Try to arrange accommodations before your trek. If you have problems reserving rooms online, ask your hotel manager in Cotacachi for assistance.

Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The mountains around Cotacachi can be cool and very rainy, especially in the afternoon. If possible, plan to hike in the morning and bring good rain gear! 

Dress in layers. The nights and early mornings will be chilly (5 to 12 degrees centigrade). Daytime temperatures are rarely below 15 C or above 23 C; however, the sun is intense. On a clear day, it feels hot. Make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen, a hat and long sleeves.

Don’t count on finding food and water on the trail. Carry plenty of water and snacks! There are small stores in the indigenous communities you will be walking through, but they are often closed.

Be prepared to encounter aggressive dogs. Many indigenous households have several dogs that generally run loose. Most, but not all, are harmless – all bark, no bite. The best way to ensure that you don’t get bitten is to remain calm and keep walking. Don’t look directly at a barking dog! If a dog rushes towards you, pick up a few rocks and throw them. This usually stops the rush. Also, use your hiking poles to keep dogs away.

Be prepared to deal with high altitude sickness. This website describes the symptoms, causes and treatments:  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/altitude-sickness

The water in Cotacachi is potable, but this isn’t the case in the communities you will be walking through. Filter or add water purification tablets when you refill water bottles outside of Cotacachi.