Discover the best of Northern Ecuador
From ecological wonders to incredible and colourful markets, this 5-day tour is jam-packed with the remarkable gems and sites of Northern Ecuador. Explore the very best of the Ecuadoran Andes region, going into the heart of the highlands and meeting and interacting with several indigenous communities on the way.
Beginning in Quito, you will hike through ancient forests and visit one of the most famous South American markets before reaching the mesmerising El Angel Ecological Reserve right on Ecuador’s northern border.
Visit several regions in Northern Ecuador
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
4 breakfasts
All included as per below
Transfers as per itinerary
Our holidays are ATOL Protected
We will help you plan your holiday
Customers rate us highly on Trustpilot
Highlights
- Spend the night at a hacienda just outside of Quito city, to enjoy nature walks within the hotel's grounds
- Visit one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America – Otavalo
- Explore the remote wilderness of El Angel Ecological Reserve
- Share life experiences of a rural and indigenous community
What's Included
4 nights’ accommodation
Meals: 4 breakfasts
Full-day tour of Otavalo and surrounding towns
Activities in the El Angel Ecological Reserve
A day with a local indigenous community
Transfers as per itinerary
Prices from £1,349pp
Excludes:
Meals not indicated in your itinerary
Local departure taxes payable locally
Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Northern Ecuador Add-On 5-day Itinerary
Day 1 Quito
On arrival in Ecuador, you’ll be transferred to your hotel located outside of the city, which is ideal for heading off to the north of the country. Your time here is free for you to relax and explore the hotel grounds.
Day 2 Otavalo
Today explore the charming town of Otavalo. The market here is wonderful and well worth spending the morning strolling through the maze of colourful stalls and interacting with the locals.
You will also visit the Quitsato Sundial located on the equatorial line where you will learn about the astronomical knowledge of the region’s pre-Hispanic cultures.
Day 3 El Angel Ecological Reserve
Continue your adventure of Northern Ecuador by heading to the centre of the Ecuador highlands - El Angel Ecological Reserve, on the border of Colombia.
After checking into Polylepis Lodge, spend the day exploring the millenary forest, and hiking into the woods and surrounding highlands whilst learning about the flora and fauna. Weather permitting, you will also be able to take in views of Chiles Volcano and the Andes descending down into the coastal region. You will also enjoy a night walk into the forest where you will hear about the local ancient legends.
Alternatively, you could visit Mashpi Rainforest Reserve in your Northern Ecuador explorations. Speak to your Travel Specialist about rerouting the itinerary to include Mashpi instead of El Angel Ecological Reserve.
Day 4 Otavalo
On your way back to Otavalo, you will spend the day with a rural indigenous community. You will have the opportunity to help them feed and care for their alpacas as well as get to know them better over lunch, which will be hosted by one of the families.
In the afternoon you will take part in a workshop of the Pacha Calera women association, where they make jewellery which they then sell to help fund their projects and goals.
Day 5 Quito
Transfer back to Quito and connect with your onward journey.
Why Book Our Northern Ecuador Add-On?
Truly Individual and Trusted
- Truly individual holidays – every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.
- Dedicated Travel Specialists – your dedicated Specialist will have firsthand knowledge of the destinations and experiences we offer, enabling us to make perfect recommendations.
- First-class service – all our excursions and transport partners have been hand-selected to ensure they provide the best quality, experience and value.
- 100% financial protection – our holidays are ATOL protected and we’re an assured member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).
- My Routes Rewards programme – as a thank you for being our trusted customer, we offer one of the most generous and flexible reward programmes in the industry.
What makes our Northern Ecuador Add-On Truly Individual?
Award winning UK tour operator
An award-winning and leading UK tour operator providing Truly Individual holidays across Latin America
Every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.
Our passionate team of knowledgeable Latin America Travel Specialists are ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
We consistently achieve 5-star ratings on Trustpilot, reflecting our first-class service and premium holiday experiences.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Speak to a dedicated Ecuador Holiday Specialist
All our Ecuador itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Northern Ecuador Add-On and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.