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Greetings from Cuzco,
The Otto's Tours Team
From Lodge to Hacienda
From Lodge to Hacienda
Welcome to Ecuador! – A Land of Contrasts, Culture & Breathtaking Landscapes
As diverse and breathtaking as the South American continent itself, Ecuador brings together extraordinary contrasts within a remarkably small area. Historic cities, spectacular Andean landscapes with snow- capped peaks and the incredible biodiversity of the lush, steaming Amazon rainforest are all found here. And as if that were not enough, Ecuador is also home to the world’s unique natural laboratory of evolution: the Galápagos Islands. Fascinating nature and culture right on the Equator!
Our hiking adventure begins in the magnificent colonial city of Quito, one of the world’s highest capitals and the very first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito captivates us with its colonial charm and spectacular setting, seemingly just a hand’s breadth below the sky. Landmark buildings such as the churches of San Francisco and El Sagrario are every bit as impressive as the narrow cobbled streets and the famous Equator monument.
In the highlands beyond Quito, we encounter communities that have preserved their traditions and customs for generations. Colourful traditional clothing and lively market activity await us in Otavalo. Our varied hikes take us to rushing waterfalls and through the enchanting cloud forests of the Santa Lucía Nature Reserve.
Heading south, we follow the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, passing beautifully shaped volcanic peaks and discovering both well-known and hidden natural treasures. At the foot of the active Tungurahua Volcano, thermal springs and hiking trails through picturesque landscapes invite us to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
We then follow in Alexander von Humboldt’s footsteps into the Amazon, exploring its extraordinary biodiversity by traditional dugout canoe and along remote jungle trails. We glide through narrow, winding rainforest rivers by canoe and watch capuchin monkeys swinging from tree to tree.
Adding a special touch to the journey are overnight stays in lovingly restored historic haciendas, some dating back to colonial times and having once hosted famous travellers and historical figures such as Alexander von Humboldt and independence leader Simón Bolívar.
This hiking journey reveals Ecuador from a less familiar perspective. We travel through contrasting regions and climate zones, gaining fascinating insights into the country's diverse vegetation, landscapes and ecosystems. Unforgettable encounters with nature and local communities are at the heart of this adventure.
The Perfect Extension: The Galápagos Islands
Swim alongside penguins, observe sea lion pups, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises at close range, and discover tropical fish in every imaginable colour while snorkelling. This is Galápagos—an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Because the islands' wildlife evolved in isolation and has little fear of humans, encounters can be remarkably close and intimate. The volcanic islands can be visited year-round and make the perfect extension to your Ecuador hiking adventure.
Arrival in the Ecuadorian capital Quito, situated at an altitude of 2,850 metres, in the afternoon.
Surrounded by the majestic volcanoes Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Antisana and Cayambe, Quito enjoys a truly spectacular setting.
With more than 100 churches, 55 monasteries, historic streets and charming squares adorned
with tropical flowers and palm trees, Quito has preserved its colonial character like few other cities in Latin America.
Our overnight stay will be at the ****Hotel Patio Andaluz or equivalent in Quito (No meals included).
Driving time: 1h00min, 45km
The charm of Quito’s colonial old town, with its magnificent churches, monasteries and
historic squares, makes the city a true jewel. Our walking tour takes us from Plaza Grande,
past the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, to La Compañía and the famous El Sagrario.
We climb the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional, where spectacular panoramic views
over Quito await us. Back on the ground, we watch everyday life unfold around Plaza Grande and Plaza San Francisco.
In the evening, we put on our aprons and prepare our own dinner! Together with local hosts,
we discover and prepare a selection of traditional Ecuadorian specialities—an enjoyable way
to get to know the country through its cuisine.
Our overnight stay will be at the ****Hotel Patio Andaluz or equivalent in Quito (breakfast and dinner included).
Driving time: 1h00min, 45km / Hiking time: 2h00min, 3km
After breakfast, we head to the Pululahua volcanic crater, one of only two inhabited volcanic
craters in the world and a remnant of the volcano’s last major eruptions around 2,300 years ago.
Almost five kilometres in diameter, the crater is home to fascinating microhabitats on its
sheltered inner slopes. Orchids, arum plants and bromeliads thrive here, while busy hummingbirds dart between the vegetation.
