Ecuador's Sierra, or highlands, is an ideal destination for a trekking adventure. The region is scattered with beautiful azure lakes, groves of quishuar trees and quaint Andean communities, all nestled beneath the icy summits of the country's highest volcanos. Designed for active travelers, this trip provides a superb overview of the Ecuadorian highlands, highlighting the fascinating natural and cultural wonders of the northern Andes. Our hiking routes are the country’s best leading us through lush Andean valleys and the treeless páramo highlands, whose unique vegetation is dwarfed by the extreme climatic conditions it has to endure. We explore pre-Columbian ruins and soak in natural hot springs along the way, always watching for sightings of such unusual birds as the Andean condor. Our cultural exploration leads us to Indian markets and rural communities where we interact with indigenous peoples, living much as their ancestors did centuries ago.

In the Lake District, we meet weavers and craftsmen at the famous Otavalo market before visiting Cuicocha Lake where our walk helps us acclimate for the longer hikes to come. The picturesque route from Antisana to Cotopaxi skirts ancient lava fields, extinct volcanos and gorgeous mountain lakes in a magnificent wilderness area. We finish our hiking beneath the glaciers of the world’s highest active volcano. Leaving Cotopaxi National Park, we drive back to Quito to tour the colonial sector. Before going on to the next adventure or returning home, we say goodbye to new friends with a farewell dinner.