Humidity, blasts of hot air, heavy traffic... Embark for Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador even though Quito is the capital. We're off for a visit of the "Pearl of the Pacific", from its landscaped river promenade (the Malecón 2000) to the cerro Santa Ana, not to mention the city centre!

Guayaquil, pearl of the Pacific

In this article you will find a presentation of Isla de la Plata, nicknamed "the poor-man's Galapagos", which can be reached from Puerto López.

Leaving Puerto López for the little Galapagos

Ecuadorian Amazonia possesses the densest biodiversity in the world. With its 6034 square kilometres, the reserve is an incredible mix of rivers and flooded forests (due to the large quantities of annual rainfall in the Amazon). The result? A part of the Amazon that is unique and which will not leave you unaffected...

Cuyabeno, the jewel of the Amazon in Ecuador

In this article we visit Otavalo, the best market in Ecuador and perhaps the best in the world.

Otavalo and its most wonderful markets

Quito

Otavalo

Amazonia

Riobamba

At 20km from the Quilotoa Lagoon, in the heart of a lush, green landscape, Chugchilán is a quiet mountain village. 

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It was at Chugchilán that I finished the three-day hike along the Quilotoa Loop. Looking back, it was one of my favourite moments from my trip to Ecuador. Chugchilán is a lovely, little village nestled at 3,200m altitude. It's surrounded by a stunning landscape, so typical of Ecuador. Lots of people will tell you it's peaceful and I can confirm that after a 3-day hike, it's the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Accommodation-wise, there's not much choice. Only one place caters for budget travellers. It's very friendly, in particular the communal living area. You can curl up by a fireplace, in the company of travellers who come from all corners of the world.

At 20km from the Quilotoa Lagoon, in the heart of a lush, green landscape, Chugchilán is a quiet mountain village.

I was working for a few weeks at a hostel in the village of Isinlibi on the Quilotoa Loop Trek and I managed to get a day and a half off to go to Chugchilan, which I'd been told so much about by weary hikers arriving from their walk. But at least I knew that it's easier to go in the Chugchilan - Isinlibi direction rather than the other way round, so I walked to Sigchos where I caught a bus to Chugchilan. I arrived mid-afternoon and it was really chilly! Typical...it's hot in the morning and then around 2pm the sky clouds over and you start to shiver... I stopped at the hostel and rested up, knowing that I had a long day ahead of me. I was planning to visit the Quilotoa Lagoon (leaving on a 5am bus), followed by a 4-5 hour walk back to Isinlivi. I did a quick tour of the village but there wasn't a lot to see. I checked out the activities on offer; you can go horseriding and/or take a tour of the local cheese factory, but it was too late and I wouldn't have the time the next day. But no matter, I decided to bed down and prepare myself for the next day's adventure!

Ideally placed on the Quilotoa Loop, Chugchilan is a village/stopover at 3,200m; the perfect place to rest for  hikers exploring the region!

Chugchilan Holidays

Chugchilan: How to get there?

Chugchilan: See when to go?

Chugchilan: For how long?

Chugchilan: What to see nearby?

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