Hike the Highlands

After a night in Quito, your adventure begins as you travel to the small town of Otavalo in the highlands of northern Ecuador. Then explore the luxuriant cloud forest vegetation of the Tandayapa Valley before heading south via the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park and the highest active volcano in the world. Spend the last few days of your Ecuador adventure at the Black Sheep Inn exploring Chugchilan and the local area including a hike to Laguna Quiltoa, a 1 mile wide emerald crater lake located at 3800m.

Trip information

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Included

Transfers in private vehicle, local guides in Bellavista, private guide on days 2 and 7.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip with a number of hiking options available depending on fitness.

Best time

The driest season for the Andean regions is from about late May to early October.

Getting there

You will need international flights to/from Quito. Prices from the UK start from around £675.

Weather and highlights

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Visit Otavalo and the surrounding indian towns
Explore the luxuriant cloud forest of the Tandayapa Valley
Hike through the spectacular Andean landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park and Chugchilan

Itinerary

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Duration: 12 days

Day 1:
Arrive in Quito. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 2:
Transfer to Otavalo. Rest of day free. (B, D)
Day 3:
Free day based in Otavalo. (B, D)
Day 4:
Transfer to Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge. Rest of day free. (FB)
Day 5:
Explore the cloud forest. (FB)
Day 6:
Drive south to hacienda overlooking Cotopaxi. (B, D)
Day 7:
Explore Cotopaxi National Park. (FB)
Day 8:
Drive west to Chugchilan. Rest of day free. Overnight Black Sheep Inn. (B, D)
Days 9-10:
Day hikes in the local area. (B, D)
Day 11:
Drive to Quito. (B)
Day 12:
Transfer to airport for flight home. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Ecuador

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £750 to £1000 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Ecuador combines very well with Peru, but can also be linked with Brazil.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks highlights of Ecuador’s mainland using good standard accommodationBetween £1800 and £2750
2 week trip staying in top end haciendas and lodgesFrom around £3500+
10 days Andes & rainforest holidayBetween £1200 and £1600
16 days Andes & Galapagos (this can be very variable due to Galapagos yacht prices)From about £3200+

Ecuador