If you don’t have the money or inclination to visit the Galápagos Islands, that leaves you even more time to explore Ecuador’s highlands.

DAY 1
Fly to Quito and wander through Old Town. Have dinner in Teatrum overlooking the Plaza del Teatro. Spend the night in New Town.

DAY 2
Tour New Town, including the Casa de la Cultura and Avenida Amazonas. Book your Amazon trip and sleep where you did last night.

DAY 3
Fly to Cuenca in the morning. Wander the city center and take a short trip to the Inca ruins at Ingapirca in the afternoon.

DAY 4
More sightseeing around colonial Cuenca, or else a day tour to El Cajas National Park. Fly to Quito in the afternoon, or take an overnight bus to give yourself more time in Cuenca.

DAY 5
Head north from Quito to Otavalo, ideally in time for the Saturday market. Spend the night at a nearby hacienda such as Pinsaquí, where horseback riding is the main attraction.

DAY 6
Spend another day around Otavalo, either on your own or on a guided tour. Head back to Quito in the evening.

DAY 7
Keep moving downhill to the coast via Esmeraldas. Depending on your preferences, stay in Atacames (lively) or Súa or Same (mellow).

DAY 8
Beach time: nothing on the itinerary but relaxing.

DAY 9
Back up to Quito by bus. See the Mitad del Mundo and Pululahua crater in the afternoon, and spend the night back in the city.

DAYS 10–13
Jungle time: Visit the Amazon lodge of your choice by plane or boat, or take a bus to Tena and visit a nearby Quechua community. Remember that getting there and away will be at least half a day on either end, so consider extending your stay by a day and forgoing Day 14’s activities.

DAY 14
Finish up your trip with a day at the hot springs at Papallacta, perhaps combined with some hiking in the local lake district. Get back to Quito in time for a full night’s sleep before your early morning flight.