Ecuador Active Holiday: trekking, biking, rafting in Ecuador

Don't Miss

More than 25 of Ecuador’s volcanoes are active. Cotopaxi, one of the best-known, became active during the battles for Conquest of the sixteenth century - a phenomenon interpreted by the native inhabitants as a bad omen - and in 1877 it again spewed ash far and wide. Tungurahua last awoke in mid-1999, as did Guagua Pichincha, raining ash down on Banos and Quito respectively and bringing both to a standstill. Isolated Sangay, meanwhile, has never slept, at least not since records began; it erupts continually.

A trek through the highland landscapes with the opportunity to climb five of Ecuador's volcanoes including Cotopaxi provides an unforgettable experience. Scattered through the highlands are the remains of a rich Inca and pre-Inca past, in the shape of both its inhabitants and its ancient, stone-built relics.
The native peoples of ancient Ecuador worshipped the volcanoes, climbing their steep slopes to offer up sacrifices in an attempt to placate the fury of these ambivalent gods. Today, their descendants are mostly small-scale farmers striving to make a living in tough highland conditions.

To the west of the Andean chain, lies the Pacific coast consisting primarily of sandy, palm-fringed beaches, while to the east the Amazon jungle spreads to the far horizon. The steep-sloped transition zone between the highlands and lowlands to both east and west comprises dense, humid cloud forest, home to a wealth of unique plant and animal species.

Getting there

Ecuador is a land of dramatic landscapes and extreme contrasts. From the highlands, the presence of volcanoes and the legacy of their activity have left their indelible mark on the topography, to the Galapagos Archipelago, a complete contrast, a wildlife paradise lying a thousand miles from the continent.

• By Road
• By Rail
• By Air
• By Sea

Other Insider Info.

The climate of Ecuador varies according to time of year, altitude, and region. The best periods for visiting the Ecuadorian Andes to climb the volcanoes such as Cotopaxi are the dry seasons of June to September and December to January.

The Galapagos Archipelago, can be visited at any time of year. The July to September period is cool and dry, and the sea cold. From January to March, while the ocean is warmer, the climate is hot and humid, and it is occasionally wet inland on the larger islands. May, June, November and December generally offer the best weather conditions.

Why do we like them?

Having spent a year out in South America himself, Alex knows exactly what incredible experiences Andean Trails have in store for you. As true specialists in South American trekking, mountaineering, biking and rafting, and with a strong commitment to using friendly local accommodation, guides and businesses, you can be sure of an unforgetable experience.

You can also be sure that few international operators are doing as much as these guys to support and benefit the communities you visit and places you explore - making your trip go that much further.

---

What do they say?