Ecuador’s dazzling mountain regions of the central highlands make for truly awe-inspiring trekking up to and around some of its iconic volcanic peaks such as Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui.
Trek through the most awe-inspiring Andean scenery up some of its most beautiful volcanic peaks in the heart of this small and friendly country in between exploring indigenous local markets and staying at very traditional working ranches or haciendas.
Combine this spectacular landscape with the opportunity to spend some time trekking between local comfortable lodges with our own hand-picked guides and you have a perfect recipe for a unique and rewarding hiking holiday.
Spend between 3 and 7 nights exploring four different volcanoes along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ from very different perspectives and even scaling the summit of Cotopaxi. Discover remote regions of the Andes full of mystical peaks, stunning scenery, unique plants and animals, waterfalls, forest and beautiful walking trails.
Spend your time in and around Cotopaxi National Park and scaling peaks such as Pasochoa and Rumiñahui before the final exhilarating climax to your journey, Cotopaxi summit. The hiking here is reasonably challenging and involves some longer days, perfect for serious hikers.
If you would like some shorter days but still love to get out and about and explore the beautiful highlands on foot, then we can suggest any number of very charming local haciendas. You can hike as well as ride to your hearts content from a historic colonial mansion or even a building built on original Inca foundations.
Cosy up by a warm fire in the evening and sip a warming drink of canelasso. This makes a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures and local colour, especially great if you are travelling as a family.
Equally, we can also offer a more relaxed hiking experience heading north from Quito towards Otavalo. You can combine some stunning day hikes around beautiful mountain lakes, through laidback villages and rolling hills and valleys with a chance to really get to know the rural traditions of Ecuador.
The famous market of Otavalo is combined with some wonderful guided walking through artisan villages, staying in very comfortable bases from where you can also ride or cycle, explore farms and get to know the locals at a slower pace.
Whether you want a challenge or just a chance to slow down and explore the rural regions of Ecuador on foot, we will be delighted to arrange some beautiful trekking holidays to Ecuador for you.
Find out more about our unique holidays to Ecuador>
By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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