Ecuadorian Andes & Cotopaxi – Bespoke Itineraries

The Andes Mountains stretch from the bottom to the top of South America, cutting through seven countries: Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Stretching over 4000 miles, the Andes are undeniably one of South America’s most magnificent natural attractions.

In Ecuador, the Andes run through the very middle of the country, like a spine, and are home to an incredible diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna. Also called the Highlands or ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, the Ecuadorian Andes boast a dramatic landscape of soaring mountain peaks, impressive volcanoes, valleys, lakes and turquoise lagoons, interrupted by farmland and Indigenous villages. In ancient times, this region was densely populated, as the volcanic earth is highly fertile. Quechua is the language of the Inca, which was the dominant culture in Ecuador when the Spanish arrived. Quechua can still be heard throughout the Highlands, and Inca ruins and relics can be found in the region.

A white llama stands in open grassy highland terrain with brown Andean hills behind it.

The snow-capped cone of Cotopaxi volcano rises above rolling green highland plains in Ecuador.

A hiker stands on a rocky ridge overlooking layered green Andean peaks under a cloudy sky.

Why visit the Andean Highlands?

Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of activities on the mountain slopes including scenic hikes, horseback riding, cycling, bird watching, and classes in traditional art or cooking. Make sure to include a visit to the small town of Otavalo. Home to the tremendously popular Otavalo Market, it is the biggest market for traditional jewelry, textiles and crafts in South America.

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Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of activities on the mountain slopes including scenic hikes, horseback riding, cycling, bird watching, and classes in traditional art or cooking. Make sure to include a visit to the small town of Otavalo. Home to the tremendously popular Otavalo Market, it is the biggest market for traditional jewelry, textiles and crafts in South America.
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For those interested in conservation, learn about the work being done to help the critically endangered Andean Condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world and a national symbol in Ecuador.
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About 90 minutes south of Quito, in the Andes, is Cotopaxi Volcano. With an elevation over 19,300 feet, it is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, and on clear days can be seen from Quito. Most of its surrounding area has been declared a National Park. Cotopaxi National Park is well worth a visit, as it offers a stunning mix of forest, lagoons, and of course, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and trips to the lagoons during your stay.

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Other areas to explore

A visit to the Andes puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of Ecuador.

Two blue-footed boobies stand on a lava rock ledge, preening and calling in soft light beside shallow water.

Galápagos

Endemic species, both weird and wonderful, reawaken wonder for the natural world

Quito

Everything about Quito – from its setting along the slopes of Pichincha volcano to having the best preserved historic center in Latin America – makes it a capital city worth visiting.

Red macaw flies with wings spread wide, showing bright scarlet feathers and long tail against a blurred green forest.

Amazon Rainforest

A vast natural wonder visible from space, the Amazon Delta needs no introduction. Shared by eight countries, Brazil claims the lion’s share and contains pockets so remote they’ve never been explored.

A humpback whale breaches fully from the ocean surface off the coast of Ecuador.

Ecuador's Pacific Coast

Ecuador's Pacific Coast is a long, varied ribbon of pristine beaches, fishing villages, mangrove forests, and Afro-Ecuadorian communities running along the country's western edge.