v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Quilotoa Crater Lake — A bright turquoise crater lake you can walk the rim of, descend to by foot or mule, and camp nearby in tiny community-run hostels. The scenery and the low-key Quilotoa Loop villages make this a highland landscape you won’t forget — volcanic, walkable, and deeply local.
- Cotopaxi National Park (Laguna Limpiopungo & the refuge) — Classic Andean volcano country: hike across páramo, watch wild horses, and stand under the perfect cone of Cotopaxi. The short trek to Laguna Limpiopungo gives staggeringly clear volcano reflections, and local guides/ranch stays add authentic highland flavor.
- Chimborazo Faunal Reserve (Refugio José Rivas viewpoint) — Chimborazo’s snout is the geodetic high point of the Earth (farthest point from Earth’s center), and the reserve is where you’ll
- Quilotoa Crater Lake — A bright turquoise crater lake you can walk the rim of, descend to by foot or mule, and camp nearby in tiny community-run hostels. The scenery and the low-key Quilotoa Loop villages make this a highland landscape you won’t forget — volcanic, walkable, and deeply local.
- Cotopaxi National Park (Laguna Limpiopungo & the refuge) — Classic Andean volcano country: hike across páramo, watch wild horses, and stand under the perfect cone of Cotopaxi. The short trek to Laguna Limpiopungo gives staggeringly clear volcano reflections, and local guides/ranch stays add authentic highland flavor.
- Chimborazo Faunal Reserve (Refugio José Rivas viewpoint) — Chimborazo’s snout is the geodetic high point of the Earth (farthest point from Earth’s center), and the reserve is where you’ll see vicuñas and the harsh, stunning puna. It’s big, quiet, and raw — great for acclimatizing treks or simply watching highland wildlife and light. (Personal favorite — love the solitude and the view of those curved glaciers.)
- Otavalo Market & Peguche weaving community — One of the most authentic textile markets in South America: handwoven ponchos, natural dyes, and a real local pulse, not just souvenirs. Walk beyond the main plaza to Peguche for the waterfall and artisan workshops where traditional techniques are still taught.
- Cuicocha Crater Lake & Cotacachi — A deep caldera lake with two islands you can boat around; the walk on the rim is quiet and dramatic. Pair the lake with a stop in Cotacachi for respected leather craftsmen — two very different local experiences in one outing.
- Alausí — Devil’s Nose Train (Nariz del Diablo) — One of the most dramatic mountain train rides you can still take: engineering switchbacks clinging to steep slopes, spectacular canyon views, and a genuine working railway experience. It’s not a theme-park ride — it’s old-school Andes adrenaline and landscape in one.
- El Cajas National Park — High Andean tundra with hundreds of glacial lakes, hiking circuits, and excellent trout streams near Cuenca. The landscape is otherworldly at morning light and ideal for multi-hour hikes without crowds — a proper alpine experience in Ecuador’s south-central highlands.
- Saquisilí Market (hidden gem) — A less-touristed indigenous market near Latacunga where locals buy livestock, tools, and produce; far more “real life” than the better-known tourist markets. If you want to see how Highland markets run without the tourist gloss, this is the place.
- El Ángel Ecological Reserve (hidden gem) — A northern páramo of frailejones, peat bogs, and strange highland plants that don’t look like they belong anywhere else. It’s quiet, often empty of tourists, and perfect for anyone who loves weird high-altitude ecosystems and photography.
- Tigua Painting Village (hidden gem) — A small craft village famous for colorful folk paintings that depict Andean life and volcanoes in a style you won’t find elsewhere. Workshops let you watch artists paint and try a piece yourself — an intimate, creative cultural stop that’s easy to miss if you stick to big towns.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Chimborazo Private Transfer from Riobamba – Carrel Refuge Visit
✓ Free cancellation
"Private Chimborazo Tour for 2 people"
✓ Free cancellation
Chimborazo Volcano and Condor Cocha Lagoon Day Tour
✓ Free cancellation
3-Day Altar Volcano Trekking Tour to Laguna Amarilla from Riobamba
Chimborazo Summit - 2 Days Private Tour
Riobamba's Heritage Walking Tour
✓ Free cancellation
2 days - Trekking snowy the Altar Volcano & Yellow Lagoon Visit
Full-Day Ghost Hideout Tour from Riobamba
✓ Free cancellation
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.