One Week in Ecuador With Kids: Quito, Mindo & Baños
Planning one week in Ecuador with kids? This family-friendly itinerary covers Quito, Mindo, and Baños, three destinations that show off Ecuador’s mix of city life, cloud forest adventures, and mountain hot springs. From altitude tips in Quito to chasing butterflies in Mindo and soaking in Baños, here’s exactly how we structured our week (with a few snack-bribe moments along the way).
Planning a family trip to Ecuador and only have one week? Good news: Ecuador is compact, diverse, and surprisingly doable with kids in just seven days. From Andean capitals to cloud forests and adventure towns, this itinerary balances big sights with kid-friendly pacing, without cramming in so much that everyone melts down by day three.
We’ve actually done this route as a family of four, and while it’s a whirlwind, it’s also the perfect sampler of Ecuador’s magic. You’ll get a taste of the high Andes in Quito, the lush Mindo cloud forest, and the waterfalls and hot springs of Baños, all with plenty of food stops, playgrounds, and downtime built in.
This isn’t about squeezing in everything; it’s about finding a rhythm that works for families: mornings for exploring, afternoons for naps or swims, and evenings for a slow dinner or ice cream stop.
Here’s how we’d spend one unforgettable week in Ecuador with kids.
In this guide, I’ll be covering everything from best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, how to get around and much more.
Basically its everythign I know from travelling here for a week
🚗 Getting around: You Rent a car or use Uber to get around.
🏨 Best base Quito: Near La Carolina, quiet apartment with washer & workspace.
🏨 Best base Mindo: We chose Bio Hostal Mindo, Great hostal, pretty much central, free breakfast and pelnty of chill areas and can see humming birds
🗺️ Top day trip: Book great days trips like Otavalo market or Middle of the World.
📱 Data: Buy an Airalo eSIM before you fly.
🛡️ Insurance: Lightweight family insurance coverage
Day 1–2: Quito With Kids
Most families land in Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, and it makes sense to spend your first two days here. At 9,350 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world, which means your first goal is simply to let everyone adjust to the altitude while easing into Ecuador.
Things to Do in Quito With Kids
Teleférico (cable car): Ride up to 13,000 ft for jaw-dropping views over the city and surrounding volcanoes. Even if you don’t hike further, the ride itself is an adventure kids love.
Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World): A fun stop where kids can stand on both hemispheres at once. There’s a small museum and plenty of quirky “equator experiments” to keep them engaged.
Parque La Carolina: A massive central park with playgrounds, bike rentals, paddle boats, and even a small botanical garden. Perfect for a low-key afternoon.
Family-Friendly Eats
Cheap almuerzos (set lunches) are everywhere, expect soup, main, and juice for just a few dollars.
For a fun treat, head to Dulcería Colonial near the historic center for pastries and hot chocolate.
Parent Tips
Don’t overschedule: keep mornings for sightseeing and leave afternoons for slower activities like park time or resting at your hotel.
Drink lots of water and take it easy, the altitude is real, especially for kids.
Uber works well in Quito and is safer/more affordable than street taxis.
📌 More detail here: Best Things to Do in Quito With Kids
Day 3–4: Mindo Cloud Forest With Kids
After the bustle of Quito, head about 2.5 hours northwest into the lush cloud forests of Mindo. This little town is the opposite of the capital, green, laid-back, and full of family-friendly activities that balance nature with fun. It’s the perfect place to slow the pace and let kids explore outdoors.
Things to Do in Mindo With Kids
Tarabita cable car: Cross a deep valley in a cable car that feels just adventurous enough without being scary. From the drop-off, there are short hikes to several waterfalls.
Butterfly garden (Mariposas de Mindo): Hundreds of butterflies fluttering around an enclosed garden — kids can feed them and watch cocoons hatch.
Chocolate tour: Learn how cacao becomes chocolate. Most tours end with tastings (yes, parents included).
Tubing (for older kids): A popular activity on the river, best if your kids are confident in the water.
