Quito & the Andean Highlands

Trip Style:

Private Guided | Alone or with your chosen companion(s), benefit from a private guide throughout most of your trip.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking holiday

Grade & Terrain

This tour is graded moderate to challenging. Hiking is mostly on distinct dirt trails or double-track roads with moderate ascents and descents. On most days you will be walking between four to eight hours. To get the most from your trip, you should be in great physical condition and an experienced hiker accustomed to walking medium to long distances every day.

The Ecuadorian Highlands and Cotopaxi National Park are high-altitude regions, often above 8,000 feet. We have added extra time in Quito to help you acclimatize to this altitude and to minimize the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness.

Navigation

The Macs Adventure Navigation App is a great tool when navigating daily hiking routes. All daily routes with GPX tracks are available to download for use offline. Along with this app, you will also receive route notes and turn-by-turn directions in your pre-departure information pack. You will be provided with 24/7 telephone support from us here at Macs Adventure as well as telephone support from our local, English-speaking representative should you require assistance.

• 6 nights at hand-selected accommodations
• 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 5 Dinners
• Private transfer from Quito International Airport to downtown Quito
• Daily transfers per the itinerary
• Quito city tour and guide
• Otavalo English-speaking guide
• Door-to-door luggage drop-offs
• Pre-departure information pack
• Route notes
• Macs Adventures Navigation App with directions
• 24/7 telephone support from our office
• Telephone support from our local, English-speaking representative

• International flights
• All other meals, drinks and snacks
• Additional nights before, during or after the trip
• Personal equipment
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities and tips

• Extra Nights in Quito, Otavalo, San Pablo del Lago or Zuleta
• Room Upgrades (only where applicable)
• Twin Beds
• Private Taxi from Quito to Quito International Airport

When To Go

June to October are often the best times to go to Ecuador’s Northern Andes. This time period is during the dry season, where temperatures offer warmer weather and clearer skies.

Availability

This trip is available year-round. As these regions are popular destinations, with a large volume of travelers, we may at times have to substitute you with an alternative itinerary or location due to availability.

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalized to ensure availability for specific dates.

Getting to the Start

Getting to/from Quito

By Air

The best airport to arrive at is Quito International Airport, which has flights from international and national destinations.

By Private Taxi

Included in this trip is a private transfer from the airport to your overnight hotel in Quito. A private taxi will pick you up directly from Quito International Airport outside the arrivals exit, after passing through customs, baggage claim and security, and will drop you off at your overnight hotel (approx. 1 hour).

Baggage Transfer

We have arranged for your luggage to be transferred from your accommodation (as per your itinerary) and moved to your next overnight accommodation. Luggage will be picked up from the front desk or reception area around 10:00am each day and dropped off at that evening’s accommodation by 4:00pm. For consecutive overnights in the same accommodation, keep your luggage with you in your room. Please note that we have a luggage limit of 50 lbs. per person.

General Information

A private English-speaking guide is provided for the Quito city tour and when hiking from lodge-to-lodge through Otavalo and the Pedegral Valley. Join a guide on these days to gain in-depth local knowledge of significant sites, Ecuadorian culture and ecological features for a value-added experience.

All other hikes are self-guided and supported by the Macs Adventure Navigation App and route notes, so you can enjoy an independent, go-at-your-own-pace.

A daily guide is available to hike with you at all times if desired. Please let us know during the time of booking if you prefer this option.

Getting to/from the Highlands & Cotopaxi

Included in this trip is a transfer from downtown Quito to the Andean Highlands and to Cotopaxi National Park and back (approx. 2-3 hours). A private taxi will pick you up directly from your hotel and transfer you to your overnight hacienda and mountain lodge.

Getting Around

All transfers and vehicle services related to the itinerary are included in this trip. For additional transportation services outside the provided itinerary, such as a taxi to a specific restaurant or location, the host at your evening’s accommodation can help assist you in making the necessary arrangements.

Visas

Please check your visa requirements with the foreign office or the embassy in your country of residence before traveling to Ecuador.

For US and UK residents, proof of travel or health insurance and a valid passport for at least six months past the planned date of departure from Ecuador is required. Visas are not required unless you are planning to visit longer than 90 days. You may be asked about your reason for travel and provide evidence of a return or onward flight upon arrival.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard hiking gear such as good hiking boots, lightweight clothes, warm layers, water bottles, hats, sunscreen, rain gear, camera and a day pack.