Hiking in Cotacachi: An Adventure in Los Cedros Forest

The trek into Ecuador's Los Cedros Biological Station began with a quiet warning: cell phone signals vanished within half an hour of reaching the remote location. Nestled in the foothills of a mountain range, this natural refuge guards over 6,000 hectares of cloud forest within the biodiverse Chocó Andino region.

Upon arrival, the group was briefed on the real itinerary: a three-and-a-half-hour hike deep into the jungle to reach the heart of this natural heritage site. Despite social media warnings of cold weather, the air was refreshingly cool, not freezing. Participants prepared for a gentle climb, with some opting to travel light on foot, others carrying heavy luggage, and a few donning rubber boots due to the muddy conditions and "water arches."

The ascent quickly enveloped the group in dense vegetation, with giant ferns and towering trees dominating the landscape. After an hour, the climate grew warm, making water and energy drinks precious commodities. Participants, initially accustomed to checking their phones, found the screens useful only for tracking time as the scenery became the sole distraction.

As the trail grew steeper, it transformed into a labyrinth of rocks, mud, plants, and fallen logs. Natural arches formed by trees adorned the path, and fog would periodically descend, creating a clean, breezy atmosphere. Journalists, content creators, and photographers, invited by the Cotacachi Municipality for a press trip, began to show fatigue but remained determined to reach their goal: documenting and promoting the ecological, scientific, and scenic importance of the protected zone.

Despite varying fitness levels, the group moved together, matching the pace of the slowest member. Breaks were filled with laughter and jokes, with some playfully suggesting turning back while others quipped about taking wrong turns. The journey itself became an education, teaching participants how to navigate puddles and descend slopes. Some even fashioned walking sticks from fallen branches, adopting a style reminiscent of Moses. This trekking experience highlighted the area's potential for adventure tourism.