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Trek in the Ecuadorian Andes while you discover a magical world of stunning landscapes, rural hidden villages, local indigenous communities, and massive volcanoes. These features and more come together to shape the famous AVENUE OF VOLCANOES in the Ecuadorian highlands.
This trekking adventure through the narrow trails used by the local mountain people will take you deep into the heart of the Andean culture, enabling you to experience the local way of living.
Trek for 3 days to reach QUILOTOA volcano, hike down the base of the Quilotoa crater-lake and swim in the volcanic waters. Hike up to the 5000m glacier of CHIMBORAZO, highest volcano in Ecuador. Discover legends and secrets of the Gods' ¨volcanoes¨ through the local knowledge of the people
"Unique Experiences:"
Kayak inside Quilotoa crater lake and discover the hidden activity of this mythical volcano
Admire the stunning glacier of the highest summit measured from the center of the world
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm. 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.
Admission ticket free -
2Cotopaxi 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. Trekking time: 2 hours on flat terrain around Limpiopungo lagoon, elevation: 12,631 ft, elevation gain 1,000 feet, distance 5 miles, total steps 15,345.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
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 in the middle of the Quilotoa Loop. Here we will find our Eco-house accommodation, and in the afternoon we can explore the village with a great opportunity to gain a bit of cultural experience with the locals. Trekking time: 2 hours downhill from 10,810 ft. (3295 m) to the Toachi River at 9,500 ft (2896 m) and then 2 hours uphill to Chugchilán at 10,498 ft. (3200 m) Total steps: 25,481
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Quilotoa
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. Trekking time: 1 hour downhill from 10,498 ft. to the Toachi River at 9,800 ft. and then 2 and a half hours uphill to 13,000 ft. After, 1 hour and a half on flat terrain. Total steps: 27,518
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Chimborazo Province
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, caracara, 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.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
6
Trek in Llanganates National Park for 6 hours, famous for its amazing landscapes and storied mystery. Legend has it that the Inca General Ruminahui 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 Banos 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.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
7Banos
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.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Quito
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"!
Admission ticket free
Arrival in Quito City
Trekking in Cotopaxi National Park
Trekking Through The Toachi Canyon to Chugchilan
Trekking to Quilotoa
Trek to Chimborazo Basecamp
Trek in the Llanganates National Park
Hike to the road of Waterfalls and return to Quito
Departure Day - End of Services
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- IMPORTANT DETAILS
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Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- IMPORTANT DETAILS
- It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
- On Day 2, 5, 6 and 7 from 2 to 3 hours a day.
- On Day 3 and 4 no driving.
- All year
- Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Tungurahua, Chimborazo.
- All Inter-Andean Valleys and Andes mountains, cloud forest in Sangay and Llanganates National Park and canyons.
- 3 to 6 hours
- From 5100 to 1600 m (16,732 to 5,249 ft)
- Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
- Moderate to challenge. This program will run from the high Andean Mountains to the tropical cloud forest of the Amazon, which involves trekking for 4 to 5 hours a day along canyons and volcanoes.
- Hiking sticks.
- All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same gender. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
- Travelling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
- All Adventure Journeys guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service.
- Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest, and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
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Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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