Family-Friendly Eats
El Quetzal de Mindo: Famous for its bean-to-bar chocolate and hearty meals.
Local bakeries: Fresh bread and empanadas are easy wins for snacks on the go.
Parent Tips
Expect sudden showers, pack rain jackets or ponchos, especially if heading out to the waterfalls.
Bring sturdy shoes or sandals that can handle mud.
Everything in town is walkable, so no need for taxis once you’re here.
📌 More detail here: Mindo Cloud Forest With Kids
Day 5–7: Baños With Kids
Round out your week in Ecuador with a few days in Baños de Agua Santa, known as the adventure capital of the country. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a thrill-seeker to enjoy it. Baños balances waterfalls and adventure sports with hot springs, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly food.
Things to Do in Baños With Kids
Jeep buggy to Cascade Machay: Renting a buggy and bouncing along the scenic road is half the fun. After a short 30-minute walk, you’ll find yourself at a stunning waterfall, totally doable with kids at a relaxed pace.
Animal Park: More than just animals, think dinosaur statues, swings, and a quirky Jurassic Park-style area that kids love.
Piscinas de la Virgen (hot springs): Perfect for evenings. Pools range from hot to cold, and kids will happily hop between them. Budget-friendly at about $6 adults / $3 kids.
La Virgen hike: A steep 1km climb up stone steps, but the reward is sweeping views of the valley. Great if you need a free, energy-burning activity.
Optional adventures for older kids: Rock climbing, zip-lining, or canyoning if your crew is ready for bigger thrills.
Family-Friendly Eats
Almuerzos: Local set lunches (soup, main, juice) for around $4, tasty, filling, and everywhere in town.
Milo’s Heladería: Homemade ice cream, perfect after hot springs or a hike.
Bakery Pan Tres: Known for pizza and fresh baked goods, an easy win with kids.
Parent Tips
Getting there: Baños is about 3.5–4 hrs by bus from Quito. If you’re coming directly from Mindo, you’ll need to connect through Quito.
Weather: Expect a mix, sunshine one minute, rain the next. Pack light layers and rain jackets.
Pace: Balance one adventurous day (buggy + waterfalls) with one slower day (hot springs + ice cream). Keeps everyone happy.
FAQs About Traveling in Ecuador With Kids
Is Ecuador safe enough to visit as a family?
Yes, most tourist areas like Quito’s historic center, Mindo, and Baños are safe with normal precautions. Petty theft can happen, so carry essentials only and use crossbody bags. We felt comfortable traveling with our kids.
Why visit Ecuador if I’m not a surfer or Galápagos-bound?
Ecuador is so much more than beaches or the Galápagos. You can hike cloud forests, soak in hot springs, explore volcanoes, and visit family-friendly cities — all within a few hours’ drive.
What’s it like traveling in Ecuador with kids?
Surprisingly easy! Public transport is affordable, set lunches are kid-friendly, and there are parks and plazas everywhere. The altitude in Quito and Baños can be tiring, so plan rest time.
Are there dangers of living or travelling in Ecuador?
The main concerns are road safety and opportunistic theft. Adventure activities (like zip-lining, buggy rentals, canyoning) aren’t always as regulated as back home, so choose operators carefully.
How much Spanish do you need to know?
Basic phrases go a long way. In Mindo and Baños especially, English is limited, but locals are friendly and helpful. Kids often enjoy learning and practicing Spanish words along the way.
One Week in Ecuador With Kids
IMO If you’ve only got just a week in Ecuador, splitting your time between Quito, Mindo, and Baños will be busy but this will probably be the best use of time, if you have more time then extend.
Culture and history in Quito’s old town
Nature and wildlife in Mindo’s cloud forest
Adventure and hot springs in Baños
Travel times are manageable, the variety keeps kids engaged, and there’s always a plaza or ice cream stop when you need to reset.
👉 Want to dive deeper? Check out our full guides:
(Soon) Our full Baños With Kids guide
