Roving correspondent and altitude seeker Bailey Freeman recently returned from the highlands of Ecuador, sharing tips for maximizing your experience in this remarkable region.
I am a mountain person through and through, since their quiet grandness makes me feel alive in a way that no other environment can.
So when I got the chance to visit the Andes of Ecuador, I was immediately all in. In Ecuador, the Andes possess a fiery energy, punctuated by volcanic wonders, many of which are active.
My journey specifically took me to the Andean corridor, home to one of Ecuador’s most impressive and active volcanoes: Cotopaxi. A tapestry of golden meadows, rocky peaks, and high-altitude sky, the region captured my heart the moment I saw my first peak. It still hasn’t let go.
I start the day in the Ecuadorian Andes with…
A drive into the mountains. We arrived in the Andes straight from Quito, climbing to approximately 13,000 ft above sea level and putting our altitude tolerance to the test. The drive into the mountains is one worth savoring: our destination, Cotopaxi National Park, is surrounded by magnificent volcanoes like Corazón, Pasochoa, Rumiñawi, and Antisana.
In the Ecuadorian Andes, you must try…
Canelazo. After a long, winding day in the mountains, nothing warms the soul quite like this delicious hot drink. A hacienda staple associated with hospitality and warmth, canelazo is a combination of cinnamon, sugar, water, tart naranjillo juice, and aguardiente if you’re feeling adventurous. Its taste mirrors the soothing yet exciting landscape.
The top spot for an epic adventure in the Ecuadorian Andes is…
On top of a horse. I’m a big hiker and typically favor exploring on foot, but even I can’t deny the joy of wandering through this stunning place on horseback. Thanks to Tropic Eco Journeys, I savored the rolling hills and valleys of Cotopaxi National Park atop my spirited steed named Tequila. We spent an unforgettable afternoon trotting across the high-altitude plain, witnessing wild horses gallop under Cotopaxi’s formidable peak.
In the Ecuadorian Andes, I stayed in…
A cozy hacienda. When staying in Ecuador’s Andean highlands, haciendas are the ideal choice. These guesthouses incorporate beautiful local touches, like personal fireplaces that transport you to a mountain dreamland. I enjoyed a lovely stay at a charming hacienda where I spent the night in an inviting loft, immersing myself in the mountain serenity.
As a souvenir from the Ecuadorian Andes, you should bring back…
A sense of awe and gratitude. This may sound corny, but it’s profoundly true. To the Kichwa, Cotopaxi is seen as the mountain god. Its name means “neck of the moon,” referring to its crescent-shaped crater. Standing in its presence is a sacred experience; the snow-capped cone is so perfect and immense that it feels like it belongs in another universe.
The one item I recommend bringing to the Ecuadorian Andes is…
A good camera. It’s often said that the equipment doesn’t make the photographer, but having a reliable tool to capture every texture, color, and depth change is invaluable. My Nikon was my steadfast companion, and I’ll cherish the photos I’ve taken for years to come.
