TREKKING and HIKING IN ECUADOR
Photo belongs to Delphine Ménard
In the Southern Andes near Cuenca, we find El Cajas National Park, located in the majestic west mountain range. It is one of Ecuador’s natural wonders that must be added to the repertoire of every trekking amateur. Cajas lies at an altitude between 3200 m and 4500 m and boasts 28,544 hectares of numerous species of flora and fauna and impressive rock formations. Its 235 glacial lakes feed into breathtaking waterfalls, as its rivers descend toward the Pacific while others flow through “el Oriente”, ultimately arriving to the Amazon River. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy freshwater trout fishing, while listening to the wild birds singing in the background. There are approximately 125 species of birds inhabiting Cajas which include: the condor, the violet-tailed metaltail, sword-bill, shining sunbeam, sparkling violet-ear, etc.
If you wish to combine culture and nature with active travel, you must do the Inca trail, which takes you along the very same path than the Incas used to follow. This ancient main trail has also been used by merchants and travelers. The trail passes through astonishing natural landscapes, small hidden villages, past Culebrillas Lake, finally arriving at Ingapirca, our most famous Inca ruins. In the area we also find other important ruins such as Colloctor and Cojitambo and the colorful Cañari Indian markets of Ingapirca (Fridays) and Cañar (Sundays). It is also worth mentioning the amazing scenery, formed by farming landscapes of different crops and lots of cattle farming. This photo belongs to Julia Rubinic
The Northern Andes of Ecuador offer beautiful snowcapped mountains and volcanoes for great trekking trips. We must add to any itinerary the highlights of the amazing surrounding area such as lakes, moorlands, forest, Indian markets and villages, haciendas and all the components for a unique trekking experience.
The Central Andes offer excellent trekking options around the Chimborazo (6310m), highest mountain in Ecuador; Carihuairazo (5200m) which requires a moderate effort for a summit attempt and Altar, well known for its amazing landscapes. This photo belongs to Germania Rodriguez
We recommend visitors to have an appropriate acclimatization process for a better adjustment to the altitude. You can enjoy our daily tours or join a moderate trekking adventure of 2 or more days camping in spectacular natural spots.
Choose your preferred tour click here.
BIKING CUENCA SLT 033
Cuenca attracts visitors for its charming atmosphere, but most visitors only get to see the Old Historical downtown. However a lot of that charming is found in the new town too, since it has 4 rivers crossing the city, nice parks and natural sites as well as ancient buildings too.
So this trip intends to show the best of the new town, riding mostly along the river side trails and some secondary roads with very little traffic.
BIKING TO INGAPIRCA SLT 032
It is absolutely the best way to visit the main Inca complex in the country. The rural trail to Ingapirca follow part of the old train tracks combining stunning landscapes, farming areas and Cañari Indian culture. The Cañar province it is known as one of the most diverse places in Ecuador for multicolor examples of flora and birds observation and the presence of various ethnic groups since in this special place we can find the indigenous communities of Cañar and mestizos (mix of native and European on the colonial period) living together in characteristic villages.
AFTER THE INCAS’ FOOTPRINTS SLT13
The Incas had a highly developed road and communication system that connected important points and settlements along the Andean mountains. However, with the construction of modern roads, the Inca trail was not that important anymore, except for local people that still use it and follow many part of this ancient road system for connecting with other remote villages and trading activities.
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