• TREKKING AROUND CUICOCHA (5hours)
• TREKKING TO THE FUYA-FUYA (5 hours)
• MINDO - ECOTOURISM & ADVENTURE (01 DAY)
• PASOCHOA TREK (1 DAY)
• PAPALLACTA THERMALS WATERS (1 DAY)
• CARIHUAIRAZO-CHIMBORAZO (2 DAYS)
• EL ALTAR TREK (3 DAYS)
• TREKKING TO THE PIÑAN LAKES AND THE CLOUD FOREST (4 DAYS)
• CONDOR TRAIL TREK (4 DAYS)
• INCA TRAIL TREK (3 DAYS)
• ANDES TREKKING IN ECUADOR (5 DAYS)
• SANGAY TRAIL TREK (7 DAYS)
• TREKKING TO MOJANDA FROM CUICOCHA LAKE (3DAYS)
• HIKE WITH THE ICEMAN OF CHIMBORAZO (1 DAY)

 

During these trekking tours you will admire wonderful sceneries with a variety of Andean flora and fauna and the possibility exists to even see some condors drifting by.
The Ecuadorian highlands offer many excellent trekking routes, which give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Andes. We organize hiking tours to enchanting peaks, deep-blue lakes and hot springs in the cloud forest.

Trekking in Ecuador means not only enjoying the nature but also learning about the culture of the country. You will pass remote indigenous communities and visit ancient Incan ruins.

 

TREKKING AROUND CUICOCHA (5 hours)

Cuicocha is part of the Ecological Reserve Cotacachi-Cayapas which is at an altitude of 3,064 m. This reserve is a pleasure for every nature lover.
This 5-hour hike will give you the opportunity to view a variety of Andean flora, and fauna surrounding the lake and its unique landscape. The lake, with its beautiful crystal waters, has two small islands created by volcanic domes, and has a depth of approximately 200 m. With a clear sky during the trek you will be able to see the snow-capped peaks of the volcanoes Cayambe, Cotopaxi and the craters of Cotacachi and Imbabura. You will start your hike at 3,100 m and you will reach a viewpoint at 3,500 m-from this point onwards you will descend to the level of the lake.

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TREKKING TO THE FUYA-FUYA (5 hours)
MOUNTANING AND MOJANDA LAKES

In this one-day trip (4 hour hike) you will visit Caricocha lake. This tranquil lake is situated at approximately 3,700 meter above sea level and is hidden by grassland hills with the Fuya-Fuya mountain providing a grand backdrop.

After this you will ascend Fuya-Fuya (4,265 m), which is usually a 2 hours climb, and have a magnificent view of two of the three sparkling Mojanda lakes (Caricocha and Yanacocha). If it is a clear day, you may also see the snow-capped peaks of Cotapaxi, Cayambe and Antisana, the craters of Cotacachi and Imbabura, and you will be able to spot Quito and Otavalo. The ascent of Fuya-Fuya is a perfect preparation for climbing Andean peaks like Cotopaxi.

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MINDO-ECOTOURISM AND ADVENTURE (01 Day)

 

We'll leave from Quito , where we can admire the amazing change of vegetation and weather, until we get to the zone of the Rainforest of Mindo. Here we'll walk to the waterfalls, depending of the level of difficulty and adventure that you want to realize, enjoying during the trip the natural forests of the region, the crystalline rivers and of more than 400 exotic species of birds, butterflies and orchids. If you ask we could do Kayak and Rafting. We'll return to Quito in the afternoon.

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PASOCHOA TREK( 01 Day)

We'll leave Quito at 8:00 a.m. we will take the highway to the valley of the Chillos, at the altitude of Amaguaña we'll make a deviation to a secondary road (in good condition) for around one hour and 30 minutes we'll get to the entrance of the protected forest Pasochoa. It is an ecological and fauna reserve where we do determinate trip you can admire a primary forest (it hasn't been touched by man). A secondary forest, in its natural state with a tremendous quantity of wild birds, which is a magnificent opportunity for those who like to bird watch and take pictures. In the afternoon we'll return to Quito.

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PAPALLACTA-THERMAL WATERS( 01 Day)

We'll leave from Quito , in the morning through the highway that reaches to the Amazonian Jungle, like at 1 hour and a half.

