Ecuador Encompassed small group trekking holiday (EE)

12 day trekking tour taking in Ecuador's highlights

Ecuador Trekking Holiday: Trek the Inca Trail, get close to Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

This 12 day adventure trekking and sight seeing holiday encompasses some of Ecuador's most stunning scenery. We get close to the conical, snow-capped peaks of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo on this active tour through the Ecuadorian highlands.

Despite its small size, Ecuador is one of the most geographically varied countries in the world and is known as a kind of giant natural laboratory. Charles Darwin and Edward Whymper all published adventure books recounting tales of fantastic animals, ice-capped volcanoes and impenetrable Amazonian jungle.
With its snow-capped Andes peaks, the Pacific coast, Galapagos Islands and expanse of rainforest this compact and diverse country is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations in South America.

This tour aims to take you to nearly all of these areas with their differing cultures and climates, ancient cities, jungle and spectacular Andean mountain scenery experiencing all the earth’s ecological zones from subtropical to arctic. It is an exclusive tour designed around a varied and rewarding trek with full mule and vehicle support.

You travel from the vibrant colonial capital of Quito southwards to the slopes of the magnificent ice-topped volcano of Cotopaxi. You will then travel on to Riobamba and take the breathtaking Devil’s Nose rail ride, negotiating a series of switchbacks.

Commence your trekking expedition with an historical context as you follow a 35km portion of the old Inca Royal Trail that ran from Quito to Cusco. Trek through untouched landscapes of lagoons, rivers, natural rock arches and mountain passes to the Ingapirca ruins, the most significant site in Ecuador.

We reach the colonial city of Cuenca, home of the Panama hat and handicrafts of every kind before returning to Quito. You will receive a warm welcome from the colourful native Indians, witness the inspiring colonial architecture of the cities, experience the vibrant culture of the Hispanic villages and be constantly surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of green mountains patch-worked with corn fields and stark majestic snow-capped volcanoes that reach out to the crystal sky.

We then head north towards the famous market town of Otavalo to take a very beautiful hike around Laguna Cuicocha. This offers wonderful views of beautiful volcanic landscapes – crater lakes, streams and high paramos and possibly the chance of glimpsing the impressive Condor, the ‘King of the Andes’.

Ecuador truly is one if South America’s best kept secrets and now is the time to enjoy the trails and historic sites which are still quiet and off the main tourist routes of this continent.


Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.

Note:

You can combine your Ecuador holiday with a magical trip to the unique Galapagos Islands. Chose a cruise or if you want to get active have a look at our popular Multi-Activity Holiday. Or if you want to extend your stay on the mainland, explore the wildlife of the beautiful Ecuadorian Amazon jungle.

Please contact the office for information and advice.