Last week saw the culmination of a new initiative for LATA: a fully member-supported FAM trip to Ecuador exclusively for LATA  tour operator members.

We decided that working specifically with our members to deliver a FAM would showcase their expertise and increase engagement with what they were able to offer.

We deliberately chose mainland Ecuador to highlight what the country offers beyond the Galapagos but with so much on offer, selecting exactly what to include was difficult. However, our amazing LATA members were quick to offer a wide range of exceptional excursions and activities.

We began our trip in Quito with an engaging city tour. We learned about mask making traditions and Ecuadorian chocolate before finishing the day with some phenomenal, historic music inside a volcano.

From Quito we travelled to a fabulous family farm outside Nono village where we embraced traditional farm life and churrasco. Then it was onto misty Mindo, where our Merlin bird app came into full effect.

After a wild night’s celebration back in Quito where we were treated to an exceptional, individually curated meal, dancing, music, magic and many cocktails, we travelled to Cotopaxi National Park where we danced some more under moody skies, and watched the clouds clear over the majestic volcano.

We rode horses, learned about Chagra culture and Quichua traditions and cycled along winding trails. We climbed to mountain refuges, gasped at the altitude, and marvelled at the passion and beauty of the place and its people.

Next we headed further south along the Avenue of Volcanoes where stunning views were found around every twist and turn. We saw the wild and windy Devil’s Nose train tracks, learned about Ingapirca, did yet more dancing and were welcomed into Riobamba by amazing live music.

Cuenca wowed us with its charm and beauty. We hiked around a stunning lake in Cajas National Park, learned about Ecuador’s Toquilla straw hats (Panama hats), and were treated to even more amazing food.

After a long drive back to Quito we held a meet-and-greet evening at a unique art gallery for all of our Ecuadorian LATA members who were unable to take part in the FAM. We learned about ceviche, got arty with our desserts and celebrated with many of our members.

Our final day in Ecuador took us to Otavalo. We wove bracelets, listened to traditional music and were treated to a very special performance by Johan Lema playing charango.  We also made our own dreamcatchers and had one last meal alongside personalised cocktails. A wonderful way to end our trip.

Ecuador, you amazed and astounded at every turn. We all returned to the UK with a passion for the country, culture, people, food and all it has to offer.

Thank you to every single LATA member who was so kind and creative in what they provided:

Art Group (Arthoteles Ecuador S.A. & Art Experiences Travel), Metropolitan Touring, Gentian Trails, Amazing Ecuador, El Septimo Paraiso, Advantage Ecuador, Tropic Travel, Tierra del Volcan, Andean Travel Co, Geo Boutique, South American Tours DMC (SAT),  Klein Tours – GO Galapagos