Reminding our fantastic 10 days trip in Ecuador with a private driver. An absolutely amazing adventure! We spent 10 fascinating days. Above all, we were more interested in hiking and sightseeing. Our adventure started in Quito visiting the Rucu Pichincha mountain, then, Mojanda Lakes in Otavalo, Mindo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños. In conclusion, we visited the most interesting places in Ecuador.
Day 1. Quito Teleférico and hiking Rucu Pichincha
This fantastic 10 days trip started in Quito, Ecuador at the teléferico. In 20 minutes we covered a distance of 2.5 k flanked by the mountain inside. The view of Quito during the trip in the teleferico is beautiful, but nothing compared once we reached the top.
On a clear day you will be able to observe gorgeous volcanoes like Cayambe, Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, Rumiñahui and Antisana. Further south, you can see Tungurahua and Chimborazo.
As soon as we arrive to the top, we started hiking to the peak of Rucu Pichcincha. It took us about 4 hours.
Day 2. Quito-Otavalo-Mojanda Lakes
We drove from Quito to Otavalo about 2 hours and reached the lakes of Mojanda. There are three lakes, the main one is called Huarmicocha or big lake which is located at an altitude of 12.000 feet
We walk around the Caricocha lagoon partially. There are also hiking trails between the lagoons of Mojanda. However, you should consider the altitude when planning your trip. The lack of oxigen due to the altitude can cause problems. Above all, you should bring sufficient water.
Usually, Caricocha is under a constantly changing fog curtain that creates a mystical atmosphere. Undoubtedly this is a place of silence and peace surrounded by mountains.
Day 3. Otavalo-Mindo
This morning, we were excited to visit Mindo since we heard many great things abut this place. As soon as we left Quito, we started descending through a canyoning. Certainly, we were impressed about the immediate change of scenery, that was unbelievable. Once in Mindo, we went to Bamboo Lodge. It is a nice hotel in the forest.
Day 4. Hiking around Mindo
Our journey began by crossing the Nambillo River by cable car. Without a doubt, this experience offers an amazing view of the primary forest and also an alternative to see the valley.
There are some trails but we decide to hike the route 3 that passes by five Mindo waterfalls. Although many of these falls are smaller, the hiking trails here were interesting and fun to walk.
The first waterfall is Ondinas. Then, the path twists the nice landscapes and passes by Cascades of Guarumos, Colibries and Madre.
In the afternoon, we finish our journey, doing the chocolate tour at the factory El Quetzal de Mindo and then we headed to visit the garden of butterflies at Mariposas de Mindo.
Day 5. Mindo-Cotopaxi
Our fantastic 10 days trip in Ecuador on the fifth day started heading from Mindo to the Cotopaxi National Park. This journey took about 3.5 hours.
This trip to the Cotopaxi through the Avenue of the Volcanoes is spectacular. Coming from Quito, we passed the peaks of Cayambe, Antisana and the Ilinizas. Even if they are hidden behind clouds, our eyes were open because I knew that a sudden gust of wind momentarily reveals the face of one of these giants. Late in the afternoon, we arrived to the Cotopaxi Rondador hostel.
Day 6. Limpiopungo lagoon-Cotopaxi refuge
Mandy was worried about the weather. In fact it was very cloudy and drizzling. While we were moving to the other side of the volcano the clouds were moving away. As soon as we arrive to Limpiopungo, we started hiking around the lagoon. Then, we drove to the parking lot in order to reach the Refuge José Rivas located at 16.000 feet. Nevertheles, this time the weather was wonderfull, in fact we have the best views of Cotopaxi.
In fact, It takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour to get to the refuge from the parking lot by foot. Finally, after a long and exited day we came back to El Rondador Cotopaxi hostel.
Day 7. Cotopaxi-Quilota-Baños
We left our hostel and headed to Quilotoa. The road up to Quilotoa goes through some of the most stunning Andean landscapes, including Tigua and Zumbahua, so picture breaks are essential.
As soon as we arrive at the lagoon, we begin our approximately 7.5-mile hike. Above all, we walk along a narrow trail that winds up and down through difficult terrain. Most importantly, we enjoyed spectacular views. The hike took us around 7 hours.
Even though the day was very strenuous, we were very satisfied and amazed with the scenery. Late in the afternoon, we headed to Baños.
Day 8. Baños and the surrounding areas
We started a new day of adventure. We rented bicycles to ride along the avenue of waterfalls.
Avobe all, during the ride we made some stops to admire waterfalls such as San Jorge, the Manto de la Novia.
Finally, we arrived at Pailon del Diablo, the most impressive of them all. Then, in the afternoon, we visit the famous Casa del Arbol. Without a doubt, this was an amazing day.
Day 9. Baños-Quito
This is our last day of travel. We wash up and head to Quito. However, this time we decided to go a different route, as we wanted to see for the last time the whole impressive valley of Baños and Patate.
Therefore, we took the road to Penipe until we reached the viewpoint of Cotaló.
If you are interested in a trip similar to this one, do not hesitate to contact us. Above all, we will help you design your own trip.