We'll do a fast visit to the lagoon of Papallacta that is in a very cold peak and a beautiful view to the natural landscapes, which contrasts with the thermals pools, that are great for anti-stress therapy and is recommendable for your health.
All of this you could enjoy inside the touristy complex Papallacta Thermals where you can walk through natural pathways or optional activities in their fabulous SPA. Return to Quito in the afternoon.

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CARIHUAIRAZO-CHIMBORAZO TREK (2 Days)

During this short trek you will cross the pass between two snow-capped mountains: Chimborazo and Carihuairazo, both extinct volcanoes. Hiking on the páramo of the Chimborazo Reserve you will have excellent views of these peaks.

Day 1: 

We leave at 9:00 a.m. from Riobamba by car and drive for about 45 minutes to Urbina, at 3600 m. / 11.812 f. altitude. We put our equipment on horses and then start hiking on the páramo grasslands. If the weather is clear, we will have good views of Chimborazo and Carihuairazo. After about 5 hours of hiking we reach our camp at 4000 m. / 13.124 f. altitude.

Day 2: 

After breakfast we leave the campsite and continue hiking. In this area there are many vicuñas (a kind of llama), and with some luck you can see the Star of Ecuador, one of the species of hummingbird that live at high altitude. We reach the highest point of this trek at 4400 m. / 14.436 f. and then go down until 4200 m. / 13.780 f. at the Carihuairazo base camp. From here we will drive back by car to Riobamba. Arrival at Riobamba at about 3:00 p.m.

DIFFICULTY: 

moderate; a basic acclimatization is recommended.

DEPARTURE: 

any day with minimum 2 persons.

WE PROVIDE: 

- naturalist guide
- transportation from / to Riobamba
- accommodation in double tents
- meals (2 box lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast) and purified drinking water
- pack horses for the equipment
- camping equipment

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EL ALTAR TREK (3 Days)

 

Day 1: 

At 9:30 a.m. we leave Riobamba. After a 1-hour drive we reach the Hacienda Releche, at 3200 m. altitude. We put our equipment on pack horses and start to hike up a steep hill. After 1 hour we reach the trail to El Altar and soon we will enjoy the first views of the extinct volcano and the valley of Collanes river. We continue hiking for about 5 hours until we reach the Collanes shelter at 3850 m., where we will spend the night.

Day 2: 

After breakfast we follow the Collanes Plain to El Altar’s crater lake. From the plateau at 4300 m., the highest point of this trek, we have marvellous views of the turquoise-green lake and the snow-capped peaks. Condors are still seen around here. In the afternoon we return to the refuge.

Day 3: 

In the morning we hike down from the refuge to Releche. From here we drive back to Riobamba. Arrival at about 2:00 p.m..

DIFFICULTY: 

intermediate; a basic acclimatization is recommended

DEPARTURE: 

any day with minimum 2 persons

WE PROVIDE: 

- guide
- transportation from / to Riobamba
- accommodation in refuge
- meals (3 x box lunch, 2 x dinner, 2 x breakfast) and purified drinking water
- pack horses for the equipment
- equipment

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TREKKING TO THE PIÑAN LAKES AND THE CLOUD FOREST

In four days you will hike part of the way around the Cotacachi volcano before descending to the Cloud Forest in the subtropical zone. Besides the Andean highland moors, the indigenous community of Piñan, and the countless lakes, you will also experience the tropical weather and the flora and fauna of the Intag zone where an abundance of species with high scientific and conservational value can be found. You will hike some 7 hours a day and will start at 3,400 m. The first night the campsite will be at around 3,700 m and you will end your hike after four days at 1,400 m in the subtropical zone of Intag.

 

Day 1: 

Departure from Otavalo at 5h00 to Cuicocha lake where we will start hiking. On the first day we will hike around the volcano Cotacachi, the habitat of the majestic condor, and will go mostly uphill. We will camp at 3,700 m in the Ecological Reserve Cotacachi-Cayapas.

Day 2: 

On the second day we will descend through the highland moors and visit Cristococha lake, after this we will continue in the direction of the volcano Yanaurco, and will camp at the banks of a river not too far from the community of Piñan.

Day 3: 

On the third day we will hike to the Piñan lakes and will continue to the river Piñan where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 4: 

On the last day we will hike through a Cloud Forest of the subtropical zone of Intag, and we will have a chance to observe the typical flora and fauna of this diverse ecosystem. We will end up at the community of Irubí where a car will be waiting and will take us to the hot springs of Nangulví, where we will take a refreshing bath, have lunch and head back to Otavalo.