Today we lace up our hiking boots for the first time and spend around three hours exploring this extraordinary landscape on foot.
After lunch, we continue to the famous La Mitad del Mundo, the Equator Monument. During a
French expedition in 1736, Charles Marie de La Condamine was the first European to determine
the position of the Equator with remarkable accuracy for his time. We also visit the fascinating
Inti Ñan Museum, where hands-on experiments demonstrate the unique phenomena associated with being on the Equator.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at the beautiful Pantaví estate near Tumbabiro, our base for the
next few days. Set at the upper end of a lush sugar-cane valley, this magical property captivates
visitors with its unique rooms, historic architecture and artistic atmosphere.
In the 18th century, the famous Hacienda San Clemente was an enormous cotton plantation.
Decades later, it was transformed into what is now the Hostería Museart Pantaví—a wonderfully atmospheric place to experience Ecuador’s history and landscapes.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hosteria Muskrat Pantavi or equivalent in Tumbabiro (breakfast and dinner included).
Driving time: 4h40min, 230km / Hiking time: 3h00min, 8km / Ascent: 200m / Descent: 200m
Today our hiking trail takes us through the characteristic vegetation of the páramo, with stands of
polylepis (paper trees) and landscapes covered by millions of striking frailejones.
These giant plants, which can grow up to five metres tall, are instantly recognisable by their soft,
felt-like leaves and skirts of dried foliage. Their otherworldly appearance creates a truly fairytale-like
landscape. Frailejones are endemic to the northern Andes and are found mainly in Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.
On our way back, we visit La Victoria, an Afro-Ecuadorian village nestled in the sugar-cane valley.
Many of its residents are descendants of Africans who were brought to Ecuador during the colonial period.
Here, we visit a community project run by local women who create beautiful handcrafted pottery,
preserving and passing on elements of their African heritage and traditions. We also have the
opportunity to taste freshly pressed sugar-cane juice, a popular local drink in this region.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hosteria Muskrat Pantavi or equivalent in Tumbabiro (breakfast, box-lunch and dinner included).
Driving time: 4h, 140km / Hiking time: 3h00min, 8km / Ascent: 500m / Descent: 500m
Just before sunrise, we set off through avocado and mandarin plantations towards the Mirador del Oso Andino.
The early morning is the best time to look for spectacled bears, the only bear species native to South America, in their natural habitat.
After breakfast, we cross the Western Cordillera, keeping our eyes open for colourful parrots,
hummingbirds and toucans along the way. As we descend, we experience the dramatic transition
between Ecuador’s different vegetation zones—from the high-altitude páramo, through misty cloud forests, to the lush lower tropical Andean forest.
We eventually reach a remote Indigenous Yunguilla community, where our hosts are already
waiting for us. We settle into simple guest rooms with local families and share lunch with them.
Afterwards, they take us to their Tahuallullo farm, where we learn more about the community’s
local projects, including cheese production and the preparation of homemade jams using fruit grown in the surrounding cloud-forest gardens.
In the evening, our host families prepare dinner for us, which we enjoy together in
their homes—a genuine opportunity to experience local life, traditions and hospitality at close quarters.
Our overnight stay will be with Indigenous families with shared bathroom in Yunguilla (breakfast and dinner included).
Driving time: 4h20min, 200km / Hiking time: 1h00min, 2km / Ascent: 200m / Descent: 200m
After a short drive to the starting point of today’s hike at Mount Ali, we set off along a
former smugglers’ trail through the evergreen cloud forest of the Santa Lucia Nature Reserve.
The forest is home to an extraordinary diversity of plants and wildlife, including more than
400 bird species and around 300 species of orchids, as well as numerous reptiles and amphibians.
We carry only a small daypack today, while the rest of our luggage is transported to the lodge by mules.
The biodiversity is remarkable, and the vegetation feels completely different from everything we have encountered so far.
The Santa Lucia Eco-Lodge, founded by local farming families in the 1970s, is simple but
comfortable and practical. There is no electricity, so dinner is served by candlelight.
