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Private Journeys

Active Ecuador: Andean hikes and Cotopaxi volcano

9 days from £3,710pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

  • Cotopaxi

Overview & Highlights

High-altitude Andean hikes suitable for keen walkers. Views of both wilderness and farmsteads and traditional settlements are stunning throughout. Arrive at a welcoming country lodge at the end of the day.

Ecuador is an ideal destination for hikers. This lodge to lodge trek will appeal to those who wish to avoid camping, and to meet local people. The walks are always picturesque, with views over snow-dappled mountain landscapes, plains of rough wind-battered grass and icy lagoons. The thrill of arriving at the rim of a volcanic crater cannot be exaggerated, nor can the feeling of achievement when you arrive at the snow-line of Cotopaxi, one of the highest Andean volcanoes.

There are simple but warm and cosy rural farms and inns to stay in, where you will receive a warm welcome and be able to relax after the day’s exertions.

The tiny republic sits at the crossroads of the equator and the high Andes and encompasses an extraordinary diversity of geography and climate. It's easy to get around, so journeys tend to be short and scenic, leaving you plenty of time for your hikes.

Read More
  • Half day walk to La Viudita
  • Trek around Quilotoa crater
  • Full day trek to Pasachoa volcano summit
  • Full day trek to Cotopaxi National Park
  • Climb to snow line of Cotopaxi volcano

THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA

Hannah

Hannah Donaldson

Travel Expert

Talk to our experts

Things to do

We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Hotels - Quirky mix of old and modern, loved the contrast. Seaman Journey Galapagos boat was superb, cabin larger than expected. Crew and guide outstanding.

    LO, Ascot
  • Highlights? "Where to start? Angel Falls, Kaieteur Falls, the Iles de Salut, sleeping in a hammock, flying in small planes - just loved everything. The range of hotels from very…

    PS, Bolton
  • The entire trip was very varied. Travelling through the lake lands of Bolivia was great in 4x4s. The clarity of the skies in San Pedro Chile and time to relax.…

    LRA, London
  • The Iguazu Falls were awesome. We enjoyed all the places we visited. I was recommended JLA from someone who had used them before. We were not disappointed. We have had…

    CG, Stevenage
  • There were many wonderful memories. Iguacu was amazing and Machu Picchu was intriguing. Landscapes were fascinating & the people were friendly. Lovely to see the colourful costumes & markets.

    JP, Nottingham
  • There are two moments that I wish I could return to again and again - watching the sun go down over the jagged rock formations of the Valley of the…

    DK, Dover
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Our Expert's Opinion

The breathtaking scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes is perfect for hiking, and that's why I've designed this holiday specifically for enthusiastic walkers seeking an exciting and active trip. One of the highlights is reaching the snowline of Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest in the Andes. If camping isn't your preference, you'll find the rustic mountain lodges we've chosen for this trip to be ideal. They offer a cosy and comfortable retreat, providing a warm welcome after a day spent exploring the mountains.

Hannah
Hannah Donaldson Travel Expert Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

Inspired by this trip

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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