The Ecological Cotocachi-Cayapas Reserve, in the Western Andes, encompasses 204,420 hectares that ranges in elevation from the summit of Cotocachi (4,939 meters) to coastal rainforest (300 meters).

Access to the reserve is difficult since most of the area is covered by thick vegetation, with the exception of the eastern edge, which is páramo. Most people choose to access the reserve from Otovalo or Ibarra, but it is also possible to gain entry by traveling up the Cayapas River from the coastal Afro-ecuadorian community of Borbon.

The Piñan area, a section of high, unspoilt páramo, is located at the eastern end of the Cotocachi-Cayapas reserve. For incredible views, which many consider to be the best in Ecuador, try summiting the Yanaurco in the Piñan. The trek takes between three and four days and begins at the small village of Iruguincho, northwest of Ibarra. A stop in the village will give you an insight into the traditional farming practice in the area, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

As you climb high into the páramo, you may notice herds of wild horses, an abundance of small lakes and spectacular local vegetation that includes a variety of wild flowers. Due to the isolation and unspoiled nature of the area, the Piñan is one of the best places in Ecuador to see condors and white-tailed deer. For those interested in birds, there are also caracaras, finches, flycatchers and a large number of hummingbird species.

From the Yanaurco summit, the views are breathtaking. On a clear day you can see the whole of the Ibarra/San Pablo valley and a scattering of more than 40 lakes. Campus Trekking Agency, based in Quito, is one of the Ecuadorian operators that offers guides for the Piñan trek. Contact: Campus Trekking Tel: 593-2-234-0601, URL: www.campustrekking.com.

Hotel

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Hacienda Cusin - Otavalo Ecuador Hotel Hacienda Cusin is a restored 17th-century Andean estate at 8,500 feet, close to the Equatorial Line and 90 minutes north of Quito, Ecuador. Snow-capped mountains and the famous Otavalo markets are nearby. haciendacusin.com