From the large panoramic windows of our clean and welcoming cabins, we can admire the
ever-changing views over the cloud forest, where clouds, sunshine and mist constantly transform the landscape.
As night falls, we drift off to sleep accompanied by the sounds of the tropical rainforest.
Our overnight stay will be at the Santa Lucia Lodge (breakfast, box-lunch and dinner included).
Driving time: 0h30min, 18km / Hiking time: 6h00min, 18km / Ascent: 700m / Descent: 200m
Our day begins early with a one-hour hike to a mineral lick, where we may encounter the striking
bright-orange Andean cock-of-the-rock. The males gather here to perform spectacular courtship displays,
dancing and calling to attract the females. We enjoy our packed breakfast while quietly observing this fascinating spectacle.
We then continue through the cloud forest. With a little patience and luck, we may spot a toucan,
tanager or other colourful tropical birds that inhabit this region.
The second part of the trail follows an ancient trading route used by the local Yumbo culture,
along which goods were once exchanged between the coast and the Andean highlands.
The same trail later served a more clandestine purpose: it was used to smuggle brandy from the village of Nanegal to Calacalí, near Quito.
We eventually reach Maquipucuna, where there is time to explore the beautiful orchid garden
nestled in the mountain cloud forest and watch numerous hummingbirds feeding on the sweet nectar of the flowers.
In the afternoon, we continue to the historic Hacienda Pinsaquí, built in 1772. The hacienda
has welcomed many important figures throughout its history, including Simón Bolívar,
who stayed here repeatedly while preparing for his decisive campaign against the Spanish in Ibarra.
We end the day with a glass of wine in the hacienda’s historic rooms—a particularly
atmospheric setting, as the peace treaty between Ecuador and Colombia was signed here in 1836.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hacienda Pinsaqui or equivalent in Otavalo (breakfast included).
Driving time: 3h30min, 180km / Hiking time: 4h00min, 12km / Ascent: 300m / Descent: 700m
After breakfast, we head straight to the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest Indigenous markets in South America.
Colourful textiles, embroidered belts and handmade jewellery fill the stalls, while Indigenous women proudly wear their traditional dress.
Around them, stalls overflow with spices, eggs, woven baskets and fresh vegetables.
Vendors carry baskets and colourful cloth bundles filled with fresh bread, fruit and fragrant herbs.
The famous Poncho Market flows seamlessly into the food market, followed by rows of clothing stalls and all kinds of colourful goods.
Small benches and stools stand in front of blue-painted market stalls, where locals enjoy coffee, soups, grilled meat and fresh juices. No one leaves this market hungry!
Before lunch, we continue to the spectacular Cuicocha Crater Lake, whose emerald-green waters
reach depths of around 200 metres. Two small islands, Isla Teodoro Wolf and Isla Yerovi, rise from the centre of the lake.
Cuicocha is deeply connected to Indigenous and Inca traditions, and Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is still celebrated here around the summer solstice.
Our hiking trail follows the crater rim, gently winding up and down with only a few short, steeper sections. The crater drops dramatically towards the lake, while dense vegetation surrounds the trail—at times forming natural green tunnels overhead.
A final short climb rewards us with another magnificent view across the lake towards 4,935-metre Cotacachi Volcano. The last stretch leads through a cool, shady pine forest, where our driver is waiting to pick us up.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hacienda Pinsaqui or equivalent in Otavalo (breakfast and box-lunch included).
Driving time: 2h30min, 110km / Hiking time: 4h40min, 12km / Ascent: 200m / Descent: 200m
We leave our beautiful hacienda early in the morning and drive towards Papallacta Pass
on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Our hike begins at La Virgen Pass, at around 4,100 metres—the highest road crossing in Ecuador.
We gradually climb to just over 4,400 metres, before beginning a long and steady
descent to around 3,300 metres. The area is protected by the vast Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, which stretches east of Quito all the way towards the Amazon rainforest.
At first, our trail leads through alpine tundra, before gradually descending into the lush
cloud forest. With a little luck, we may spot one of the region's Andean condors, or perhaps even a puma or mountain tapir.
The scenery is spectacular, with glacial lakes along the trail and rugged mountain peaks
all around us. On a clear day, we can admire three of Ecuador's four highest mountains: Cotopaxi (5,897 m), Cayambe (5,790 m) and Antisana (5,753 m).
