Transfer from Quito to Pijal. Pijal to Cusin, 5 miles, easy to moderate, 600-ft elevation loss

Your walking tour of Ecuador’s Highlands begins by meeting your guides and fellow walkers in Quito’s high Andean valley and immediately setting off north on a scenic drive to the day’s walk starting point of Pijal. Your itinerary follows the “Hacienda Trail,” the route linking many of the region’s historic haciendas. This spectacular walk is dominated by a breathtaking landscape of lush valleys and volcanoes, just minutes from the main road. A dirt road and path crosses volcanic grasslands, cultivated fields of corn, wheat, barley, and quinoa, narrow creeks, and remnants of Andean montane forest. The varied landscape is washed over by contrasting light and shadows of clouds, creating a mosaic of colors and shapes on the slopes. In the countryside, you may meet farmers and other people along the way who may be curious enough to join for part of the walk!

You arrive on foot at your hacienda, a gracious historic property located at 8,500 feet and surrounded by seven acres of manicured gardens adorned with fountains. This restored 17th-century estate lies in a broad valley in the shadow of 15,000-foot Imbabura Mountain and the Cotacachi Volcano. Your spacious room, with its antiques, traditional fabrics, and individual fireplace is a comfortable haven. Before dinner there is time to stroll the hacienda’s magnificent gardens where, thanks to its volcanic soils and avid gardeners, you will find a riot of flowers blooming at different times depending on the season—bougainvillea, foxglove, calla lilies, and jasmine, among others, are a fragrant backdrop to dozens of bird species.

For dinner, the hacienda’s chefs create dishes using fresh vegetables from its gardens, meat from nearby farms, or fresh fish brought in from the Pacific; a homemade blueberry pie completes the meal.

Cuicocha Lake; 7 miles, moderate, 460-ft elevation gain and 900-ft elevation loss; Otavalo market

A full day of walking lies ahead as you immerse in Ecuador’s natural habitats and culture. After breakfast, you drive to nearby Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve for a four-hour walk at Laguna de Cuicocha, a collapsed volcanic crater, now a deep, steep-sided lake, situated at 10,200 feet on the lower southern flanks of Cotacachi Volcano. The reserve is part of a system of protected lands from the spine of the Sierra mountain range to the western edge of the coastal rainforest, encompassing many of the Ecuadorian ecosystems including high Andean and tropical forest. You follow a narrow path along the rim of the crater, which offers marvelous views of the striking blue lake, with the snowy peaks of Cayambe, Imbabura, and Cotopaxi in the distance. Among the many flowers growing by the path are several species of orchids, passionflowers, and Puya, a native plant with bright green flowers. Giant hummingbirds visit the wild lupines, and condors can often be seen flying above. At the walk’s conclusion, a stop is made at the picturesque colonial town of Cotacachi—the leather capital of Ecuador—where there is time to browse its streets and shops.

The next stop is Otavalo and its traditional Andean market, where indigenous people come from the surrounding communities to barter or sell their handicrafts and products. Colorful collections of weavings, pottery, paintings, woolen goods, fruit, vegetables, and beans are laid out in hundreds of stalls. In addition to being skilled textile weavers, Otavaleños are also renowned for their musical talents and instruments, each uniquely crafted in a way that is characteristic of the region. A festive dinner this evening is accompanied by tales of the Hacienda Trail and toasts to the journey thus far.

San Pablo del Lago to Zuleta; 11 miles, moderate to challenging, 1,575-ft elevation gain and 1,250-ft elevation loss. Optional walks of San Pablo del Lago to Angla; 6 miles, moderate to challenging, 1575-ft elevation gain or Angla to Zuleta; 5 miles, moderate, 1250-ft elevation loss

Awakening to a breakfast including freshly squeezed juice, baked goods, and preserves, you depart Hacienda Cusin and set out on the Hacienda Trail for your next destination.

Today’s route traverses mountains and valleys and follows country lanes lined with eucalyptus trees and bordered by fields of potato, corn, alfalfa, and wheat, where local farmers might be working with a traditional oxen-pulled plow. The trail leads you to the small village of Angla with a stop en route at the primary school. Armed with the belief that education is inherent to improving life in communities like Angla, Country Walkers has joined our local partners in Ecuador to support this school of 100 children to improve the infrastructure and academics. Your visit provides a glimpse into the life of rural school children in Ecuador and marks the halfway point to your final destination for the day. Today, a ride is offered if you are interested, either from Cusin to the primary school in Angla, allowing a more leisurely morning, or from Angla to Hacienda Zuleta guaranteeing an earlier arrival to your accommodation for the evening.

