Hiking expedition between Ecuador and the Amazon

Acclimatization: Otavalo market or adventure?

Can you guess Quito's altitude? We're almost 3,000 meters above sea level! So today, we're going to take some time to let your bodies adjust to this altitude.

One option available to you is to visit the Otavalo market, the most famous indigenous market in Ecuador, and combine this discovery with some of the incredible viewpoints located around the city. Tempting, isn't it?

Along the way, we can stop in Cayambe, where you'll have the opportunity to taste – and discover – the famous bizcochos (local biscuits) that have made the town renowned. Once we arrive in Otavalo, you can stroll among the stalls, buy local crafts, or simply soak up the atmosphere of the market and its scenes of daily life.

We will then continue to the magnificent Cuicocha Lagoon, located in a volcanic crater, which is home to two verdant islands. Finally, our last stop will be Cotacachi, a town renowned for its leather goods.

But if you prefer a more dynamic day, why not opt ​​for a more "adventure-oriented" alternative? On the agenda: zip-lining and tubing down the river!

All that's left is to choose… but in the meantime, you can already start thinking about it!

Wonders at altitude

Hey Weroaders, today there are no more excuses: we're well acclimatized and ready to start the adventure!

We wake up early to head towards Cotopaxi National Park. This national park is home to three volcanoes, including one of the largest active volcanoes in the world: the famous Cotopaxi. Cotopaxi is the second highest volcano in Ecuador (5,897 meters above sea level), it's still active, and climbing it is no walk in the park (but don't worry, it's perfectly doable!). What's most fascinating is the pristine nature that surrounds it: more than ninety species of birds inhabit the park, including hummingbirds, alpine condors, caracaras, ducks, Andean gulls, and lapwings, while among the mammals, you might spot deer, hares, Andean foxes, and even pumas! We follow the winding paths that snake through the park for a hike in the area below the snow-capped volcano. Keep a close eye out for the foxes, white-tailed deer, and Brazilian rabbits that live in this area. They're the ones you're most likely to see! That's a good start, isn't it?

Like in a painting

When you first see it from above, Quilotoa will surely elicit a gasp of wonder. And when you see it a second time from above, after descending to the lake's shores and climbing the caldera's steep walls, Quilotoa will leave you speechless. Literally. Because here we are, at nearly 4,000 meters above sea level.

Lake Quilotoa sits atop the caldera of a dormant volcano formed in 1280 AD, following the volcano's last eruption (which was also one of the largest in the last thousand years), and is one of the must-see stops on our trip to Ecuador. The intense blue and turquoise reflections of the water create a perfect image with the green of the surrounding mountains and the white of the clouds in the sky—a true painting, and we're going to lose ourselves in it!

The Salasaca community

Salasaca is located in the province of Tungurahua in central Ecuador. It's home to the Salasaca community—whom we'll be visiting! The Salasaca speak only Spanish and Quechua, and their main economic activities are agriculture, livestock farming, and handicrafts. Local crafts include handwoven tapestries made on ancient looms, just like in antiquity. Many designs depict different aspects of their lives. There's also a market in Salasaca's central square called the "Plaza de los Arts" (Arts Square).

We will stop for lunch in this community and then continue our journey to Baños.

Looking for adventure

Good morning, Baños! Today, we wake up in Baños de Agua Santa, a small village that has become particularly well-known in recent years as a favorite destination for backpackers from all over Ecuador. The reason is obvious: here, we'll find not only waterfalls, hot springs, and beautiful scenery, but also a wide variety of adventure sports—so many, in fact, that we'll be spoiled for choice!

So dear WeRoader, take your raincoat out of your backpack: our first adventure will be to travel the "ruta de las cascadas" to "el Pailón del Diablo", an incredible waterfall accessible by a path surrounded by greenery.

We'll then continue our day with a brief stop at Casa Del Arbol, where the bravest can swing on the famous swing at 2600m, followed by a dip in the warm thermal waters, perhaps while waiting for the sunset with a cold beer. Who knows what Baños de Agua Santa will offer us at night, with its vibrant nightlife and local festivals!

On the way to Tena

This morning, we're going to enjoy a few extra hours to relax before taking a private transfer that will take us directly...to the Amazon! To be more precise, we'll arrive in Tena, where we'll stay for two nights. We haven't even arrived yet and we've already received a dinner invitation—pretty cool, huh?! We absolutely have to accept; we'll share the meal with the local Valencian community! And maybe after dinner, we'll also have a night hike to familiarize ourselves with the rainforest.

Nature excursion

We know that the charm of the forest is irresistible and evokes different reactions in each of us: there are those who prefer to do everything that's "doable," and those who have a more mystical vision and decide to meditate accompanied by the sounds of nature (we're generalizing, of course; there are many others). But that's why today, we're free to choose what suits us best: rafting, jungle adventures, nature walks, meditation, or simply relaxation! Let's make the most of this free time because it's not every day we get to be in the Amazon!

Spa and return to Quito

It seemed impossible, and yet… These days have flown by without us even realizing it, and it's already time to return to Quito. But not before a rejuvenating stop at the famous Papallacta Baths!

The Papallacta hot springs are located in a protected area of ​​approximately 200 hectares, called Canyon Ranch, situated at the entrance to Cayambe Coca National Park. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Antisana volcano, which rises to 5,704 meters.

Today, we soak in the magnificent landscapes surrounding this region and take the opportunity to explore the many trails near the hotel; alternatively, we can opt for total relaxation by unwinding in the spa and enjoying the benefits of the thermal waters. In the late afternoon, we depart for Quito where we will spend the night.

Discover Quito

This is our last day together in Ecuador… Today, we can spend the morning exploring the city and its many attractions, dedicating the afternoon to souvenir shopping, or we could opt for an excursion outside the city (perhaps the one we skipped on our second day of travel?!)... It's a chance to take our time and enjoy the day at our own pace. We'll all meet up for dinner, to toast the end of our trip, and most importantly, to relive all the unforgettable moments of this adventure.

Departure and goodbye

And yes, it's already time to say goodbye to this magical country... but we'll meet again soon for another adventure!