Near Papallacta, we leave the high Andes behind and continue by minibus towards the steaming Amazon basin.
From here, our journey continues by canoe along the Río Napo, winding like a giant snake through the rainforest.
For the Indigenous peoples of the region, the river is a vital part of life and an important element of Pachamama, Mother Earth.
Once we reach our jungle lodge, our Indigenous nature guide gives us a short introduction before we settle into our simple accommodation.
After dinner, equipped with flashlights and cameras, we head deep into the rainforest for an exciting night walk. In the darkness, we listen to the nocturnal sounds of the jungle—bats, owls, insects, toads and frogs—while discovering a completely different side of the Amazon.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Itamandi Lodge or equivalent (breakfast and dinner included).
Driving time: 5h40min, 160km / Boat: 0h20min / Hiking time: 6h30min, 15km / Ascent: 400m / Descent: 1.100m
Before breakfast, we head deeper into the rainforest by canoe to a parrot clay lick. Parrots and parakeets
gather here to obtain essential minerals that help them digest the fruits and seeds they eat. Hundreds of colourful
birds gather in the treetops before descending to the clay wall to feed on the mineral-rich soil—a spectacular natural display.
After breakfast, we set out with our nature guide for a 2–3-hour hike through the rainforest. Along the way,
we cross small streams and rivers and continually discover new tropical plants and wildlife.
The Amazon basin is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth—nature in its purest form.
In the afternoon, we visit an Indigenous Kichwa community, where we are welcomed with the traditional
drink chicha, made from fermented yuca (cassava). We take part in preparing the drink, sample some
traditional dishes and gain fascinating insights into the everyday life, traditions and culture of Indigenous communities in the Amazon.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Itamandi Lodge or equivalent (full board included)
Hiking time: 4h00min, 9km / Ascent: 100m / Descent: 100m
After breakfast, we float gently downstream for a few kilometres on a truck inner tube,
taking in the sounds and atmosphere of the jungle. With a little luck, we may spot a variety of
exotic wildlife, including macaws and parrots, capybaras, monkeys, sloths, butterflies, toucans and colourful tropical birds.
In the afternoon, our minibus takes us along a jungle track towards the Río Upano, with
spectacular views of the towering volcanoes of the Andean mountain range.
Our overnight stay will be at the Hosteria Arrayan & Piedras or equivalent in Macas (breakfast included).
Driving time: 2h40min, 170km / Boat: 0h20min / Hiking time: 1h00min / Ascent: 100m / Descent: 100m
After breakfast, Tzamarenda, the chief of a Shuar village, or another member of the community,
picks us up at our Hosteria. We hike through the dense jungle to his village, where we are
welcomed with traditional Shuar greeting rituals featuring dances and rhythms.
We learn more about Shuar culture, listen to centuries-old stories and traditional instrumental music.
The chief introduces us to self-healing and cleansing rituals and performs energetic
treatments using medicinal plants. Massages with natural oils are optionally available.
After lunch in the village, we hike to the sacred waterfalls, where Tzamarenda performs a traditional ceremonial ritual.
Our overnight stay will be at the Hosteria Arrayan & Piedras or equivalent in Macas (breakfast and lunch included).
Driving time: 1h10min, 70km / Hiking time: 2h50min / Ascent: 100m / Descent: 100m
In the morning, we say goodbye to the Amazon lowlands and continue our journey through
the eastern Andean Cordillera to Baños de Agua Santa, one of Ecuador’s most important
pilgrimage destinations. On our way through the Pastaza Canyon, we pass several
impressive waterfalls. We stop at the most famous one, Pailón del Diablo, the
“Devil’s Cauldron”, where, according to local legend, a rock in the middle of the
waterfall resembles the head of the devil. The water thunders down from a height of around 80 metres, and we enjoy the spectacular views and the breathtaking sound of the cascading water.
We then have the opportunity to cross the approximately 200-metre-deep canyon in
a small cable car suspended from a steel cable.
In the early afternoon, we reach our Luna Volcan hotel, spectacularly located almost
vertically 400 metres above Baños on the slopes of the highly active Tungurahua Volcano (5,016 m), whose rumbling can often even be heard at night.
