NATURE CONSERVATION Travel Style
Wild Andes Conservation Journey
Nature beyond scenery.
A 10-day journey through Ecuador’s protected reserves, cloud forests and high-altitude landscapes, revealing conservation through wildlife, stewardship and living territories.
USD 3.570,00
Overview
Conservation across Ecuador’s living Andean landscapes
Wild Andes Conservation Journey explores Ecuador through protected areas, private reserves, community initiatives and high-altitude landscapes where biodiversity and human stewardship are closely connected.
The route moves from Andean condor habitat and cloud forest conservation to community ecotourism, sustainable production, volcanic reserves and the extreme highland ecosystems surrounding Chimborazo. Rather than experiencing nature only as scenery, travelers discover different ways ecosystems are protected, managed and sustained.
Naturalist walks, birdwatching opportunities, interpretive visits and community encounters create a journey where conservation becomes visible through both landscapes and the people and organizations connected to them.
Trip Highlights
Conservation takes different forms across the Andes
From endangered species habitat to community stewardship and protected volcanic landscapes, each stage reveals another layer of conservation in action.
Andean Condor Habitat
Explore Chakana Reserve and the high-altitude grasslands and rocky formations connected to one of Ecuador’s most emblematic endangered species.
Otavalo & Northern AndesCloud Forest Biodiversity
Walk through Yanacocha and Bellavista, where protected montane forests support hummingbirds, restricted-range species and the biodiversity of the Chocó Andino.
Community Stewardship in Yunguilla
Discover how conservation, ecotourism, local production and community organization can work together as part of long-term territorial care.
Cuicocha Crater Landscapes
Trek through Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve around the volcanic crater and experience one of the journey’s strongest combinations of geology and protected nature.
Cotopaxi High-Altitude Ecosystems
Experience the buffer zone, Andean rural culture and the protected grassland landscapes surrounding Cotopaxi and Limpiopungo Lagoon.
Chimborazo Conservation Finale
Close the journey among the cold, open landscapes of Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve, where volcanic geography, wildlife protection and extreme elevation come together.
Itinerary at a Glance
From cloud forests to Ecuador’s highest Andean landscapes
The route progressively moves through protected habitats, community-managed territories and volcanic ecosystems before reaching the high-altitude landscapes of Chimborazo.
Welcome to Ecuador and private transfer to the hotel. This first day allows travelers to settle into the Andean capital, adjust to the altitude and prepare for the journey ahead.
Explore Andean condor habitat, high-altitude birdlife and protected grassland landscapes at Chakana Reserve before returning for an evening visit through Quito’s Historic Center.
Discover hummingbird habitat and montane cloud forest conservation at Yanacocha before continuing into the Chocó Andino landscape around Bellavista.
Visit the Pacto panela project to understand sustainable agro-production and responsible commercialization, then continue to Yunguilla for a community-led conservation and ecotourism experience.
Visit the Inti Ñan Solar Museum before traveling north toward La Calera to explore community initiatives, local identity and territorial organization.
Trek around the volcanic landscape of Cuicocha within Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, followed by an encounter with living cultural traditions at Casa Matico in Peguche.
Experience the Cotopaxi buffer zone through chagra-style horseback riding, visit Cotopaxi National Park and Limpiopungo Lagoon, then continue to an agroecological hacienda experience in Tigua.
Explore Quilotoa’s volcanic crater and the landscapes of Ilinizas Ecological Reserve before continuing south toward Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve.
Enter the high-altitude reserve for a close encounter with Ecuador’s highest mountain and the austere ecosystems that define the final chapter of the conservation journey.
Private transfer to the airport for departure or continue with an Amazon Rainforest and/or Galapagos extension.
Full Program Details
Download the complete Wild Andes Conservation Journey PDF
Access the complete day-by-day itinerary, accommodation references, meals, included activities, rates and commercial conditions.
Program Details
What’s included in this journey
The program combines private ground operation, guided conservation experiences, selected accommodation and activities across reserves, communities and protected landscapes.
Program Includes
- National bilingual guide: English / Italian / German / French to Spanish
- Private transportation according to the confirmed route
- Private airport transfers
- Accommodation according to itinerary
- Meals according to itinerary
- Visits and activities described in the confirmed itinerary
- Operational coordination by Maquita Impact-Based DMC
Program Does Not Include
- International flights to and from Ecuador.
- Domestic flights, unless specifically quoted.
- Optional activities, upgrades, or special arrangements
- Travel insurance or medical assistance coverage.
- Personal expenses and tips
- Amazon Rainforest or Galapagos extensions, unless added to the proposal.
Additional Information
Useful travel references
Travelers should allow time to adjust to altitude.
Layered clothing, sun protection, and light rain gear are recommended.
Can be adjusted by buyer profile, hotel style and market expectations.
Nature Conservation Travel Style
Part of our Nature Conservation Travel Style
Nature Conservation explores Ecuador’s biodiversity through the landscapes, reserves, communities and stewardship practices connected to its protection. The focus is not simply on seeing remarkable natural places, but on understanding conservation in action — from wildlife habitat and protected areas to community stewardship and responsible livelihoods.
VIEW NATURE CONSERVATION STYLE →Travelers who want to experience nature beyond scenery.
Recommended Extensions
Continue the conservation story beyond the Andes
Wild Andes can extend naturally into two of Ecuador’s most distinctive ecosystems, connecting the mainland conservation narrative with the Amazon Rainforest or Galapagos Islands.
Amazon Rainforest Experience
Add a Napo-based Amazon extension with forest trails, Kichwa knowledge, chakra, local gastronomy, river life, and community-based hospitality.
EXPLORE AMAZON EXTENSION →
Galapagos Islands Experience
Connect the mainland journey with curated Galapagos cruise-based or island hopping options according to traveler profile, comfort level, availability, and travel dates.
VIEW GALAPAGOS OPTIONS →Start Planning with Maquita
Build the conservation journey that fits your market
Use Wild Andes Conservation Journey as a structured starting point and adapt the experience around traveler profile, group needs, timing and preferred extensions while preserving a coherent Nature Conservation narrative.