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CONDOR TRAIL TREK ( 4 Days)

Day 1: 

We’ll leave Quito along the Interoceanic highway, until we get to the community of Tablon where we’ll take our horses and muleteers that will take us to the Tumiguina Lake, where we’ll do our first camp.
- Lunch while trekking
- Dinner at camp

Day 2: 

After breakfast we’ll continue our trek for six hours, arriving to our second camp, which features thermal springs. This area is called "Soldados" (Soldiers).
- Breakfast at camp
- Lunch while trekking
- Dinner at camp

Day 3: 

Our trek will continue for another 6 hours, until we get to the Forest of Polylepis, where we’ll make our third camp.
- Breakfast at camp
- Lunch while trekking
-Dinner at camp

Day 4: 

In this final day we’ll go trekking for approximately 4 hours where we’ll go down the hill to the outsides of Pintag, where our transportation will take us back to Quito. From here we’ll admire the Pasochoa, Sincholagua and Cotopaxi Mountains.

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INCA TRAIL TREK (3 Days)

The Incas made an impressive system of roads, which connected Quito, in the northern part of their empire, with Talca (south of Santiago, Chile). In the southern part of Ecuador's Central Valley it is possible to follow one of these old Inca trails, leading to the Incan ruins of Ingapirca.

 

Day 1: 

We leave at 9:00 a.m. from Riobamba by car and drive south until we reach the small village of Achupallas at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. altitude. Here we put our equipment on donkeys and then start hiking on the páramo grasslands. After about 4 hours of hiking we make our camp for the first night at about 3850 m. / 12.632 f. altitude.

Day 2: 

Today's hike starts with a climb from 3850 m. / 12.632 f. up to 4400 m. / 14.436 f. After 2 - 3 hours we reach the highest point of this trek, called Cuchilla de Tres Cruces. From here we have a beautiful view of Sansahuín, one of the many lakes in this area. Now we go down again and continue hiking for about 3 more hours, until we arrive at the Paredones ruins, where we camp.

Day 3: 

We continue descending to the south. After 3 hours we pass the small village of Cajón Tambo. From here we can see the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. It takes another couple of hours of walking to arrive at Ingapirca at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. Here you will visit the ruins and the museum, to learn about the culture of the Inca's and the Cañari's. In the afternoon we return by car to Riobamba. Arrival at Riobamba at about 5:00 p.m.

DIFFICULTY: 

moderate; a basic acclimatization is recommended

DEPARTURE: 

any day with minimum 2 persons

WE PROVIDE: 

- naturalist guide
- transportation from / to Riobamba
- accommodation in double tents
- meals (3 x box lunch, 2 x dinner, 2 x breakfast, 1 x meal in restaurant) and purified drinking water
- donkeys for the equipment
- camping equipment
- excursion and entrance fee Ingapirca

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ANDES TREKKING IN ECUADOR (5DAYS)

Trekking in the Cotopaxi & Illinizas National Park

Day 1: 

Quito - Pasochoa
You depart from Quito in the direction to Volcano Pasochoa, where your trekking begins. As you walk up hill towards it summit (4200m) you will enjoy the views of the neighbours peaks such as Antisana, Rumiñahui and Cotopaxi. You will head south on a easy going trail along the crater edge of this extinct volcano, Condors and other birds of pray are often seen before you descend in a green valley. From there you will drive to a typical hacienda near the Cotopaxi national park where you will have dinner and overnight. –/L/D

Day 2: 

Pasochoa – Limpiopungo, at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano
Today you will explore the Paramo of the Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will visit the Pre-Inca ruins of El Salitre while enjoying magnificent views of Cotopaxi Glaciers. Afterwards you will continue to Limpiopungo valley and lake. A short time later you will arrive at the refugee in the middle of Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui volcanoes. Dinner and overnight. B/L/D

Day 3: 

Climb. Rumiñahui – Limpiopungo Lake
Today is the longest day of your trekking tour. You will walk along a trail, up and down following the flanks of Rumiñahui peak observing birds of prey and in the horizon the mighty Chimborazo, and Illinizas until you return to the refugee. Dinner and overnight. B/L/D

Day 4: 

Cotopaxi national Park – Illiniza Ecological Reserve
After breakfast you will leave the Cotopaxi Park near the old Rail Road Station. Following to the west you will traverse some crops and farms as well as forests, observing the locals at their farm duties, until you reach a nice old Hacienda. Overnight at the Hacienda. B/L/D

