ECUADOR HIGHLANDS TOURS

THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS:

When you think of the Northern Highlands you think of Quito, the second highest capital in Latin America, located 25 km from the equator and high enough (at 2850 meters) to make its climate much like that of spring in Europe or the north of the U.S.A. The fertile land immense valleys crossed by pristine glacial water rivers together with a rich cultural heritage combines a diversity of attractions. Quito’s climate, much like that of spring in the northern hemisphere make it a wonderful destination for travelers all year round. Its most important road network, the Pan-American highway runs north-east from Quito to the Lake Province of Imbabura, home of one of the most original Indian Market Fairs in the world, Otavalo (121 km.). The presence of one of the highest snow capped volcanoes on this route Cayambe (5790 masl) dominates the northern inter Andean region of Ecuador.

THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS:

South of the city of Quito, lays the inter Andean region of the Andes Mountain Range. Described as The Avenue of the Volcanoes by the famous naturalist and German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, it holds some of the most impressive extinct and active volcanoes in the world. Cotopaxi (5897 masl) considered to be the highest active volcano in the world welcomes you and will give you a flavor of the cultural and natural wonders of the New World. Along the Panamerican Highway you will encounter diverse and friendly Andean villages and colonial cities like Riobamba, located at the foot hills of Chimborazo (6310 masl) the highest mountain of Ecuador, and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain ranges such as Altar (5319 masl), Tungurahua (5016 masl) and Carihuayrazo.

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK TOUR:
DURATION 1 DAY, DEPARTURE DAILY

Your introduction to the central highlands of Ecuador will be Cotopaxi National Park, home to the highest active volcano in the world (5897 mts.). The excursion consists of visiting Limpiopungo lake, a llama reserve, and lunch at a local hacienda before returning to Quito.

PUJILI MARKET TOUR:
DURATION 1 DAY, DEPARTURE WEDNESDAYS, SUNDAYS

Driving through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" you will admire such volcanoes as Rumiñahui (4722mts.), Pasochoa (4200 mts.), Cotopaxi (5897mts) and Ilinizas (5263 mts). This day trip includes a stop at the town of Machachi for local snacks before continuing to the small Indian town of Pujilí famous for its market. Lunch will be at a local hacienda before returning to Quito.

SAQUISILI MARKET TOUR:
DURATION 1 DAY, DEPARTURE THURSDAYS 

The Thursday Indian market at Saquisilí is a lively and colorful place, filled with the sounds of artisans and shoppers in its eight plazas. Vendors, dressed in traditional ponchos and hats native to their regions, arrive at sunrise from miles around, to offer their wares. After visiting the market, lunch will be at a local hacienda before returning to Quito.

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK + INDIAN MARKET TOUR:
DAY 01.- COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

National Park with overnight at a local hacienda (l,d).

DAY 02.

Indian market depending on day of the week. Pujilí Wednesdays and Sundays. Saquisilí on Thursdays. Return to Quito (ab,l)

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK + BAÑOS TOUR:
DAY 01.

Combined tour of Cotopaxi National Park and the town of Baños, on the eastern slope of the highlands. Baños is a holiday town, famous for its relaxing hot springs. Overnight stay at a hotel (l,d)

DAY 02.

Optional tour in the town of Baños. Mountain biking and trekking to waterfalls in Río Verde, Ulba, San Marcelo and Chinchin. 
Horseback riding, river rafting, canyoning. (ab,l)