The high Andes
In the mountains and beyond volcanoes
The Andes run from north to south like a backbone right through Ecuador. Here you can enjoy stunning mountainous landscapes, lakes and views of majestic volcanoes. Go mountain biking, horse riding or hiking. In the evening, you can spend the night in traditional haciendas.
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The impressive Cotopaxi volcano
The Cotopaxi volcano can be seen all the way from Quito. The area surrounding the volcano forms Cotopaxi National Park. For many, a visit to the national park and the volcano is one of the highlights of a trip to Ecuador. Here, you can enjoy the unique páramo landscape and wildlife such as llamas, foxes, falcons, deer and, with a bit of luck, a condor!
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Traditional colourful markets
One of the best-known mountain villages in the Ecuadorian Andes is Otavalo. This village is primarily known for its weekly traditional market, a colourful array of scents and colours. People from far and wide flock to this commercial and social hub. Amongst other things, clothing, exotic fruits, vegetables, spices and meat are traded here. In the early morning at the livestock market, you can even find guinea pigs – a local delicacy!
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Experts in authentic handicrafts
The modern-day region of Otavalo, rich in culture, nature and history, boasts a thriving, cheerful and, above all, colourful street scene. This region is renowned for its authentic handicrafts. Are you particularly fond of woodcarving? Then be sure to visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra. Are you a fan of leatherwork? The village of Cotacachi is renowned for its handmade leather goods. The techniques of tanning, stretching and shaping leather hides have been passed down from generation to generation here and have now been elevated to an art form.
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Traditional dress
If you visit Otavalo or any of the other small villages, you will see that Ecuador’s indigenous culture is still very much alive. Many Ecuadorians still wear their traditional dress. Their unique clothing reveals which region they come from.
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Pig on a spit
Ecuadorian cuisine is remarkably varied, and each region has its own specialities. If you’re travelling through the high mountains, you’ll most likely see a whole pig on a spit by the roadside from time to time. Feel free to stop, and you’ll be served a slice of pork on the spot, accompanied by a local chilli sauce and maize cakes – absolutely delicious!
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Hot springs
Just under an hour and a half’s drive from Quito, you’ll find a small village tucked away in the mountains where you can relax to your heart’s content. Here, water from hot springs flows naturally from the mountains. Start by taking a lovely long walk through the stunning surroundings and enjoy a lovely warm bath in the evening.
The backbone of Ecuador
The Andes run right through Ecuador. The Pan-American Highway, which runs straight through the country from north to south, is also known here as the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, as you pass impressive volcanoes on both sides, such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Tungurahua. Places in this area that are definitely worth visiting include Cotopaxi and Otavalo.
Cotopaxi
The Cotopaxi volcano is situated in Cotopaxi National Park. At 5,897 metres, Cotopaxi is the second-highest mountain in Ecuador. Its snow-capped summit, almost symmetrical shape and immense size make Cotopaxi an impressive volcano. This volcano is also revered by the local Andean people as a sacred mountain and as a ‘bringer of rain’. In the valley surrounding the volcano, you will find many small mountain villages where vegetables, fruit and flowers are grown. The women travel to the nearest major town on different days to sell their produce at the market.
Otavalo
Otavalo is situated in the north of Ecuador, about an hour and a half’s drive from the capital, Quito. Otavalo lies at an altitude of around 2,500 metres and owes its name to the ‘Otavalieno’ community. This indigenous community has succeeded in preserving its own culture and identity by adapting it to the modern world. They have modernised the textile industry, which has brought prosperity to the community. Ultimately, thanks to their improved financial position, the community has been able to buy back much of its original land from the large landowners. You can experience a touch of these bygone days, combined with modern comforts, during a stay in this region at a beautiful, authentic hacienda. Some of the activities available at and/or near the hacienda include walking, mountain biking and/or horse riding.
Fancy a trip of Ecuador?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Ecuador and are you curious about the options available? Then do have a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.