The views from the rooms, the panoramic restaurant and the outdoor pools heated with
volcanic water are simply magnificent. Here, we can unwind and relax with a selection of indulgent spa treatments.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel & Spa Luna Volcan or equivalent in Baños (breakfast and dinner included).
Driving time: 3h30min, 90km / Hiking time: 0h50min, 1km / Ascent: 100m / Descent: 100m
The hike to Quilotoa Lagoon is considered one of the best day hikes in Ecuador. It starts at an
altitude of 3,800 metres, follows the beautiful lake for a while and then descends from the crater
rim along spectacular cliffs high above the Río Sihui. We follow a trail down to the river at 2,800
metres and then climb back up the other side of the gorge, eventually reaching Chugchilán and the Black Sheep Inn at an altitude of 3,200 metres.
Our host Edmundo not only prepares a delicious breakfast here, but also cooks the
vegetarian dinner himself—a three-course meal made entirely with ingredients from the
organic farm. It is a wonderful place to relax, unwind and simply enjoy the surroundings.
All rooms and communal areas of the award-winning eco-lodge are designed with sustainable
materials and great attention to detail. The lodge operates according to ecological principles,
reducing water and electricity consumption as much as possible. The result: dry toilets with
unforgettable views over the highlands, wood-burning stoves in the rooms—warmly preheated in
the evening—as well as a sauna and whirlpool heated by a specially designed wood-fired stove.
The sauna at the Black Sheep Inn is an eclectic combination of a traditional Finnish sauna
and an indigenous sweat lodge, making it ideal for a ritual cleansing. At the Black Sheep Inn,
both traditions come together in a truly wonderful way. Homemade brownies and banana bread as
well as coffee and tea are included in the price. For the evening, Cuban cigars can be purchased to enjoy with an excellent Chilean wine.
Our overnight stay will be at the Black Sheep Inn or equivalent in Chugchilan (breakfast and dinner included).
Driving time: 4h20min, 220km / Hiking time: 4h30min, 13km / Ascent: 400m / Descent: 800m
Together with the surrounding organic farms, the indigenous people founded a cheese cooperative
here many years ago and have maintained it from generation to generation according to
traditional small-scale family practices. We hike for one hour up to the cheese cooperative and have the entire manual process explained to us.
Afterwards, we drive to Hacienda La Ciénega, one of the oldest colonial haciendas in Ecuador,
more than 400 years old. Located near the slopes of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and its national park,
this house was the setting for important events in the scientific and social history of the country.
Among the important personalities who have resided here are Charles Marie de la Condamine, a
French scientist who was part of the "Geodecis Mission" (1736–44), which established the true
line of the Equator and laid the foundation for the development of a universal system of units
of measurement – the metre; and Alexander von Humboldt, the German scientist who studied the volcanic activity and the unique alpine flora of Cotopaxi (1802).
La Ciénega is also known for its excellent cuisine. In addition, the estate is full of mysterious secrets – a spooky atmosphere cannot be ruled out...
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hacienda La Cienega or equivalent in Lasso (breakfast included).
Driving time: 1h20min, 90km / Hiking time: 1h10min, 2km / Ascent: 300m / Descent: 50m
Our hike today takes us along the shores of Laguna de Limpiopungo in the heart of Cotopaxi National Park.
With a little luck, we may spot condors and eagles, as well as wild ducks, coots, alpacas,
wild horses and the largest hummingbird in the world, the Chimborazo star.
From the parking area, we ascend to the José-Rivas Refuge at 4,800 m, where we enjoy wonderful views from above.
We can also warm up here with a hot soup and a cup of cocoa.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hacienda La Cienega or equivalent in Lasso (breakfast included).
Driving time: 1h20min, 90km / Hiking time: 1h10min, 2km / Ascent: 200m / Descent: 200m
In the morning, we travel along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes on the Pan-American Highway.
It was given its name by Alexander von Humboldt because nowhere else in the world are so many
high volcanoes lined up so closely together. Our destination is Quito International Airport,
where it is time to say goodbye to South America.
(breakfast included)
Driving time: 1h50min, 110km