2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

NEW

Great Hikes, Haciendas & Volcanoes of Ecuador EXPLORE FROM THE CLOUD FOREST TO AN ICE-DRAPED VOLCANO

Immerse yourself in a magical cloud forest, walk from hacienda to hacienda across the indigenous heartland of the highlands, meet chefs and artisan-weavers, and hike the snowline of Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth. We’ll join researchers to walk to “healing” waterfalls in the cloud forest, and in the highlands, follow farm trails and explore centuries-old markets. Our grand finale is in Cotopaxi National Park for wonderful hikes and stargazing under a crystal-clear Southern Hemisphere sky. Our meals are inspired by Ecuador’s natural bounty, and our hand-picked accommodations, including a stunning forest lodge and two 17th century haciendas, are as memorable as the journey itself. Days 1-3 Quito / Ecuador’s Cloud Forest Ecosystem Descending from Quito (9,350') to the biodiversity of the cloud forest, we explore primary forest, hike to a hidden waterfall, take night walks, and ride a “sky bike” above the trees, a unique way to see the exuberance of nature.

volcano-dotted highlands, where we explore the Otavalo market and visit a family of traditional weavers in Agato. On our hike from Hacienda Cusin to Hacienda Zuleta, a winding trail leads through a green patchwork of farms where wheat, maize, potatoes, and quinoa are grown. At 17th century Zuleta, with its serene mountain setting and warm welcome, we hike to the condor conservation center, and learn about this renowned program. Days 7-8 Cotopaxi National Park Our final setting is the dramatic páramo grasslands of Cotopaxi National Park, where snow-draped Cotopaxi dominates the views. We’ll enjoy a catered picnic lunch and fantastic vistas as we hike from an Inca ruin, and on Day 8 hike from the climbers’ refuge up to the volcano’s snowline. Our post-hike reward at our mountain lodge is a tasting menu by one of Ecuador’s top young chefs. Day 9 Quito / Depart Drive to Quito, where day rooms are held at a boutique hotel by the airport. Depart in the evening. EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE Discover vibrant Quito, with its colorful plazas and traditional architecture. Enjoy an insider’s visit of the fascinating Museo Casa del Alabado, a walking tour, and artisan chocolate tasting. Available pre- or post-trip.

HIGHLIGHTS • Glide by cable car across the cloud forest, hike to a “healing” waterfall, hear the roar of howler monkeys • Savor a tasting menu from one of Ecuador’s rising young chefs • Meet traditional backstrap loom weavers • Hike hacienda to hacienda, see magnificent Andean condors • Enjoy a picnic at Inca ruins, hike in Cotopaxi National Park • Hike to the glaciers on magnificent Volcano Cotopaxi DETAILS • 9-day trip begins and ends in Quito • 8 nights hotels, haciendas, and lodges • All meals included

Days 4-6 The Highlands / Otavalo / The Great Haciendas We discover a new realm: the

One of our hikes brings us from hacienda to hacienda across Ecuador’s volcanic highlands.

DATES May 21-29, 2020 Aug 29-Sep 6

TRIP COST $5395 (10-15 members) $6595 (7-9 members) $5995 (4-6 members) Single supplement: $1650 Quito Extension: from $1150 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 hiking days on moderate trails, 2-5 hours, altitudes between 3,200-11,800 feet; 1 optional hike at 15,600 feet

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL LATINAMERICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 121