Ecuador: Highlands & Haciendas

A unique itinerary has been crafted to bring you into the heart of Ecuador’s Andean Highlands. Along the “Hacienda Trail” you walk from elegant hacienda to hacienda; while your luggage is transported, you experience the nature and culture of this rich and diverse country. On the western slopes of the Andes mountain chain, Ecuador’s highlands are steeped in human and natural history. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of some the world’s highest volcanoes, the walks are always in sight of these snowcapped peaks. Unparalleled in biodiversity, Ecuador’s varied climactic zones are estimated to have over 10% of all the world’s plant species—1,600 species of birds and 1,200 species of fish. On this tour, you walk in several of Ecuador’s natural reserves where endangered flora and fauna are protected. Andean condors and giant hummingbirds are sighted from dramatic volcanic ridges or a field of lupines. Ecuador has many ethnic groups, and visits to villages immerse you in their distinct languages, cultures, and traditions. Local craftsmanship is on display in lively market towns where colorful alpaca, wool, and cotton weavings are traded in a memorable spectacle. Historic haciendas within a day’s walk of one another, reflect their Spanish heritage in elegance and comfort. These authentic farms produce vegetables and grains, fresh milk and cheese, and also house stables with a proud tradition of horseback riding. You are warmly welcomed in an elegant boutique hotel and haciendas with stunning views, profuse gardens, and Ecuador’s distinctive cuisine.

A trip to Ecuador would not be complete without a visit to the Galápagos Islands. We invite you to join a truly unique tour—homebased on the beautiful islands themselves as opposed to aboard a ship at sea—allowing for more walk opportunities and impromptu experiences. Please view additional details under “Tour Extensions” tab or call our office.