Ecuador - Trekking

Arrival in Quito and hotel transfer. Situated in a circle of mountainous peaks of the Andes, Quito has one of the most magnificent settings in the world. 

Today experience the colourful history of colonial Quito during a city tour. Continue to the middle of the world monument, Mitad del Mundo, where the southern and northern hemispheres meet.

Transfer to Otavalo. Enjoy a 5-hour hiking tour  around the fine Cuicocha Crater Lake. Various flowers add brilliant splashes of colour to the scenery.

Excursion to the Ecological Reserve El Ángel for a hike to enjoy its rugged beauty. The reserve is home to the endemic plant “freilejon” which grows on tree trunks up to 6m high and forms a kind of wood. Stop in the village El Chota to explore its afro ecuadorian culture.

Visit to the famous handicraft market of Otavalo. Transfer to the small Andean village Papallacta, which is famous for its thermal baths. After your hike relax in the  thermal baths surrounded by a wonderful landscape.

Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park. This stunning area is home to the perfectly symmetrical cone of the Cotopaxi volcano. Hike along the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe many different species of birds and enjoy fantastic views of the Cotopaxi volcano.

12km-hike to the extinct volcano crater and emerald green lagoon of Quilotoa. From the rim of the crater, several snow-capped volcanoes can be seen in the distance, a striking panorama. Transfer to Chugchilán (guests will stay at a basic hotel).

Second visit to the Quilotoa lagoon to hike down a steep path to the lake’s edge (40min) and then take a walk around the lake for approx. 3-4 hours. Transfer along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to Riobamba.

Visit to the remote Chimborazo National Park with easy trekking to observe how the vegetation adapts to the changes in altitude.  

Transfer to the lagoons of Culebrillos for a short hike on the nearby “Camino del Inca” (Inca trail). Visit to the largest Inca site of Ecuador, the pre-Columbian Ingapirca ruins. Continue to Cuenca, Ecuador´s third biggest city.

City tour of colonial Cuenca and visit to a Panama hat factory. Afternoon at leisure.

Transfer to Guayaquil. Stop at El Cajas National Park for a light trekking followed by a visit to a cacao plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of cacao beans.

Transfer to the airport and home-bound flight.