If you choose to continue on foot from Angla, you arrive by late afternoon to the Hacienda Zuleta, your home for the next three nights. Situated in a wide fertile valley in the Andes, the hacienda is a 4,000-acre diversified working farm with an organic vegetable garden, a dairy and cheese-making operation, horse stables, tree nursery, and trout hatchery. Originally built in 1691 and furnished in Spanish colonial style, the adobe hacienda is steeped in history; now owned and operated by the family of a former president of Ecuador. Upon settling into your comfortable room warmed by an individual fireplace and decorated with antiques, you may wish to explore the extensive grounds, gardens, and stables.

In addition to producing agricultural products, the hacienda’s owners are also committed to preserving the natural habitat and human culture of this corner of Ecuador, with a condor rehabilitation project and embroidery workshop. The condor project is dedicated to increasing the population of the endangered Andean condor, while the embroidery project preserves the local art and tradition of hand embroidery.

Tonight you feast on farm-fresh bounty presented in flavorful Ecuadorian style in the hacienda’s dining room. The menu may include a traditional Ecuadorian potato soup with avocados and queso fresco (a soft cheese), followed by trout grilled with flavorful herbs.

Condor Project visit; easy, 4 miles. Zuleta village walk; easy, 5 miles

You awake overlooking the hacienda’s garden to a breakfast table laden with home-baked goods from the kitchen, milk fresh from the dairy, farm-fresh eggs to order or perhaps French toast with seasonal fruit.

This morning’s walk leads you along the valley floor to the Hacienda’s Condor Project. Along the way you pass some of the 130 Caranqui Mounds which can be found on the property. The Caranqui people were an agrarian-based culture and the original inhabitants of Zuleta from 800 AD until the arrival of the Incas in the late 1400s. Structures including temples and food storage sheds were constructed on top of the earth mounds to protect the buildings from the humidity of the ground. You may also choose to spend your day on horseback (at your own expense). Famous for their horses and riding program, the Hacienda Zuleta offers the unique opportunity to experience a Zuleteño horse. This blend of Spanish-Andalusian, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse combines to create a gentle and noble horse–ideal for riders of all abilities.

In the afternoon you walk to the beautiful community of Zuleta where you catch a glimpse of the everyday village life. You visit a local family who invited you in for a traditional snack and hot beverage as they demonstrate the intricate technics of embroidery that has made this community famous around the world. After, the path takes you to the foothills of Volcan Cunrru where you take in the spectacular views of the inter-Andean valleys and the snow-capped volcanoes that surround the area.

Dinner this evening may feature a traditional artichoke soup and a chicken-and-rice casserole created from a special family recipe followed by coffee and passion fruit pie.

Zuleta to Cubilche Volcano; 7 miles, moderate to challenging, 2,425-ft elevation gain and loss. Embroidery shop and cheese factory visits

On the agenda is a full morning of walking departing from the hacienda to the summit of Cubilche, a young volcano at an elevation of 12,585 feet. The walking time to the top is about three to four hours, where you are rewarded with stunning views of the nearby Cayambe Volcano and surrounding valleys. The highest elevation of the walk is 10,700 feet. The Cubilche Volcano has three craters, one of which forms a small lake. Panoramas unfold of lush green mixed forest and fields of the high Andean valleys. Gently rising through eucalyptus forest and fields of barley and quinoa, foxglove and Indian paintbrush along the trail, birdlife may include hummingbirds, the American kestrel, or cattle egret. You return to the hacienda for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the property’s cheese factory and embroidery workshop before a festive farewell dinner.

El Mirador 3.5 miles, moderate, 865-ft elevation gain and loss; transfer to Quito International Airport

Today’s final full walk in the Ecuadorian Highlands takes you to a high elevation through a pine forest near the alpine tundra—an ecosystem that is an important source of water storage. The ascent is rewarded by an impressive view of the Valley of the Condors (“Valle de los Condores”), where, with luck, you may see one of the endangered Andean condors—the world’s largest flying bird with a wing span of up to 11 feet—as well as the Spectacle bear and the giant hummingbird. From the heights, you can also look down on the pyramids built by the Caranquil culture, a Pre-Inca civilization that once inhabited this region. At the end of your walk along the “Hacienda Trail,” the perfect finale to the Highlands portion of your tour is an authentic Ecuadorian lunch, such as quinoa soup, and freshly caught trout. Later in the afternoon, you return to Quito airport to board your flight to Guayaquil, the start of your Galapagos adventure.

A transfer to your hotel will be provided upon your arrival. Tonight you are on your own for dinner and may choose from any of the 4 restaurants your hotel has to offer or go out in town.

