The Andes Mountains
In the mountains and beyond volcanoes
The Andes Mountains run from north to south right through Ecuador. Here you can enjoy beautiful mountainous landscapes, lakes and views of majestic volcanoes. Go mountain biking, horseback riding or hiking. In the evening you can spend the night in a traditional hacienda.
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The impressive Cotopaxi volcano
The Cotopaxi volcano can be spotted all the way from Quito. The area around the volcano forms the Cotopaxi National Park. For many, a visit to the national park and the volcano is one of the highlights during a visit to Ecuador. Enjoy the special paramó landscape and wildlife such as the llama, fox, falcon, deer and with some luck a condor!
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Traditional colourful markets
One of the most famous mountain villages in the Ecuadorian Andes is Otavalo. This village is mainly known for its weekly traditional market, a colourful palette of scents and colours. People from the surrounding areas visit this commercial and social meeting place. Many things are being sold here, including clothing, exotic fruits, vegetables, spices and meat. In the early morning at the cattle market, you can even find guinea pigs, a local delicacy!
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Experts in authentic handicrafts
The contemporary region of Otavalo, rich in culture, nature and history, has a prosperous, cheerful and above all colourful street scene. This region is known for its authentic handicrafts. Are you a lover of woodcarving in particular? Then be sure to visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra. Are you a lover of leatherwork? The village of Cotacachi is known for its handmade leather products. The techniques of tanning, stretching and shaping leather have been passed down from generation to generation and have become an art.
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Typical clothing
If you visit Otavalo or one of the other small villages, you will see that the indigenous culture in Ecuador is still alive. Many Ecuadorians still dress in their traditional costumes. You can recognize which region the people come from by looking at their unique clothing.
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Pig on a spit
The cuisine of Ecuador is very varied and each region has its own specialties. If you travel through the mountains, you will most likely see a whole pig on a spit along the road. Feel free to stop and a piece of the pig will be served on the spot with a local chili sauce and corn biscuits, very tasty!
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Hot springs
Just 90 minutes away from Quito, you will find a small village hidden in the mountains where you can relax. Here, water from hot springs flows naturally from the mountains. Make a nice long hike through the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a lovely warm bath in the evening.
The spine of Ecuador
The Andes Mountains run right through Ecuador. The Pan Americana highway, which runs straight through it from north to south, is also called the 'Avenue of volcanoes' because you pass impressive volcanoes on the left and right, such as the Cotopaxi, the Chimborazo and the Tungurahua. Places in this area that are definitely worth visiting include Cotopaxi and Otovalo.
Cotopaxi
The Cotopaxi volcano is located in the Cotopaxi National Park. With a height of 5,897 meters, the Cotopaxi is the second highest mountain in Ecuador. The snowy peak, the almost symmetrical geometry and the gigantic sizes make Cotopaxi an impressive volcano. This volcano is also honoured by the local Andes people as a sacred mountain and as a 'rain bringer'. In the valley around the volcano you will find many small mountain villages where vegetables, fruits and flowers are grown. The women travel to the nearest big city to sell their products at the market.
Otavalo
Otavalo is located in the north of Ecuador about a 90-minute drive from the capital Quito. Otavalo is located at an altitude of about 2,500 meters and owes its name to the 'Otavalieno' community. This indigenous community has managed to preserve its own culture and identity by adapting it to the present time. They have modernized the textile industry and this has brought prosperity for the community in return. The community, due to a better financial position, was eventually able to buy back much of the original land from landowners. You can experience some things of these bygone ages, with the comfort of today, during a stay in this region in a beautiful authentic hacienda. Some activities on and/or near the hacienda are; hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Travel through Ecuador?
Would you like to make your own trip to Ecuador and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we also like to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.