Ecuador Andean Tours, Ecolodges and Haciendas

The Indian market in Otavalo is famous for its craft work, and is a must for all visitors to the northern mountains of Ecuador.  Here, under the watchful gaze of the majestic Mount Imbabura, you will find the quiet and harmony typical of this primarily Quichua speaking region.  This is the place for relaxing on the grass and sampling a glass of wine while admiring the view, or kayaking in the still waters of deep volcanic craters, and when night falls, soaking in the hot tub, or sitting by a roaring fire listening to Andean folk music surrounded by spectacular Andean mountains.  And when it’s time to eat, you will be treated to tasty home cooked meals based on traditional Ecuadorian and international recipes, all featuring farm-fresh organic products.

In the heart of Ecuador's "Avenue of the Volcanoes", just one hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito, TROPIC offers traditional mountain hospitality with a dose of adventure. Here travellers can choose between hiking and mountain biking in the clouds, riding horses with the local ‘chagras’  or Andean cowboys, and ziplines that will take you soaring over the spectacular mountain scenery.

Close to the truly majestic snow capped Mount Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, visitors will experience an authentic taste of Ecuador’s colonial past during their stay in the comfortable accommodation provided by a real working ranch house built in colonial style, and nestled in the unsurpassed beauty of this region of the Andes.

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth.

The place to start is Colonial Quito, a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city´s many spectacularly decorated historic churches. The city has one of the best preserved colonial centres in all South America and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared Quito a World Cultural Heritage site.

The Mitad del Mundo, a site located just 30 minutes north of Quito, is the monument that marks the equator at its closest point to the city. Archaeological evidence shows that both pre-Inca and Inca civilizations recognised and celebrated the equinox, the day the sun is directly over the equator.