Ecuador: Highlands & Cotopaxi Trails

Upon arrival to Quito International Airport, a private taxi will take you to your colonial hotel located within the historic district of old town Quito (approx. 1 hour).

Quito, Ecuador’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect introduction to Ecuador’s rich culture and history. Sitting high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 9,350 feet, this ancient Incan city is now the country’s bustling epicenter, boasting 2.6 million people. With its well-preserved colonial center, tourists and locals alike enjoy roaming its narrow streets for a mix of 16th-century historic attractions, modern-day shops and upscale restaurants. 

Start acclimatizing to Ecuador’s high altitude with an easy half-day walking tour of Quito’s historic sites. Your guide will greet you for a morning stroll through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, La Compañía, San Francisco Monastery, and some of the oldest and most important sites built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Shift from sights to smells with a cocoa tour and chocolate tasting at the Republica del Cacao, a producer of the world’s finest chocolate. The final stop will be the tour of “Panecillo” where you will admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo and spectacular views of Quito.

After lunch, pack your bags for a private transfer up to your first night’s stay within the Andean Highlands.

Quito City Tour: 4 Hours

Begin with a transfer up to the Cotacachi Visitor Center and today’s stunning hike (approx. 30-minute drive). 

Take a peek in the visitor center for information about the Cotacachi volcano, local life and regional flora and fauna. When you’re ready, follow the dirt trail counterclockwise along the rim for a spectacular loop around Cotacachi Crater lake. Soak in fantastic views of the volcano, caldera and colorful wildflowers. At the end of your hike, your taxi will be waiting to take you back to Casa Mojanda for another night of relaxation in the mountains.

Ascent/Descent: +1631/-1582ft.

Meet your guide and follow the footpath down from Casa Mojanada to the famous Otavalo market, or Plaza de Ponchos. With textiles and handicrafts made by nearby villagers, the market is a unique cultural experience. Take some time to roam, admire and purchase hand-made jewelry, llama-wool apparel and embroidered blankets.

In the afternoon, take an optional trek from Otavalo to the Peguche waterfall, a beautiful 50-foot waterfall and indigenous ceremonial site, where shaman rituals are still performed. Visit a local weaver and continue hiking to the rural communities above town. Walk among local residents as you continue along the Imbabura foothills, enjoying stunning views of San Pablo Lake below, to your overnight hacienda.

Ascent/Descent: +3/-1060ft

Optional Hike: Otavalo Market to San Pablo del Lago: 9.5 miles (+1250/-915ft., 5 Hours)

Today, transfer to the small town of Cochas to make your way across cobblestone paths and fertile soil to the elegant town of Zuleta. Behold the colorful patches of greens, yellows and browns (or quinoa, lentils and fava beans), that make up this quilted countryside. The majestic Cayambe volcano towers in the distance with its snowcapped peaks and jagged edges. Enter the quiet town of Zuleta, passing by local embroidery shops, on your way to Hacienda Zuleta, your lodging for the evening.

Ascent/Descent: +190/-1030ft.

Hacienda Zuleta is a stunning 17th-century hotel and working farm of former president Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. Make this day your own by choosing from the wide range of activities this property boasts. If you desire a leisurely day, enjoy a tranquil afternoon of roaming the hallways and library full of collected relics and photographs. Or stroll the gardens, cheese factory or farm to lend a hand in milking a cow.

Partake in an unforgettable walk to view condors at the Condor Husai, an on-property rehabilitation center for endangered Andean condors. Make sure to traverse the numerous other hiking trails that scatter the area for chances to see speckled bears or exotic bird species. Other activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, cooking classes, embroidery and carriage-rides.

Enjoy another home-cooked late lunch before taking off in your private taxi back to Quito.

Feel free to extend your stay if you desire more time to explore Hacienda Zuleta, its beautiful grounds and inviting atmosphere.

This morning, take a private transfer to Cotopaxi National Park and your overnight mountain lodge (approx. 3 hours). After lunch, grab your daypack and water for a delightful out-and-back afternoon hike. Enjoy a gradual downhill from the lodge into the valley known as the Pedregal and along the Pita River before reaching the base of the waterfall “Cascada Fuego.” Explore the waterfall and the river’s rushing waters from the glacier snowmelt of the nearby Cotopaxi Volcano before heading back the same way you came. Discover the humid Andean forests, birds, fish species and wildlife that frequent the area, as you hike back to the lodge.

Ascent/Descent: +568/-558ft.

Join your guide for a hike through the Pedregal Valley, one of the most pure and protected areas of Ecuador. Known for its natural beauty, this region was ranked by the New York Times as one of the top 52 places to explore in 2017. Enjoy a gentle walk along the Pita River, a main water source for Ecuador, as you trek towards the archaeological site of Pucara de Salitre. Serving as a great place for lunch, keep your eyes peeled for wild horses, llamas, wildflowers, condors and a variety of Andean bird life. Hike onward to the thatched-roof mountain lodge of Tambopaxi, where peaceful casitas, delicious local cuisine and mountain climbers happily await.

Ascent/Descent: +1233 ft./-323ft.

Today, warm up your legs with a morning hike to Limpiopungo, a pristine lake at the base of Rumiñahui mountain. Follow the dirt trail for a mile loop around the lake for stunning views of Cotopaxi Volcano. From Limpiopungo, meet your driver for a transfer to Cotopaxi’s vehicle parking lot to take the exhilarating hike up the sandy hillside to the mountaineers Refugio. Enjoy a hot chocolate and boxed lunch before continuing the steady ascent up to the snow line at 5,000 meters (16,427 ft.) above sea level. Touch the edge of the glacier and soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding valley, looking down on your week’s hiking accomplishments!

Follow the same route as you descend back down to meet your driver for a transfer back to Quito.

Hike: Tambopaxi Lodge to Lago Limpiopungo: 5.5 miles (+476/-90ft., 2.5 hours)

Hike: Hike to Cotopaxi’s Snow Line: 2.5 miles (+1329/-1348ft., 1.5 Hours)

Depending on your travel arrangements you may have time to relax in the morning or visit your favorite spots in old town Quito before journeying onward.