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 volcanoes. 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 volcanoes and gorgeous mountain lakes in a magnificent wilderness area. Our first-class trekking means a hot cup of tea brought to your tent door in the morning followed by breakfast prepared by our camp chef. After carrying only a daypack while hiking, you are greeted at camp by a 3-course meal featuring local cuisine. We finish our hike beneath the world’s highest active volcano. This exhilarating backcountry experience is followed by a hike to the glaciers of Cotopaxi National Park. Three nights at an ecolodge allow plenty of time to both relax and explore this amazing natural landscape. We end by driving back to Quito to tour the colonial sector and a local museum. Before going on to the next adventure or returning home, we say goodbye to new friends with a farewell dinner.