID-19

Our last two days in Ecuador were suddenly interrupted with the start of COVID-19. We had to return to Canada two days before the country closes, until then, there was no official word of what was to come. This hasty return was stressful, but it also reminded us just how unpredictable travel can be. Despite this unexpected end, we're going home with a lot of memories. incredible and unforgettable of these 17 days with the family.

Our 2-week itinerary in Ecuador

• Day 1-2: MindoCloud forests + birdwatching + zip-line + waterfalls + chocolate
• Day 3-4: QuitoUNESCO historic center + Pichincha cable car + local markets
• Day 5: Cotopaxi ParkMajestic volcano + hiking + Limpiopungo lagoon + wildlife watching
• Days 6-7: QuilotoaCrater lagoon + coastal hiking + traditional villages
• Day 8-9: BañosCycling + zip-line + thermal bath + hiking
• Day 10-11: AmbatoChimborazo ascent, highest point in the world + colonial town
• Day 12-16: CuencaUNESCO colonial old town + museums + craft markets + rededication
• Day 17: Quito

What to do and where to stay

Mindo

We begin our adventure in Ecuador with 3 days in Mindo, This is the ideal way of avoiding the altitude of Quito (over 2,800 m) too quickly. As soon as we arrive at the airport, we decide to take a private cab - we negotiate a good price to go directly to Mindo, as we're tired and want to avoid endless public transport.

Descending to Mindo is like a breath of fresh air: the altitude is gentler (around 1,200 m), the climate is more pleasant, and above all, it's the perfect place to relax. the perfect place for family fun.

Here, we immerse ourselves in nature with activities that appeal to everyone:

• Zip lines to soar above the forest,
• A butterfly aviary, a feast for the eyes,
• A chocolate-making workshop where children love to get their hands dirty,
• Not to mention the hundreds of species of colorful birds, as well as the banana trees growing all around.

These first few days put us in the mood for this country of incredible biodiversity, with its gentle pace and playful discoveries.

For our stay in Mindo, we chose a small hotel in the village center. It is simple, comfortable and affordable, Perfect for a family who wants to be close to all the shops and activities without wasting time on transport.

Quito

After Mindo, here we are in Quito, We start by exploring the old colonial town. We stroll through the cobbled streets, visit the magnificent churches and some of the small museums that tell the fascinating story of the city.

Full of energy, we then take the cable car to climb near the Pichincha volcano, with the idea of hiking and enjoying spectacular views.

But the altitude is taking its toll: one of our children is starting to get a severe headache. To be on the safe side, we decide to descend quickly, less than 30 minutes from the summit, to get back into lighter air.

This experience reminds us to take it easy with altitude, especially when traveling with the family.

In Quito, we chose a hotel in the colonial quarter, in the heart of the old town. The location is very practical, Everything is within walking distance: churches, museums and historic squares. The district is security, which is reassuring when traveling with the family.

Cotopaxi Park

To join the Cotopaxi Park, we take a bus to Latacunga. On the way, we ask the driver to help us stop directly at the park, located approximately 3,800 meters above sea level, This allows you to discover the Andean landscape without leaving Quito too quickly.

Once on site, lots of vans waiting for visitors to offer tours of the park. We choose an excursion that allows us to do climb to Cotopaxi base camp, The park is spectacular: snow-capped volcanoes, glacial lagoons and Andean fauna create an incredible backdrop. The park is spectacular: snow-capped volcanoes, glacial lagoons and Andean fauna create an incredible backdrop.

For your convenience, our guide can also provide us with back to Latacunga to spend the night, which is very practical for continue our itinerary the next day without unnecessary fatigue.

Quilotoa

From Latacunga, we take a bus to Quilotoa, one of the most spectacular sites in the Ecuadorian Andes. As soon as we arrive, we take the time to tour the crater to admire the turquoise lagoon and breathtaking scenery.

We then descend into the crater. To climb back up, there's a classic activity that's great fun for kids: reassemble with a ring on the steep trail. From laughter to the parents' little scares, it's a memorable moment that will stay with the whole family!

We spend the night in a cozy little inn, with pension included, This allows us to enjoy the place to the full without worrying about meals, and to leave fresh for the next stage of our itinerary.

Baños

After Quilotoa, we're on our way to Baños, known as the city of sports and adventure. As soon as we arrive, we feel the energy of the place: cascading waterfalls, surrounding mountains and the fresh air of the valley. The boys are already excited about all the activities we can do here.

We start with a mountain bike descent along winding, scenic roads. Between twists and turns and breathtaking landscapes, the boys are having a blast while I concentrate on the handlebars with a slightly tense smile... but I'm still enjoying the view!

Then we're off to explore a few waterfalls perfect for taking photos and cooling off a bit. The day continues with zip-line, A moment that amuses the boys and makes the parents' hearts beat a little faster.

After all these adventures, we finish the day by relaxing in the thermal baths from the city, a perfect time to recuperate and enjoy the hot water and Andean scenery.

For those who still have some energy left, it's possible to make a climb the trails around the volcano and admire Baños and its valleys from the heights. It's a stage that perfectly combines adrenalin, nature and relaxation, and will remain engraved in the memories of the whole family.

Ambato - Chimborazo

After Banos, we take the road again to Ambato, a lively, friendly colonial town. But the main attraction here is Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador (6,263 m), and, in relation to the center of the Earth, the furthest point on the globe.

For the excursion, we take a cab that waits for us all day, This is a great way to avoid tiring out with transport and enjoy the site to the full. We start our walk from the base of the park at about 4,800 m, and then on to the base camp at 5,000 m, with the possibility of going a little higher depending on current form.

The path is dotted with vicuñas and llamas, This is a great source of amusement for the boys, who love to watch them and take photos. The climb is demanding but accessible, and the views of the glaciers and Andean plains are nothing short of spectacular.

After this adventure, we return to Ambato to stroll through the local markets, admire the handicrafts and discover colonial architecture. This stage combines awe-inspiring nature and cultural immersion, A perfect balance for the whole family.

For our stay in Ambato, we choose a hotel in the colonial center. The location is ideal and safe, close to markets, craft stores and local restaurants

Cuenca

To complete our Ecuadorian itinerary, we arrive in Cuenca, Ecuador's most beautiful colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We stay in the historic center, which allows us to explore everything on foot: cobbled streets, churches, squares and craft markets where children love to discover colorful souvenirs.

A must on this stage is the Cajas National Park, just a few kilometers from the city. We organize a family-friendly hiking, We'll take you on a journey through lagoons, green hills and trails bathed in Andean mist. The boys are fascinated by the local wildlife and wild landscapes, while we enjoy the calm and beauty of nature.

Our budget for 17 days in Ecuador

To give you a concrete idea, here is what we spent on a family trip for 4 people to Ecuador:

• International flights (Quebec City → Quito) 600 $ per person, i.e. 2 400 $ (we were lucky)
• Hotels about 70 $ at night, i.e. 1,190 $ for 17 nights
• Restaurants approximately 30 $ per person per day, i.e. 2 040 $
• Local transport / private cabs and buses : about 300 $
• Internal flights (e.g. Cuenca → Quito ) 75 $ per person, i.e. 300 $
• Activities and excursions : 250 $

Approximate family total for 17 days : ~7 000 $ with little extras