Andes Crater Hikes & Hotsprings

The destination for today’s hike is the beautiful Cuicocha Crater Lake. Cuicocha is a crater lake formed in a secondary caldera of the extinct Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha means “Lake of the Guinea Pigs,” named for the shape of its two central islets. The lake and surrounding slopes are protected as a nature reserve. At an elevation of 9,800 feet, Cuicocha’s rare ecosystem is a combination of paramo and Andean forest, filled with unique plant species.The path skirts the crater rim, offering stunning views of the lake and three volcanoes, Cotacachi, Mojanda and Imbabura. Next, head to Otavalo’s famed indigenous handicraft market. Whether you are looking to shop for handicrafts or just want to browse, you’ll enjoy the endless variety of colorful blankets, ponchos, sweaters, bags, shirts, tapestries, and tablecloths. Of course, there is much more than just textiles. Other popular handicrafts include paintings, Panama hats, ceramics, leather goods, carvings, and much more. In the late afternoon, return to your hacienda for another relaxing evening. (B,L,D)
 
Hike Details: Approx – 5.4 miles | Altitude: from 10,300 ft to 11,555 ft.

After two days of big hikes, enjoy a more relaxed pace today. In the morning, head toward the Continental Divide with a quick pit stop at the Quisato equatorial monument. Shaped like star of eight points, this site represents pre-colonial and Incan indigenous beliefs that 0º latitude was the center of time and measurement. Once at Papallacta Hot Springs, enjoy a nice hike to a waterfall and the entrance of the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve located on the shoulder of the Andes at the Continental Divide. The landscape in this reserve is a mix of endemic highland paramo with patches of cloud forest. Much water is retained in this sponge-like environment, forming the largest water system in the world. Enjoy lunch at the resort followed by free time to relax at this beautiful mountain retreat.  You’ll have access to hot springs at the doorstep of your room, as well as access to the thermal plunge pools in the spa area. After several days of hiking, nothing feels better than a hot stone massage or spa treatment of your choice. Even travelers who say spas aren’t their thing can’t argue that Termas de Papallacta is a great place to relax after this hiking tour! (B,L,D)
 
MORE CHALLENGING HIKE OPTION:
Depart Otavalo through the inter-Andean valley, gaining elevation as you climb into the heights of Ecuador’s eastern Andes, reaching the Continental Divide (13,450 feet), a high pass that separates the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. The setting for today’s hike through the Cayambe-Coca nature reserve is some of the country’s best highland paramo scenery. This is a humid area that is part of the largest hydrological system in the world, and features one of the highest concentrations of lakes in the Andes. The unique paramo ecosystem provides habitat to a host of endemic wildlife, including three deer species, the elusive spectacled bear and the even more elusive Andean condor. The challenging hike is mostly downhill in the direction of the Ecuador Amazon lowlands and ends at the Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort, your home for tonight. Enjoy the mineral-rich, curative waters of the local natural hot springs before a most relaxing overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Hike Details: Approx – 6.4 miles | Altitude: from 12,165 ft to 14,400 ft.

Today you are free to relax and enjoy the facilities at Papallacta.*  If you’re looking for additional activity, there are nearby hiking options we can arrange.  In the afternoon, you are transferred back to Quito, or to the Quito Airport, depending on your itinerary. (B,L)