Day 5: 

Climb Iliniza North or Corazón - return to Quito
Today you can either drive to the parking place of the Illiniza and walk up hill to the settle of Illinizas and summit the north peak which is rather easy and recommended as training for those who will attempt Cotopaxi, or continue your trek up hills in west direction along the slopes of Corazón peak. Somewhere in highlands, your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Quito. B/L

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SANGAY TRAIL TREK( 7 Days)

The Sangay Volcano is located in the province of Morona Santiago at 2 hours and 30 minutes from the city of Riobamba ; we'll go to the community of Guargualla Chico, place where we'll begin our adventure.

 

Day 1: 

We'll travel through the Panamericana Sur until we get to the city of Riobamba , from here we'll deviate toward the community of Guargualla Chico. This day we'll spend in the trip to this enclosure and organizing our horses and muleteers that they will join us I the rest of the trip. We'll have dinner and lodging in camp.

Day 2: 

We'll have breakfast; our trip will begin approximately at 9:00 am in a journey of 8 hours until we get to the Rinc ón de Escaleras (corner of stairs), place where we'll make our second camp (lunch in the sector of Tambillo), we'll have dinner and camp.

Day 3: 

We'll have breakfast; our trip will begin approximately at 9:00 am in a lapse of 8-9 hours until we get to Plazapamba, place where we'll make our third camp.

Day 4: 

After breakfast we'll begin our trip, in a lapse of 7 hours we'll get to Playas, place where we'll make our fourth camp (lunch in the sector Carnicerías), dinner and lodging.

Day 5: 

After breakfast, we'll cross through the sandy ground until we get to the awn where we can admire the magnitude of the volcano, it is not necessary to get closer we can observe and listen the eruptions with regular interval, throwing rocks, ash and smoke, the currents of lava are constantly and in the nights the show that it gives us is dazzling and unforgettable. We can also admire all the eastern mountain chain and its fauna. We'll descend, have dinner and lodging in our camp.

Day 6: 

We'll return from the camp of "Playas" toward the camp of "Plazapamba".

Day 7: 

In this day we'll return from the camp of "Plazapamba" toward Guargualla Chico where our car will be waiting for us to return to Quito.

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TREKKING TO MOJANDA FROM CUICOCHA LAKE (3DAYS)

This natural environment of the Andean highland moors together with the secluded paths in this three-day tour offer a perfect opportunity to be submerged in the Andean countryside. In addition, you will be able to visit indigenous communities and the valleys that lead from Fuya-Fuya Mountain to Cuicocha Lake.

 

Day 1: 

Departure time from Otavalo at 7h00. We will head for Mojanda lakes where we will start our hike. In approximately 7 hours we will reach the village of Pataqui where we will spend the night.

Day 2: 

We will travel by car to the village of Minas, from there we will cross the highland moors and after a long day hiking (8 hours) we will reach the Cuicocha Lake. We will spend the night in lodges with beautiful views of the lake.

Day 3: 

We will hike around the lake for about 4 hours and then down to the community of Morochos (within approximately 3 hours), passing alpacas on the way. In Morochos the Runa Tupari car will be waiting for us and will take us back to Otavalo.

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HIKE WITH ICEMAN OF CHIMBORAZO (1 DAY)

On this day hike we join the last of "Los Hieleros", the Icemen who cut blocks of ice from the glacier of Chimborazo and bring them down on donkeys to the Riobamba market. A very special tradition, dating from the colonial era, which is maintained by a few indigenous men.

We leave from Riobamba at 6:30 a.m. After a 40 minutes drive to the eastern slopes of Chimborazo we arrive at the small indigenous village where the icemen live. We start the 4 –hours hike to the glacier. In the early morning light you will have beautiful views of Chimborazo. First we pass fields of potatoes and maize, and a llama farm. In a small refuge we drink a hot coca tea and then continue on the paramo highlands, covered with tussock grasses and cushion plants. After about 4 hours hiking we reach the glacier at 4500 m. / 14.765 ft. altitude, where the icemen starts to work. With an axe and spade he hacks out big blocks of ice from the ice wall. He then wraps them perfectly in a bundle of paramo grasses and ties them to the donkey with handmade ropes. When the job is done, we start the descent. After about 2 hours we reach the village, from where we drive back by car to Riobamba.
Arrival at about 15.30 p.m.