Driving through Ecuador is among the wisest things to do in order to witness the diversity of nature and culture in the country. In contrast to most travel destinations, which require inflexible itineraries or guided tours, Ecuador’s small size and excellent road network make it ideal for self-drive scenic tours.
In the space of a few hours driving, you can travel from towering Andean mountains to coastal shores or from high-altitude cities to the border of the Amazon rainforest. For travelers who prefer independence and the ability to pace themselves, a road trip in Ecuador provides the sort of freedom and exploration unavailable on tours.
Self-driving also means you can visit less-traveled places—remote villages, secret waterfalls, and picture-postcard viewpoints easy to overlook on public transport. And petrol is cheap, with readily available car hire facilities in the major cities of Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. From mountain scenery, seaside vistas, or winding jungle tracks, Ecuador offers stunning diversity without lengthy driving days.
Here, we will detail the Best Places to Travel in Ecuador ideal for self-drive scenic tours, including route information, travel advice, and what to see along the way.
Best Places to Travel in Ecuador Perfect for Self-Drive Scenic Tours
Drives through Ecuador are a convenient and fulfilling experience in seeing the country. Its small size geographically, broad range of ecosystems, and predominantly paved road network make it an excellent choice for independent scenic drives.
Here we present the most scenic routes and attractions that you can drive yourself, based on road conditions, what to anticipate, and what you will pass along the way. No filler—precise, helpful travel information for planning your vacation.
Quito to Otavalo
One of the simplest and most used self-drive routes in Ecuador is from Quito to Otavalo. The journey is about 90 kilometers and takes between 1.5 and 2 hours north along the Pan-American Highway (E35). The road is well paved and well-used, so this is a good route for those driving in Ecuador for the first time. You travel north from the capital through rolling countryside and villages.
Otavalo is most famous for its authentic Indigenous market, busiest on Saturdays but open every day. During the way, you can make a stop at the Middle of the World Monument, which indicates the equator line, just north of Quito.
Another interesting stop is San Pablo Lake, a tranquil place for photos and short strolls. In Otavalo, beyond the market, you have the opportunity to see the nearby Peguche Waterfall, which you can reach by taking a short walk from the road. This trip provides a mix of cultural immersion, scenery, and ease of access, which makes it a high recommendation for first-time drivers in Ecuador.
Quito to Baños
The journey from Quito to Baños is 180 kilometers and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. The principal road takes E35 south, then E30 east towards Baños. This road is fully asphalted and has good directions, but there are some curves and hill sections that need careful driving. The journey is famous for varied scenery, from the high Andean mountains to cloud forests, with volcanic views on the way.
Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the key highlights on this journey. A short side trip to Cotopaxi National Park can be taken from the town of Lasso. Another suitable stopover is Latacunga, which is halfway and has fuel pumps and rudimentary facilities. Baños is situated at the fringe of the Amazon basin and is famous for its hot springs, waterfalls, and adventure activities. Major attractions in Baños are the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Trail), the thermal baths, and the “Swing at the End of the World” at Casa del Árbol. It is a perfect route for visitors who desire nature, adventure, and good access by car.
Latacunga to Cuenca through Riobamba
This journey takes the world-renowned Avenue of the Volcanoes and is among the most scenic drives in Ecuador. It is about 360 kilometers long and can take 6 to 7 hours, depending on the stops and weather conditions. The journey goes south via E35, through highlands engulfed by active and extinct volcanoes.
The first place to visit that is worth it is the Quilotoa Crater Lake, which is to the west of Latacunga. Though it takes a detour, the sight of the blue-colored crater lake is well worth it. The road goes on south and passes through Riobamba, which has the Chimborazo Volcano as its backdrop, the highest peak in Ecuador. There are some viewpoints to the city where you can halt and take pictures or do some short walks.
Below Riobamba, Alausí is a town famous for the train ride of the Devil’s Nose. Although the train doesn’t run daily, the town itself is picturesque and provides insight into Andean rural life. It then continues to Cuenca, a colonial city with cobblestone streets, old churches, and trendy cafes. This road is longer and tougher than others because of elevation and curves, but scenery is unparalleled in diversity and beauty.
Cuenca to Loja
The Cuenca to Loja route is about 210 kilometers and takes roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours. It’s a quieter part of the country with less traffic, making it a good option for relaxed driving. You’ll stay on E35, a paved road that passes through a combination of farmland, rivers, and Andean valleys.
Soon after departing Cuenca, you’ll reach El Cajas National Park. The high-altitude park boasts more than 200 lakes and has short and extended hikes. It has a foggy climate and chilly temperatures, so pack warm clothing. When you’re coming down from the highlands, the road winds through the countryside with occasional vistas and tiny towns.
