Paul Bird
From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.
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Otavalo
Otavalo and the surrounding villages are famous for their dazzling textiles and intricate handicrafts, which are on proud display at the famous indigenous market held on an enormous scale each Saturday in the central ‘Poncho Plaza’.
Observe proud Otavalenos dressed in traditional attire bartering with tourists over stalls piled high with a vast array of goods, while children play happily at their feet and artisans exchange their earnings for food staples and livestock. It is a sight to behold and a photographer’s delight. Irresistible souvenirs include quality woollen blankets, scarves, sweaters, tapestries, ponchos, jewellery and embroidered clothing. Leatherwork comes from the nearby village of Cotacachi and beautiful woodcarvings from San Antonio de Ibarra.
A little more about Otavalo
The Imbabura province offers a host of scenic trekking or horse riding possibilities from the majestic torrents of Peguche Waterfall to the picturesque crater lake of Cuicocha, and the excellent bird watching opportunities at Mojanda Lakes. Make your Ecuador tour more memorable by staying in a local hacienda, a colonial farming estate turned into a beautiful, secluded hotel with period decor and local homegrown produce.
Experiences
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
Idea
Ecuador
Amazon, Cloud Forest & Avenue of Volcanoes
The ultimate medley of mainland Ecuador’s most iconic destinations, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, this journey by road, by plane and by canoe has a truly exploratory feeling due to its remarkable wildlife-spotting and interaction with indigenous…
Idea
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands by Land
This island-hopping, land-based adventure through the Galapagos Islands is ideally suited to wandering wildlife-lovers that prefer to keep their feet on solid ground staying at a selection of unique island properties with irresistible features. While sailing is the most traditional way to experience…
Idea
Ecuador
Amazon, Cloud Forest & Avenue of Volcanoes
The ultimate medley of mainland Ecuador’s most iconic destinations, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, this journey by road, by plane and by canoe has a truly exploratory feeling due to its remarkable wildlife-spotting and interaction…
Idea
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands by Land
This island-hopping, land-based adventure through the Galapagos Islands is ideally suited to wandering wildlife-lovers that prefer to keep their feet on solid ground staying at a selection of unique island properties with irresistible features. While sailing is the most traditional way…
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
John Faithfull
John rode the railways of Ecuador on the carriage roof before it was outlawed, but still recommends a jaunt along the Devil’s Nose – an engineering marvel that can still be enjoyed from inside a carriage.
Talk with our experts
- 1 800 571 2985
Roxy Dukes
I love to squeeze as much out of my day as possible. An outdoors fanatic, I love to delve into harsh environments having summited numerous mountains and trail running into the unknown whenever I get the chance – whether at home or overseas. Funnily enough, it didn’t start like that. It took a few years for the burning fire of adventure to truly take light with my eyes opened by the adventures travel could afford.
Talk with our experts
- 1 800 571 2985
Start planning your trip
Regions of Ecuador
Avenue of the Volcanoes
Two hours' drive south from Quito is the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a road that winds its way between Andean foothills dotted…
Cloud Forest
It is a birders' paradise. Without counting the seemingly endless species of hummingbirds, the list of bird species seen here would rival…
Cuenca
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and considered by many to be the most attractive. Founded on the Inca site…
Ecuadorian Amazon
In stark contrast to the cool snowcapped Andes mountains are the humid lowlands known as El Oriente. This is an area of…
Galapagos Islands
Welcome to Darwin’s playground, where a delicate collection of fearless wildlife and idyllic landscapes awaits.
Quito
South America’s second highest capital is sprawled along the slopes of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 9,350 feet.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and home to the country’s chief seaport with major industries focused on petroleum refining, shrimp fishing, and…
Loja
Loja's capital city of the same name and the area's natural wonders remain unsullied and largely undiscovered by travellers because they are…
Machalilla National Park
The Machalilla National Park offers a fascinating variety of flora and fauna and covers an area of 55,000 hectares including Salango and…
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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