Tierra de Volcan Adventure in Ecuador’s Andes

Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

MEETING PLACE: Quito International Airport (UIO)
MEETING TIME: Upon arrival (specific time will be coordinated based on flight details)
RETURN TIME: 4:00 PM (approx)
TRIP LENGTH: 5 days
AGE LIMIT: No restrictions
ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Boutique hotel in Quito, hacienda beneath Cotopaxi Volcano
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Quito International Airport (UIO)

Day 1
Arrival in Quito – Settle In
Upon arrival at the Quito airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team and transferred to a charming, centrally located boutique hotel in the heart of the city. This afternoon and evening are free for you to relax, explore the neighborhood, and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel in Quito - Casa Gardenia or Casa Alquimia

Day 2
Discover Quito’s History & Journey to the Highlands
After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at your hotel for a guided exploration of Quito. As Ecuador’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and vibrant street life, nestled high in the Andes at nearly 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level. You’ll explore the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and bustling plazas, learning about Ecuador’s rich history and culture.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head out in a private vehicle for the scenic drive to your highland hacienda. As you ascend into the heart of the Andes, the landscape transforms into a majestic panorama of volcanic peaks, lush valleys, and rolling hills. Your home for the evening is a beautifully restored hacienda nestled beneath the towering Cotopaxi Volcano, offering a peaceful escape in a remote and tranquil setting. The hacienda’s rustic charm blends perfectly with its natural surroundings, where you can unwind and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Settle in and savor a delicious homemade dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, as the evening settles in around you.

ACCOMMODATION: Stay at a beautiful hacienda nestled in the highlands, just under the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Horseback Ride to El Mirador & Cooking in the Clouds
You’ll head into the Andean countryside for a scenic horseback ride to El Mirador—a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Later, you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class at a working ranch located on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, learning to prepare local Ecuadorian dishes while surrounded by lush, misty highland forest.

(Note: If preferred, this horseback ride can be replaced with a guided trek on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano—exclusive trails accessible directly from Hacienda El Porvenir.)

ACCOMMODATION: Stay at a beautiful hacienda nestled in the highlands, just under the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Cotopaxi National Park Exploration & Afternoon Spa
Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, located in a stunning national park just outside Quito. You’ll spend the day hiking or exploring the park’s rugged terrain, high-altitude lakes, and sweeping grasslands. In the afternoon, relax at a mountain lodge spa with hot tub and sauna, with massage available for an additional fee, or simply unwind.

ACCOMMODATION: Stay at a beautiful hacienda nestled in the highlands, just under the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Full-Day Quilotoa & Transfer to Airport
Quilotoa is a spectacular volcanic crater lake with brilliant turquoise water, located high in the Andes. You’ll hike along its rim or down to the lake itself, taking in views of the dramatic surrounding cliffs. After the excursion, you will be driven in a private vehicle to Quito’s airport in time for your international flight or next adventure.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch Box

Getting to Quito: Flights from the USA typically arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. There are convenient international flights from major U.S. hubs like Miami, Atlanta, and New York. For those continuing from a Galápagos tour, you will meet our team at the Quito airport upon arrival.

Airport Transfer: Upon arrival in Quito, you'll be greeted by our team and transferred to your boutique hotel in the city.

Highland Climate: The weather in Ecuador’s highlands can be unpredictable, with cool temperatures during the day and colder evenings. Expect average temperatures around 50°F (10°C) in the evenings and 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day.

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa: At higher altitudes, like at Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Crater, temperatures can drop, and it can be windy. Be prepared for fluctuating weather conditions, with occasional rain showers or mist in the mountains.

Physical Requirements: This trip is suitable for active travelers with a moderate fitness level. You'll enjoy light to moderate activities like hiking, horseback riding, and exploring volcanic terrain. While no prior experience is required, some fitness training will enhance your experience, especially for the higher-altitude hikes around Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.

Altitude: Quito sits at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level, and your hacienda is nestled even higher, around 10,000 feet (3,050 meters). The hike around Quilotoa and the exploration of Cotopaxi National Park can reach elevations of 12,000 feet (3,650 meters) or higher. We recommend acclimatizing in Quito for at least a day to adjust to the altitude before your highland adventures.

• Clothing:

  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers

  • Warm layers for chilly evenings (fleece or down jacket)

  • Waterproof jacket and pants (rain is possible)

  • Comfortable hiking shoes (waterproof recommended)

  • Hat, gloves, and scarf for colder days

  • Swimsuit for the spa or hot tubs

  • Casual wear for evenings at the hacienda

• Other Essentials:

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Sunscreen (high altitude sun is strong)

  • Camera and extra memory cards

  • Daypack for hiking excursions

  • Personal toiletries and medications

  • Reusable water bottle (hydration is key at high altitudes)

  • Insect repellent (for the lower elevations)

Under the Shadow of the Volcano by Maria Fernanda Ampuero
Set in the dramatic landscapes beneath Cotopaxi, this novel weaves together the lives of the people living in the shadow of Ecuador’s most iconic volcano, exploring themes of community, survival, and the power of nature.

The Andes: A Cultural History by Jason Wilson
A thorough exploration of the Andes’ cultural and historical significance, this book delves into the diverse people, traditions, and landscapes that have shaped the highland region for centuries.

The Ecuador Reader: History, Culture, Politics by Richard Stoller
This collection of essays offers a rich exploration of Ecuador’s history, politics, and culture, providing context for understanding the country’s Andean heritage and the highland region’s role in shaping national identity.

Women of the Andes by Gloria Cusco
Through powerful stories and essays, Cusco offers an intimate look at the lives of indigenous women in the Andean highlands, capturing their resilience, culture, and daily struggles in a rapidly changing world.