One of those towns is Saraguro, an Indigenous community known for its traditional clothing and silver crafts. It’s a good place to stop for lunch or a break. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Loja, a mid-sized city known for its musical history and coffee culture. This route is scenic but includes elevation changes and fog in certain areas, so cautious daytime driving is advised.
Loja to Vilcabamba
This brief drive spans approximately 42 kilometers and is about 1 hour on E682. Though it is not long, the drive is stunning and falls into a rich valley bordered by mountains. The road is serpentine in some places but paved, with easy turns and minimal traffic.
Vilcabamba is sometimes called the “Valley of Longevity” because locals supposedly live unusually long lives. That might not be true, but the town itself is relaxed and enjoyed by locals as well as foreign tourists looking for a peaceful setting. There are numerous walking trails, riverside parks, and local cafes to explore. More strenuous hikes and abundant birdlife can be found at nearby Podocarpus National Park.
It is an ideal way for travelers to experience a peaceful respite in nature without spending hours on the road. It is also an excellent hub for traveling further south of Ecuador by car.
Guayaquil to Montañita
The distance between Guayaquil and Montañita is approximately 170 kilometers and can be covered in 3 to 3.5 hours via E40 and E15. Leaving from Ecuador’s largest city, the highway soon converts from urban to rural landscapes before crossing over to the Pacific coastline.
The initial segment of the drive heads west to the coast via salt flats and farm land. A possible early destination is Salinas, a contemporary beach town with boardwalks and restaurants. From Salinas, the route proceeds north along the coast to Montañita. There are beach towns along the way such as Ayangue, a tiny fishing village with tranquil water and snorkeling.
Montañita is a popular beach town where surfers and backpackers come to play. It’s a lively night scene, with surf schools, hostels, and beachfront hotels. The highway to Montañita is paved and flat, so it’s an easy drive. Signage does get spotty, though, so use a GPS or map app.
Montañita to Manta via Ruta del Spondylus
Going north from Montañita to Manta along the coast is one of Ecuador’s most stunning drives. The 270 kilometers takes around 5 to 6 hours on E15, also called the Ruta del Spondylus. The drive clings to the coast and provides glimpses of cliffs, beaches, and fishing towns.
Among its primary features is Puerto López, a gateway village to Machalilla National Park. It offers entry to Los Frailes Beach, one of Ecuador’s finest natural beaches. Another of the local features is Agua Blanca, an archaeological site with a sulfur lagoon and small museum.
Along the way north, you will pass Canoa and San Lorenzo and arrive in Manta, which is a port city with a heavy seafood culture. The road is slower than in inland highways because it has curves and traffic through towns, but the view is worth it. There are gas stations in major towns, though it’s best to fill up before departing.
Puyo to Tena
The road from Puyo to Tena is along the rim of the Amazon Basin. It’s roughly 180 kilometers and takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours by E30 and E45. The road is entirely asphalt, although heavy rain is frequent here and can impair visibility and road conditions.
Starting from Puyo, you’ll pass through jungle scenery with rivers, waterfalls, and tropical vegetation. Shell, a small town along the way, is named after the oil company and has a small aviation history museum. There are multiple natural stops including canopy walks and eco-lodges along the route.
Misahuallí, just outside of Tena, features a riverfront and monkey-inhabited town square. Tena is a small city and starting point for jungle tours, rafting, and kayaking. Humidity is constant throughout the year, so light, airy clothing is best. Due to regular rain, it’s best to drive slowly and not at night.
What to Know Before Driving in Ecuador
To drive in Ecuador, you must have your home country’s valid driver’s license and your passport. You legally can drive as a tourist for up to 90 days. Rental vehicles are common in large cities and cost from $35 to $60 a day for a small SUV. Consider buying full insurance because minimal plans do not include theft or damage caused by natural occurrences.
Fuel is inexpensive, with regular gasoline costing about $2.50 USD per gallon. Most highways are paved, particularly the Pan-American Highway (E35), but there are occasional potholes and tight spots in rural areas. Speed limits are generally 90 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in towns. Police checkpoints abound but are routine; keep your documents handy.
Tolls are commonplace on highways and range from $0.50 to $1.00, so have small change on hand. Mobile apps such as Maps.me or Google Maps (in offline mode) are great for maps, particularly where cell service is poor. Driving during the day is usually safe, but mountain roads should be avoided at night because of fog and a lack of lighting.
Driving the Amazon: Tena to Coca
Another intriguing Amazon option is the road trip from Tena to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca). The road trip is approximately 230 kilometers and lasts 4 to 5 hours on E45, a rare fully paved road that goes deeper into the jungle. In contrast to the winding mountain roads, the road is flatter and traverses dense rainforest, small Indigenous villages, and oil cities.
