Our Routes in Mainland Ecuador

Our Routes in Mainland Ecuador with the Latin Routes team…with Gaynor, Julia and Alex

In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our fabulous Business Development team of Gaynor Atherton and Julia Ross plus travel specialist Alex Wessely talk us through their experiences in the incredible Avenue of Volcanoes and charming neighbouring cities of Otavalo and Quito. Lets dive into Our Routes in Mainland Ecuador with the Latin Routes team.

What were the main destinations you visited on your holiday to Ecuador?

The group visited Quito, Otavalo and Cotopaxi in the Avenue of Volcanoes during their recent trip exploring Ecuador.

The group’s view of Avenue of Volcanoes from up high

How did you get to Ecuador from the UK?

Gaynor: Flew with KLM via Amsterdam to Quito in business class.
Julia & Julia: We flew with KLM – We went via Amsterdam. Very easy flight as we stayed overnight in Amsterdam, before waking up in the morning and heading back to the same terminal. KLM offer some of the best service I have experienced in economy, I was very impressed.

The group gets into the equatorial spirit in Quito

Was this your first time in Ecuador or a repeat visit?

Gaynor: First time!

Alex: My second time in Ecuador but first time to Otavalo and Cotopaxi.

Julia: First time EVER but it will not be the last.

The group enjoying the vibes at Otavalo market

What was your favourite location?

Gaynor: Otavalo – it’s a real cultural area full of charm and character – plus has amazing markets.

Alex: Cotopaxi and Chilcabamba Lodge was an unforgettable experience. Climbing up to the 4800-metre refuge point on the volcano was very worthwhile! The lodge has an incredible view of the volcano and the sunrise is spectacular.

Julia: Otavalo is truly a remarkable destination in Ecuador, and it holds a special place in my heart. The town itself is nestled in the Andes, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and serene lakes, which creates a stunning backdrop to its rich cultural heritage. It is also within driving distance from Quito International Airport, so we went straight here off the flight. If you are interested in culture and indigenous communities, then this is the stop you do not want to miss.  

Julia climbing Cotopaxi with a smile

What was your most memorable moment?

Gaynor: Seeing the incredible Cotopaxi volcano for the first time and the surrounding scenery was incredible – huge mountains and deep valleys surround Quito.

Alex: Waking up at sunrise to see the volcano from Chilcabamba Lodge was peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Julia: That morning at Chilcabamba Lodge in Cotopaxi was something I’ll never forget. I’d set my alarm for 5:30 a.m., determined not to miss Cotopaxi Volcano if it decided come out of hiding as our guide promised it would. I remember I woke up, opened my curtains and there it was, just as the clouds shifted enough to reveal the volcano. I ran outside in my slippers and pyjamas without even thinking and found a platform in Chilcabamba’s beautiful gardens where I sat & watched the sun slowly rise behind the volcano, with clouds drifting around. It only lasted about 15 minutes before the clouds swallowed it back up, but it was the perfect bit of peace I’d been craving away from busy London life.

The Quito Metropolitan Cathedral

What was the best excursion or experience on your Ecuador Holiday?

Gaynor: Cooking class with local chef was amazing using all fresh ingredients from the garden and making everything in the traditional way.

Alex: We did a typical Ecuadorian cooking class near Otavalo which was very fun and delicious. A very cool and unique experience which would be great for families and friends alike.

Julia: Cotopaxi Volcano hike! We woke up and set off from Quito to Cotopaxi. It was raining and cloudy and I was in a terrible mood and very reluctant to get out the van to hike in the conditions, especially after hearing clients incredible stories of visiting the national park and being greeted by nature, wildlife, towering mountains and the crystal clear view of the volcano. After the guide managed to successfully bribe me with some chocolate and the promise that although the weather is terrible, once we hike through the clouds, it’ll be the highlight of my trip, I left the van and started the hike. I rarely admit when I am wrong… but oh I was wrong. We hiked up to around 4,864m above sea level, and when we got to the top we were rewarded with an amazing view of the peak of the volcano and a hot chocolate. The refuge was covered in flags and signatures from people who made this journey up the volcano, or were using the refuge as a stopping point before hiking to 5,897m above sea level to the peak. The views from up here were amazing and we were lucky to see condors, too!

Cooking classes in Otavalo

What do you recommend for packing or prepping for a trip to Ecuador?

Gaynor: Long trousers for hikes up Cotopaxi volcano as it can get very cold – fleece for evenings and coca tea/sweets on arrival to help with altitude.

Alex: The altitude in certain locations can be challenging, so drink lots of water and prepare to be a bit out of breath walking round Quito!

Julia: Dark Chocolate – This is going to be your altitude preventative and medicine. Whenever I felt slightly drowsy from the altitude, I would open a bar of dark chocolate which would help with the affects. Also make sure you leave room in your suitcase to take back an alpaca fur jumper and some crafts from the market.

What was your favourite food & drink during your visit to Ecuador?

Gaynor: Its hard to choose as all the food was amazing – the ceviche was delicious.

Alex: My favourite food was the Ecuadorian empanadas which are so cheap and so good. The drink of choice was the Pilsener beer!

Julia: We did a chocolate excursion in Quito in the main square. The chocolate in Ecuador is some of the best in the world and I am yet to find a brownie or bar of chocolate in the UK that tops this. We had all flavours including chile chocolate, lemon grass, rose and even 99% cacao.

Ceviche, meat and sides in Ecuador

What is your favourite photo from the trip?

Can you sum up your trip to Ecuador in just three words: 

Gaynor: Adventurous, epic, incredible.

Alex: I’ll be back!

Julia: More than (just) Galápagos!

Ready to book your trip to Ecuador? Speak to our dedicated Ecuador Travel Specialists or read more about Ecuador by clicking here.

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