Nowadays, Tierra del Volcan owns four distinctive curated properties:
- Hacienda El Porvenir, located on the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano, near the Cotopaxi National Park.
- Hacienda El Tambo, located inside the Cotopaxi National Park, near Quilindaña Volcano.
- Hacienda El Cerotal, located on the slopes on Imbabura Volcano, in the northern andes.
- Casa Centro, in the colonial area of the city of Quito.
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, yet one of the most diverse countries in the World! To give you an idea one could have breakfast by the Pacific Ocean, drive to have lunch in the Andes, and continue for a dinner at the Amazon (very extreme trip but is just to give you an idea on the size and diversity). Not without mentioning The Galapagos Islands! Just 2 hours drive from Quito (depending on the direction) you can get to the cloud forest, or to Cotopaxi which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, or to Otavalo where you can find one of the largest markets in the World. If you would like more information or assistance in setting all your trip just send us an email or WhatsApp text.
Mid-level to upscale restaurants and hotels will tack a 10% service charge onto your bill. If the service has been exceptionally good, you can leave another 10% (as a reference) to indicate your appreciation. As for tour guides and drivers, we do pay fair wages; however, if you felt that the service was great, you can give a $5–$10 per person per day for each.
Ecuador is a safe country for tourists, especially in tourist areas. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are some areas that should be avoided due to high crime rates, such as certain parts of Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, Carchi, and Sucumbíos.
Ecuadorians are generally warm and welcoming to visitors. However, in Quito, as in any big city, it’s still important to safeguard your belongings from pickpockets and thieves. Be especially vigilant with bags, backpacks, mobile phones, and cameras in crowded areas like public squares, bus terminals, and markets. Stay informed about areas that may be unsafe or prone to crime. Always use officially registered and licensed taxis.
Altitude sickness occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes. This causes symptoms such as a headache, weakness or dizziness, loss of appetite, digestion problems and trouble sleeping.
It happens most often when people who are not used to high altitudes go quickly from lower altitudes to higher ones. Mild altitude sickness is common. Experts do not know who will get it and who will not. It doesn’t depend on your fitness level nor being male or female, adult or child plays a role in whether you get altitude sickness.
To prevent altitude sickness is important to hydrate and acclimatize yourself properly and to inform us if you have any of the described symptoms. To treat altitude sickness, the most effective solution is to lower down in altitude.
We are open year round under prior reservation. Depending on the tour or activity you would like to do we have some suggestions. Mountain climbing can be done during all of the year, but the best months go from October to March. Tours heading to Hacienda El Tambo can also be done year round, but the best months are from September to May. June, July and August are known locally as summer, and little rain is expected, beautiful clear skies are common and so are strong winds.