Meet in the lobby of the Hilton Colon, Guayaquil, 8:00 am. Transfer from Guayaquil to San Cristobal. El Junco Lake; 1.5 miles, easy to moderate (500 feet elevation gain and loss). Puerto Chino; 2 miles, easy

Following breakfast at your hotel in Guayaquil, you meet your CW guide and transfer to the airport for the 2-hour flight to the island of San Cristobal. Following lunch in town you proceed to the highlands where you will appreciate the old farms and learn about the history of this island. Passing through the sleepy town of El Progreso, you marvel that it is the oldest surviving settlement in the Galápagos Islands, established in 1869. Your destination is Laguna El Junco, an old crater that has collected rainwater for millions of years; this lake is located in the southern half of the island. Here you can find large population of birds, including frigate birds that fly inland to drink fresh water and clean their feathers in this lake. Reaching the lake requires a 20-minute uphill walk on a gravel road and then a boardwalk. Once at the top you will be rewarded by 360-degree views of the island, its highlands and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. You continue to explore around the rim of the crater on foot.

Later we continue towards Cerro Verde where you set out on a 2-mile trail through lava fields and mangrove, leading to Puerto Chino. Puerto Chino is a small beach surrounded by dry lava, rocks, and mangroves. When the tide is high, the sea covers the entirety of this little beach. Once at the beach, take a break and take in the sounds of a variety of seabirds including blue-footed boobies and brown pelicans that use this place as a resting spot after diving for fish. Lava lizards and Sally Lightfoot crabs scamper about on the lava that surrounds you.

This afternoon upon return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno you check into your home for the next two nights, perfectly situated across from the town dock, which sea lions have taken over as an ideal place to rest and play! A white-washed building with private garden and swimming pool, the hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms. Please note: The day’s activities may vary slightly based on flight times.

Kicker Rock; moderate snorkeling & Isla Lobos; easy to moderate snorkeling. A full day on the water

Prepare for an exciting day on the water! You board a large, comfortable, fully equipped boat for the one-hour ride to Leon Dormido (sleeping lion), so named because of its shape, but more commonly known as Kicker Rock. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea have formed two vertical rocks rising 500 feet from the ocean, which in turn form a small channel that is perfect for snorkeling. This Galápagos Islands’ natural monument is a favorite because of the many noddy birds, frigates, and boobies that nest here and fill the surrounding air. The colorful display of tropical fish contrasts against a backdrop of black volcanic rock. Razor surgeonfish, cortez rainbow rasse, and orange-bellied triggerfish are just a few you may see, as well as a gentle sea turtle floating by.

Back on the boat, a fresh lunch is served on deck while watching pelicans and boobies diving for their food. This afternoon you may choose to participate in the once-in-alifetime experience of swimming with playful sea lions. Upon arriving at Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Island), you are immediately greeted by these curious animals. With crystal clear waters and a white-sand bottom, it is hard to resist jumping in. The moment you enter the water, the young and inquisitive sea lions swim near to inspect you. Back on board, you absorb the sea views and learn that this is also a nesting place for bluefooted boobies and both the great and magnificent frigate birds. You return to town with time to stroll the town’s dock where sea lions take a break for a nap and sunbathing.

Flight from San Cristobal to Isabela. Wall of Tears; 4 miles, easy. Tintoreras exploration; 1 mile, easy

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to take a short flight to the Island of Isabela. The largest island of the archipelago, seahorse-shaped Isabela is 80 miles long and remarkably beautiful; a well-kept secret, it is one of the least visited of the Galápagos Islands and a perfect base for your adventures.

Upon arrival you check into your home for the next two nights, Iguana Crossing, a comfortable inn with minimalist design and superior service, situated along a stretch of whitesand beach in Puerto Villamil. The timeless fishing village of Villamil still boasts sandy streets where locals and visitors alike walk barefoot. With a population of only 2,000 life here is quiet, and within moments of arrival you cannot help but take a deep breath and slip into the relaxed way of life. Today’s walk takes you by Isabela’s beautiful beaches and striking swamps uphill towards a large wall dubbed the Wall of Tears, due to it being built by prisoners using lava rocks during penal colonial times in Ecuador. Several sites of interest await us, including the sight of gigantic black mangroves, fiddler crabs, majestic young giant tortoises, and fluttering finches.

After an inviting lunch, you board a panga (small boat) and ply the Pacific waters to visit the small island of Tintoreras, a unique volcanic formation. On its western face a primitive species of lichen flourishes in the moisture brought by the prevailing wind. Here you see young marine iguanas, the world’s only sea-going lizard, view a small colony of sea lions, and you may even spot white-tipped reef sharks resting in the waters amongst the volcanic formations that compose this island. In the quiet lagoon you are entertained by boobies and with luck you may spot the Galápagos penguin. If time allows, you will transfer to a nearby snorkeling spot for a quick dip before going back to your hotel.

