The mountains of the north are blessed with green ravines, pristine lakes and volcanic exuberance to perfect the surrounding scenery. It is where the native arts, weavings and handicrafts of Ecuador come from. Otavalo is the most famous town for its incredible Saturday market. The horse riding and hiking is spectacular and many haciendas will cater for your every need.
Ecuador is blessed with many beautiful waterfalls such as the Palion del Diablo and Nambillo waterfalls with the surrounding dramatic scenery and torrential waterfalls these incredible natural sites and wonders of nature are definitely worth a stop off on your trip. Many Ecuador waterfalls also have special spiritual significance to local indigenous people, and play important roles in cleansing ceremonies.
Yes Peru is more famous for the Inca trail but the network of Inca roads actually started in Ecuador and the famous ruins Ingapirca which is the best-preserved Inca site in the country. The pathways and stone terraces leading to the spectacular sun temple are incredible and actually light up on the summer solstice. These temples are very reminiscent of Indiana Jones!
The Cuicocha glacier lake is a smaller version of the Quilota lake though the more spectacular and definitely lesser-visited. Found just outside of Otavalo so if shopping is not your thing, you can take a trip to the magnificent Cuicocha lake. The crater lake has a jagged ridge and you can hike around the whole thing without bumping into anyone. Named after a guinea pig (Cuy) this legendary lake takes the form of our fluffy friend and is hidden in the Andean mountain range.