Andean Hikes

Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport, assist you with your luggage, and transfer to the hotel.

Meals included:

Accommodation: Casa Ilayaku

Today, you will visit the Quitsato Sundial, located at La Mitad Del Mundo, the actual Middle of the World. You will continue our trip to Pesillo, from where you will take a 3-hour hike through the high Andean grasslands along an old hacienda trail. You will arrive at Hacienda Zuleta, an authentic XVI century property that belongs to the family of a former president.

Meals included: B,L,D

Accommodation: Zuleta

You will go for a 3 to 4 hour hike to the top of a young volcano called Cubilche. The summit has stunning views of the nearby Cayambe Volcano and the surrounding valleys. In the afternoon, you will visit and learn about the Andean Condor Huasi Project, a rehabilitation program for Andean Condors. On your way, you will have the opportunity to observe the largest and best-preserved archeological sites of the ancient Caranqui culture.

Meals included: B,L,D

Accommodation: Zuleta

In the morning, you will take a walk to San Pablo Lake, one of Ecuador's biggest lakes. Along the way, you will pass through barley, corn, and wheat fields and will enjoy incredible Andean vistas. You will make a stop in the small town of Angla, as you will visit the rural school to spend some time with the local children and teachers, giving them a hand with their daily school activities.

Then, you will continue to Hacienda Cusin, a restored XVII century estate surrounded by 7 acres of beautiful gardens and fountain courtyards.

Meals included: B,L

Accommodation: Cusin

Today, you will hike on the foothills of Imbabura volcano locally known as Imbabura Urcu, with great views of the San Pablo Lake, Fuya Fuya Mountain, Cotacachi Volcano, and the surrounding valleys and farmland. The hike will lead you to the weaving villages of Agato and Peguche, the main producers of Ecuadorian woven cloth and fabrics. You will meet and interact with local weavers and craft makers, and learn about local traditions, legends, and history.

Meals included: B,L

Accommodation: Cusin

Your first stop will be the beautiful Cuicocha Laguna. A short hike will take you to a picturesque viewpoint showcasing not only the turquoise crater lake, but also views of the surrounding volcanoes and countryside. You might even spot the magnificent snow-capped peak of Cayambe Volcano if the weather is clear. After visiting Cuicocha, you will drive to the town of Otavalo, home to one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. Countless talented, indigenous weavers from Otavalo and the surrounding areas bring their products to be traded at this market. Take your time roaming the market stalls, which sell a huge range of items from textiles, scarves, sweaters, ponchos, and blankets, to hand crafted jewelry, ceramics and paintings. It is a great opportunity to observe the traditional dress and local culture of the people of the Ecuadorian highlands. After this visit, you will return back to Quito.

Meals included: B,L,D

Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda

Your day will begin with a visit to El Teleférico, a gondola lift in Quito, considered the highest in South America. You will appreciate unique views of the city cradled by the Andes Mountain range. Later, you will visit the colonial temples and monasteries of this urban jewel, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. You will admire St. Augustine Convent, the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, La Compania de Jesus, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Continue to the Church of San Francisco, one of the greatest religious buildings of the New World.

Meals included: B,L

Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda

Today, one of our representatives will meet you, assist us with your luggage, and take you to the airport in time to catch your flight back home.

Meals included: B