A welcome dinner takes advantage of the island’s abundance of fresh fish and seafood.

Please note: The day’s activities may vary slightly based on flight times.

Sierra Negra; 10 miles, easy to moderate (500 feet elevation gain and loss)

After breakfast and a one-hour drive to the Isabela Highlands, you gain an entirely new perspective on the Galápagos experience. At the starting point of today’s walk you immediately notice the difference in vegetation and weather—fostered by the southeast trade winds that bring significant humidity to the southern side of the island. The lowland landscape of prickly pear and the endemic candelabra cactus that dominate the coastal areas give way to more lush and diverse flora, including bromeliads and epiphytes. Your path leads to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano. The Sierra Negra Volcano stands at 3,280 feet and last erupted in 2005, subsequently depositing a new and dramatic layer of lava. This volcano’s caldera is the second largest in the world, with a diameter measuring approximately 6½ miles. As you circle the caldera, you spot a variety of birds, including finches and flycatchers as well as the Galápagos hawk. Lava lizards scuttle underfoot. From the caldera’s rim you continue to Chico Volcano to see fumaroles (gas and steam vents in the earth’s crust) and unusual lava formations, a striking visual record of the islands’ geological history. From the highest vantage points, you enjoy spectacular views of Isabela’s other volcanoes and nearby islands. Along the walk you are introduced to aa and pahoehoe lava, feel the steam beneath you, and witness new life being created within the most inhospitable of environments.

This evening, stories of your adventures are swapped at a restaurant that takes full advantage of the warm ocean breeze—a perfect farewell to Isla Isabela, a little slice of paradise.

Flight from Isabela to Santa Cruz. Daphne Island; moderate snorkeling. A full day on the water

Following breakfast you transfer to the Island of Santa Cruz. Upon arrival on Baltra, you cross the Itabaca Canal, just 5 minutes away, where Favian, a former fisherman, takes you on an exploration in his boat. Select fishermen have signed an agreement with local authorities to have exclusive touring rights to this unique Galápagos zone. Favian takes you on a fascinating visit through an extraordinary site that few people have the opportunity to see, and from where you are able to appreciate the beautiful landscapes and the incredible marine life of the Galápagos. The boat trip around Daphne Island provides an encounter with the famous Galápagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Here you learn about two evolutionary biologists, Drs. Peter and Rosemary Grant from Princeton University, who studied the Darwin’s finches demonstrating “evolution in action.” They are the subject of their Pulitzer Prize book “The Beak of the Finch.”

We continue to our snorkeling spot where the beauty of tropical fish and marine life welcomes you. Lunch today is aboard Favian’s boat anchored in a secluded beach. If time allows you stroll the white-sand beach and with luck you might spot sea turtles swimming in the water.

Later, you transfer to the Galápagos Safari Camp, a 135-acre farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island bordering the national park, just 30 minutes from the ocean. The farm is home to a variety of birds, including finches, warblers, mockingbirds, Galápagos doves, egrets, and owls. Tortoises also make frequent visits. The farm also has many local species of trees, such as the scalesia, the Guayabillo, and the Palo Santo, which are rapidly regaining a foothold after years of cattle farming. Upon arrival there is time to take a short walk and stretch your legs.

The camp has nine luxury safari tents perched on a hill, providing comfort and privacy in the wilderness. All tents have a balcony with views of the park and the ocean—they are spacious, attractively decorated, and each with a fully equipped private bathroom. In addition to an infinity pool, there is a beautiful fireplace in the main room where you can gather to have a drink while watching the sunset. The camp’s well-known chef prepares creative dishes in the panoramic dining room for dinner.

Cerro Crocker, 4 miles, moderate, 950 feet elevation gain and loss; Tortuga Bay, 3 miles, easy

A 20-minute drive north from Puerto Ayora will take you to the town of Bellavista and farther to a site known as the hill of Media Luna where your walk begins on a narrow rocky foot path that continues to Cerro Crocker, which is the highest peak at 2821 feet. During this walk we can see great native and endemic flora and fauna such as of the scalesia, miconia, and fern sedge and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, the elusive Galápagos rail, and the paint billed crake. The trail is rocky and can be muddy, but the views on top are magnificent and well worth the effort.

In the afternoon you walk to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful, very fine white-sand beach, with spectacular sunsets. Here you will have time to relax, swim, or stroll the beach.

This evening you celebrate your adventures over dinner, on the beautiful Galápagos Islands—one of the world’s greatest treasures.

Departure

If time allows, you will visit the giant Galápagos tortoises in wild, and then transfer to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil, bidding adios to these beautiful isles.