An Insiders’ Look at the Culture & History of Ecuador’s Highlands

Type of Trip: Culture, Family Length: 9 days Season: Year-round Rating: Grade II

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ecuador’s highlands on Southwind’s Andean Haciendas Tour. This 9-day journey takes you through a majestic region dotted with centuries-old haciendas, where time seems to stand still. Explore the iconic Avenue of the Volcanoes, discover pre-Inca history at the Cochasqui ruins, and witness the vibrant colors of the Otavalo Indian Market.

Your adventure includes opportunities for moderate hikes in protected areas like Pasochoa Nature Preserve and Cotopaxi National Park, home to unique páramo ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna. Stay in upgraded haciendas, some dating back to the 17th century, and experience the warm hospitality of the Andes. Engage in optional activities such as horseback riding, birding, and visits to local communities like San Clemente, known for their ecotourism initiatives. From the intricate weavings to the awe-inspiring views of snow-capped volcanoes, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Andean culture and natural beauty, concluding with a guided tour of colonial Quito.

Trip Highlights:

• Hike bamboo forested paths on the slopes of an extinct volcano
• Spot majestic conic peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
• Feel the vitality and history of colonial Quito, Ecuador’s capital city
• Bargain for local handicrafts at the colorful, well-known Otavalo Indian Market
• Get outside each day with highland hiking, horseback riding and bird watching
• Relax in the comfort, hospitality and rich culinary tradition of Ecuador haciendas

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1: USA / QUITO

Arrive in Quito (7,875′), Ecuador’s Andean capital. Meet your guide and transfer to either Hostería Rincon de Puembo, a charming colonial-style country inn just 20 minutes from the airport, or Hostería La Carriona, a former hacienda with over 200 years of history.

DAY 2: PASOCHOA / HACIENDA SAN AGUSTIN DE CALLO

After breakfast, drive south through the fertile Los Chillos Valley. Hike for 2-3 hours in the Pasochoa Protected Forest, home to the only remaining primary Andean forest in Ecuador’s central valley. Discover orchids and abundant birdlife. Enjoy lunch at Hacienda Hualilahua, known for its colonial paintings and organic farming. Continue to San Agustin de Callo (9,855’), a unique hacienda built on the foundations of an Inca palace.

DAY 3: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK / HACIENDA SAN AGUSTIN DE CALLO

Travel to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the world’s highest active volcano (19,350′). Walk near Limpiopungo Lake, observing birds and enjoying views of Ruminahui Peak. Explore the unique páramo ecosystem. Have lunch at Tambopaxi Hostal (12,305’). Weather permitting, drive to the base of Cotopaxi and approach the Jose Ribas Hut. Return to San Agustin de Callo for a four-course dinner.

DAY 4: LAKE DISTRICT

Drive north along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Lake District. Stop at the Cochasqui ruins, a pre-Inca astronomic observatory and ceremonial center. Continue towards Cayambe, with views of the Cayambe Volcano (19,107′) and the Middle of the World site of Quitsato. Arrive at Hacienda Cusin (8,530’), your home for the next two nights.

DAY 5: HACIENDA CUSIN

Enjoy the amenities of Hacienda Cusin. Choose from guided activities like hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. Visit the Condor Park, a bird sanctuary and rescue center. Explore nearby villages like Cotacachi, known for its leather works. Have lunch at Puerto Lago hotel & restaurant overlooking Lake San Pablo. Relax in Cusin’s library or enjoy a massage.

DAY 6: CUICOCHA LAKE / HACIENDA PINSAQUI

Drive to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve for a scenic 2-3 hour hike above Lake Cuicocha (10,500′). Enjoy views of Cayambe, Imbabura, and Cotacachi volcanoes. Look for high-altitude bird species. In the afternoon, drive to Hacienda Pinsaquí (8,530’).

DAY 7: HACIENDA PINSAQUI

Explore the farmlands surrounding Hacienda Pinsaquí. Learn about the hacienda’s history, including Simón Bolívar’s stay. Have lunch at the San Clemente community (9,485’), located on the hills of the Imbabura volcano, and learn about their ecotourism initiative. Stop at Peguche to visit a textiles or Andean instruments workshop. Return to Hacienda Pinsaquí.

DAY 8: OTAVALO / QUITO

Visit the Otavalo Indian Market, one of South America’s largest. Shop for crafts such as wood carvings, textiles, and leather goods. Visit a nearby rose farm to learn about rose cultivation. Continue to Hacienda La Compañia for a traditional lunch. Drive to Quito (9,350’) and enjoy a brief guided tour of the colonial capital, including La Compañía or San Francisco churches. Check in at the Patio Andaluz hotel.

DAY 9: QUITO / USA

Transfer to the airport with check-in assistance for your return flight home.

All Southwind itineraries are fully customizable to your personal interests and travel dates. Please contact us for firsthand knowledge and help with your travel plans.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
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Departures

On request, for any dates year-round for a minimum of two participants.
This trip is customizable according to travel preferences and season.

p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.