A small town called Banos is one of the prettiest places in Ecuador and there's a lot to do there. I would also recommend lake Quilotoa, it's a very long ride to get there but totally worth it- better than laguna 69 in Peru. Galapagos is great if you love diving and snorkeling, if you don't- 4 days are more than enough there. Cruises are super expensive even if you take a sail boat. The cheapest way is to fly there, stay in hostels on the islands and go between with a speed-boat. Plus you get to spend more time on the island and enjoy the view. On a cruise you see mostly the sea and it's very easy to get seasick (I was for 8 days!!). Enjoy!

A cruise in the Galapagos Islands really can't be beat. Best on a small boat, low impact with naturalists/researchers who can talk about the history, flora and fauna. One of the most impactful trips I've ever taken.

Climbing Cotopaxi volcano was great. It's quite easy to get above 5,000 m above the sea level and that's pretty cool, isn't that? You can even climb up to the top which is 5900 m if you are physically able to do it. The most beautiful place in Ecuador and some say in entire South America is Galapagos. But a week trip there is about $1,500.

look for the agent, BAREFOOD EXPEDITIONS, they offer all quinds of tours (good prices!!)

Go to Banos. It's the most beautiful city. It has lots of outdoor activities and the hot springs are amazing.

You got much money ? Go to Galapagos. You ain't got much ? Make the Quilotoa Loop. SUPER incredible.Lots of Andean market , volcano crater vistas, and one of the most beautiful roads in South America. It is not easy to get there. But it makes part of the charm. For some beach party, head to Montanita. Great place to party until dawn in the ecuadorian (beautiful) pacific beach. If you like train rides. Do not miss Nariz del Diablo. AMAZING !

Baños is the city where every kind of adventure happens. Very cool!

ah, galapagos is not a lot expensive... you can sleep in the islands (santa cruz, isabela, san cristobal) and take the speed boat (1:30h). and yo're going to see the autentic life in the islands. if you take a cruise, is most expensive and you cannot live with galapagos people. you can contact for example, Spring Travel (Quito), and talk with Glenda. talk with her and their last spanish tourists from barcelona... nice organization and very nice price!

i've visited the rainforest, near El Coca (yarinna lodge): INCREDIBLE! after, we went to cotopaxi national park, very beautiful! but maybe the best if you like nature: galapagos islands.