This route offers a different kind of scenic experience. You’ll cross many rivers and encounter frequent tropical downpours, so windshield wipers and good tires are a must. The town of Coca is located on the edge of Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s a launch point for boat trips into the Amazon, and many local tour operators offer overnight trips from the city.
Fuel is readily available in all the towns along the route but has more basic amenities the further you travel. Cell phone reception is intermittent, and an offline map becomes vital. It’s not a touristy route, so you’ll have to depend more on local signs and ask directions if necessary. It’s a worthwhile journey for travelers who wish to experience the rainforest under their own power without taking part in huge tour groups.
Route Safety Tips and Driving Conditions
Driving in Ecuador is not too complicated, but it does involve a little caution and attention. Road conditions are highly variable by region. The Pan-American Highway (E35) is usually well maintained and has guardrails, reflectors, and good signs. Coastal and Amazonian routes such as E15 and E45 will have the occasional pothole or mudslide during the rainy season, particularly from March to May.
Speed bumps (“reductores de velocidad”) can be found in front of towns and schools, even along highways, and aren’t always marked—slow down when entering any urban center. Not advised is night driving with poor visibility, sparse street lighting, and surprise hazards like animals, walkers, or broken-down vehicles.
Gas stations are plentiful in towns and along the major highways, but if you’re taking more out-of-the-way routes (such as to Coca or Quilotoa), gas up when you have the chance. Also, credit cards are not always accepted at all stations—having small bills of cash is convenient.
There are Policía Nacional checkpoints that typically request your passport, driver’s license, and car documents. These will typically be brief and courteous. Be certain that your car rental has the Matricula (registration) and SOAT (insurance) paperwork. Don’t offer bribes—there is no need to pay one to legitimate authorities.
Renting a Car in Ecuador: Practical Tips
It is easy to rent a car in Ecuador if you are well prepared. International chains such as Hertz, Avis, and Budget have outlets in airports and large cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Pricing is demand-dependent, but expect to pay $40–$70 USD per day for an intermediate car with comprehensive insurance.
It’s strongly recommended to rent a compact SUV or 4×4, especially if your itinerary includes mountainous terrain, dirt roads, or parks like Cotopaxi or Cajas. Some national parks require high-clearance vehicles to access the interior roads.
Many rental agencies have mileage limits or charge extra for dropping off the car in a different city. Always read the fine print. Also, make sure to inspect the car thoroughly before driving off—take pictures of any existing damage and ensure the spare tire and tools are in place.
Right-hand driving is in Ecuador, and the majority of rental cars are manual transmission, but automatics can be requested (generally at an extra cost). Be cautious, as local drivers are likely to be aggressive, particularly in towns, but rural roads have more tranquil traffic.
Seasonal Considerations for Self-Drive Travel
Ecuador’s climate is more variable in altitude and geography than by seasons. However, the nation experiences wet and dry times that can impact road conditions.
Sierra (Andes): Dry season is June through September, so it’s the optimal time to drive in mountainous areas such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Quilotoa. In the wet season (October to May), fog and landslides are more frequent.
Coast: The coast region receives increased rain during January to April but has year-round road access. The best driving conditions and beach weather are from June to December, which is dry season.
Amazon: Rain is common throughout the year, but heavier showers are seen during December to March. Roads are still accessible, but caution and slow driving are required.
Always monitor weather forecasts and landslide warnings, particularly when driving over the Andes. Useful information comes from local media and the Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMHI).
Conclusion
Road travel in Ecuador provides one of the most accessible and rewarding means of discovering the country’s fabulous diversity of landscapes, cultures, and climates. From the Andes’ snow-capped peaks to the rainforests of the Amazon basin and the sun-kissed Pacific coast, every road provides special experiences difficult to match using public transport or group tours. Because Ecuador is a relatively small country, it is easy to see several regions in a matter of days, and paved roads and cheap fuel make traveling by car efficient and economical.
Self-guided tours also leave room for flexibility. You may visit lesser-visited sites, take side roads to remote villages, or linger longer at scenic overlooks without a tight schedule. With careful planning—like verifying road conditions, driving in daylight, and employing offline maps—you’ll discover Ecuador’s roads easy and pleasant to navigate.
No matter if you are looking for mountains, waterfalls, beaches, or rainforests, Ecuador has it all within driving distance. If you prefer freedom and wish to experience more than the Best Places to Travel in Ecuador, a self-drive vacation is one of the wisest and most interactive means to travel.
A scenic road trip through Ecuador isn’t merely about arriving at places—it’s about enjoying the journey itself.
