Ecuador Trekking Avenue of The Volcanoes

DAY 1 – QUITO ARRIVAL DAY

Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 6:00 pm.

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best preserved colonial city of America – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.

Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time, we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Quito or similar.

Meals included: In-flight.

DAY 2 – TREK IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

Begin by hiking the sierra climate around the Limpiopungo lagoon (13000 ft/3800 m) on the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. There is also the possibility to see wild horses, wild bulls and some bird species. Concluding our day, we will drive to Isinlivi where we will spend the night.

Accommodation: Llullu Llama Lodge or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3 – TREKKING THROUGH THE TOACHI CANYON TO CHUGCHILAN

The charming Andean mountain landscapes will inspire us today on a trek along the Toachi canyon for 13.5 km (8.4 mi). Experience stunning views of small villages and indigenous people working in the fields. We will hike down to the canyon of the Toachi River and then back up to the main road that will take us to Chugchilán, a small town located on the middle of the Quilotoa loop. Here we will find our Eco-house accommodation, and in the afternoon, we can explore the village with the great opportunity to gain a bit of cultural experience with the locals.

Accommodation: Hostal Mama Hilda or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4 – TREKKING TO QUILOTOA

Early in the morning after breakfast we will start our hiking adventure for 11 km (6.9 miles) on small trails blazed by the mountain people and still used by locals to transport products and to travel across the canyons to reach neighboring communities. While trekking on this trail, it is common to see the traditional custom of exchanging goods with one another, bartering is still being utilized today. We will venture down into impressive canyons to later climb back up to the top of the crater rim, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Quilotoa Lake. The majesty of this place will take your breath away.

Enjoy a beautiful picnic with the best views from the volcano and transfer 2,5 hours to lodge in a magical hacienda in the foothills of Chimborazo volcano.

Accommodation: Hostería Andaluza or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 5 – TREK TO CHIMBORAZO BASECAMP

Early in the morning, we will drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador with an elevation of 6310 m (20702 ft) above sea level; whose summit is the furthest point from the center of the earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers. Visiting this spectacular national park includes a short hike for 0.9 km (0.57 mi) to reach the elevation of 5000 m (16404 ft) where the glacier begins. On the hike, we will try to spot a few of the animals that inhabit this volcanic climate such as the Andean condor, cara-cara, hummingbirds, and the timid wild Vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, they were reintroduced into the wild and are now protected; this beautiful animal is related to the alpacas and llamas. A delicious picnic will be organized at the base camp before we leave.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 6 – TREK IN THE LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK

Trek in Llanganates National Park for 6 hours, famous for its amazing landscapes and storied mystery. Legend has it that the Inca General Rumiñahui has a large sum of gold hidden somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range. Start the hike at 3,200m (10,498 ft) above sea level and travel upwards to 3,600m (12,024 ft). See a variety of changes in vegetation while trekking to higher elevations. Expect stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Sangay Volcano (if visibility is good). After this beautiful trek return to Baños to spend the lasts night in this magical town.

Good opportunity to join the neighbor spa and get a nice massage after a day of trekking moon-like landscape of Chimborazo and drive on to the tropical town of Baños. In the evening we can soak in the famous hot springs of Baños and experience the thriving nightlife of this town.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 7 – HIKE TO THE ROAD OF WATERFALLS AND RETURN TO QUITO

Baños is a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano and is an excellent place for outdoor activities including: horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and rafting. It is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country, you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look to this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Bride´s Veil waterfall, where we will take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then, we will hike down for one hour to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador. After a day full of adventures in the cloud forest, you will enjoy the scenic ride returning us to Quito City.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Quito or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

DAY 8 – DEPARTURE

Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!

Meals included: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.

Accommodation based in double occupancy: 3+ star hotel in Quito, 3 or 4-stars eco-hotel in Isinlivi, hostel in Chugchilan, hostel in Quilotoa, 5-star Andean lodge in Chimborazo, 3 or 4-star hotel in Baños.

Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners.

Activities: Trekking in Isinlivi, 3-day trekking to Chugchilan and Quilotoa, hiking to the glaciers of Chimborazo highest volcano in Ecuador, watch vicuñas (camel similar to llama or alpaca), trek the Llanganates National Park, hiking the road of waterfall in Baños, soak in volcanic hot springs, cable-car ride in Baños, hike to Pailon del Diablo waterfall, salsa lesson, cultural experience with the local people, indigenous authentic market.

Gear:  Hiking sticks.

Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.

 

Exclusions:

• My Own Room supplement: USD 495
• Airport transfer (international flights).
• Travel insurance (mandatory).
• Meals not described in the itinerary – Tips for guides and drivers