A day-trip to Otaval,mostly known for its indigenous market, is one of the most popular trips from Quito. I decided to spend a little more time in the region, to combine: Otavalo + indigenous market Train trip to the North (touristy, I know - but I like train rides) Cotocachi Volcano and Cuicocha Laguna - horseback … Continue reading Otavalo and around
Biking Dutchman? Really? Well... despite the name (insider joke, nothing against the Dutch!!) I opted-in for a full-day bike tour at Cotopaxi volcano. Almost did not make it to the tour: a) the day before I incurred an eye infection due to flying sand during the Quilotoa hike and b) they almost forgot to pick … Continue reading Mountain Biking at Cotopaxi volcano
Laguna Quilotoa is a volcanic crater lake at 3.800 m, located within the active volcano Quilotoa, last major eruption over 850 years ago. We hopped on a truck at 9 am in the morning: a 45 min drive to Quilotoa. There we started our hike around the crater rim. And of course we happened to … Continue reading Day hike to Laguna Quilotoa
I'm amazed by Canyon's. Most of the time they are very well hidden, carved into the rocks by strong natural forces, very steep or less steep, with high plateaus or without. This one here is certainly not as impressive as the Colca Canyon that I hiked in Peru, yet it was still worth a hike. … Continue reading Four hour hike in Toachi Canyon
A steep climb up to the ridge (approx. at 3.600m) of the mountains behind The Black Sheep Inn - but worth it, since it presents another amazing view of the surrounding area. We had lots of wind on our hike,especially on the top, a dramatic sky and perfect views!
A short, approx. 2-hour hike starting directly from Black Sheep Inn, lead me down into a canyon, along the canyon - including sheep's on the way - up through a tiny rock chasm, and... I was rewarded with a steep view down into the canyon on the other side. Walking along the path is nothing … Continue reading Hiking the “Skywalk”
Since I wanted to be on top the mountains rather than in the valley, The Black Sheep Inn, a ECO Lodge in the middle of the Andes, seemed like a good idea. Promising day hikes, yoga and a hot tub & sauna - exactly what I needed for a view days. My stay exceeded my … Continue reading Right in the middle of the Andes: Black Sheep Inn
Baños (de Agua Santa), was praised by Lonelyplanet & co. as the action adventure place of Ecuador. A small holiday spot at 1.800 m with thermal springs and waterfalls. Surrounded by lush green forests and the neighbouring volcano Tungurahua. I stayed here for 2 days, cutting down from a planned three - because I realized, … Continue reading Baños: Biking not bathing