Volcanoes and Valleys: A Journey Through the Andes

Today you will undertake a discovery tour of the colonial past of the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. Listed as UNESCO world heritage and what once was Caras (a pre-Incan indigenous tribe) and Incas important trade center. Built in part under Spanish domination, Quito city will dazzle you with its architecture, tranquility, and history.

You will visit La Compañia de Jesus church, with its incredible baroque gilding, dating back to around 1605. The Plaza Grande is next on the list where you can find the Cathedral of the city and the Presidential Palace, the “La Merced and the Santo Domingo” churches. Later, you will take a stroll around the picturesque “La Ronda Street”, a well-known street in Quito's historic center, lined with 17th-century houses and residences of many artists, politicians, and writers. Finally, you will finish your city tour on the “Panecillo Hill”, where the famous, imposing Statue of the Virgin of Panecillo overlooks the city: the only winged virgin in the world. You will enjoy a magnificent 360 view of the Ecuadorian capital.

Lunch (included) in a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant.

In the afternoon, according to your preferences, you can opt to visit the following places:
*Casa del Alabado Museum: you will visit this small pre-colonial museum which shows five thousand pieces from all around the country. Across different exhibition rooms and through god’s representations, you will discover three different levels of the cosmos.
*Capilla del Hombre: towards the higher parts of the city of Quito, you will visit the “Guayasamín” museum or “Capilla del Hombre”, legacy of one of the most representative Ecuadorian painters who got to create a unique painting style. This museum was built by him.

Dinner (not included) and overnight at your charming hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Visit: 5h

Hike: 2h

Transport: 1h

In the morning, transfer to the Quito cable car, which will effortlessly take you to an altitude of 4.050 m/13.287 ft, offering stunning views of the Ecuadorian capital and its surroundings.
Here, you will begin the ascent of the Rucu Pichincha volcano, which, although accessible to any acclimatized hiker, presents challenging slopes in the second part of the climb. Furthermore, the summit consists entirely of rocks; it’s quite dizzying, and some hikers may feel uncomfortable.

You will reach the summit of Rucu Pichincha, which stands at 4.690m/15.387ft, after approximately 3-4 hours of hiking. Picnic lunch. After that, you will return to the cable car to reach the parking lot where your driver will be waiting.

Lunch (included) in a beautiful Ecuadorian restaurant.

Next you will continue to the emblematic Middle of the World. Located 20km northbound (45min), the middle of the world monument marks the location of the Equator. You can be in both hemispheres at the same time and do some experiments for understanding and experiencing the earth's forces. At the end of the day you will return to your charming hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Visit: 2h

Hike: 4,5K / 5h E+: 760m/2.493ft E-: 760m/2.493ft

Transport: 1h 30 min

Today, after a hearty breakfast, you will leave southbound to the picturesque, isolated, and out of time village of Isinliví. Get ready to start your acclimatization trek stage across the western Andes. Even though the total elevation gained will be positive, this first part of your trek will not be difficult. Isinliví is located at 2899m/9511ft altitude and Chugchilán is located at 3199m/10495ft.

An approximately 6-hour hike will be necessary to get to your destination. During this trek, you will cross rural valleys, often arid, often green, in a region that has remained natural and wild. You will notably pass through the famous Toachi Canyon. This is one of the most enjoyable treks in the country.

Picnic Lunch (included)

In the afternoon; you will reach the picturesque Chugchilán village. You will settle down in a simple but charming accommodation and share pleasant moment of conversation with Hilda, the owner, a very friendly and genuine old lady. Then you will enjoy a recovering rest, your adventure continues the next day!
Stayover and dinner (included) at Mama Hilda Inn.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visit: 1h

Hike: 13,3K/ 6h, E+: 629 m E- : 449 m

Transport: 2h 40 min

Today’s trek will be shorter but just as challenging as yesterday’s. After a hearty breakfast, you will set out for the charming Quilotoa Lake, located at an altitude of 3.900m/12.795ft. This stunning volcanic lake lies in the heart of a massive crater, offering unparalleled natural beauty.

Today’s trail will have mostly positive elevation. You’ll tackle a 12.4-km point-to-point route, which typically takes an average of 5,5 hours to complete. You’ll ascend at your own pace, accompanied by your guide, who will support and motivate you along the way.

Every step will be worth it when you reach the Quilotoa lookout, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake’s emerald-green waters. Following your trek, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch (included) at a traditional local restaurant.

In the afternoon, your adventure continues as you head to the iconic Cotopaxi National Park. Your driver will take you to your charming hotel in Lasso, situated directly in front of the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano. Here, you can relax, enjoy a well-deserved rest, and prepare for the next day’s adventure!

Stayover and dinner (included).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visit: 1h

Hike: 12,4Km – 6h, E+=650m/2.132ft E-=150m/492ft

Transport: 2h

Today, you will continue your adventure early (around 8 am). You will head to the foothills of the Cotopaxi Volcano (on the southern face). Morurco is a mountain with an elevation of 4.844m / 15.892ft, located on the south-eastern slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano within the Cotopaxi National Park.

The Morurco is a relatively easy mountain to climb, making it a popular destination for both novice and experienced climbers. It is commonly included in ascent programs to help climbers acclimatize to higher altitudes. The landscapes offered by this mountain are varied and beautiful, featuring wide grasslands, sandy areas, and steep walls of volcanic rock that make this ascent uniquely enjoyable.

We will begin our hike at nearly 4.000 m / 13.123ft of elevation. The route is perfect for enjoying the paramos of Ecuador with an incredible view of the surrounding volcanoes, especially the southern face of Cotopaxi Volcano. You will be in the company of your guide and he will adapt to your rhythm and pace.

Picnic Lunch (included)

At the end of this challenging day, you will return to your charming hacienda to rest and recover for tomorrow’s next adventure. Dinner and overnight in your charming accommodation (included).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visit: No

Hike: 12Km/6h, E+: 773m/2.539ft E-: 773m/2.539ft

Transport: 1h

This morning, you will get to the heart of the Cotopaxi National Park in order to ascend the Rumiñahui Volcano, which reaches an altitude of 4.620m /15.157ft. This summit is part of the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes," as named by the German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt in his time, and the expression has endured.

Starting from the Limpiopungo Lagoon located in the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, you will begin the ascent of the volcano. The three peaks that make up this volcano are facing the Cotopaxi (5.890m/19.324ft), which dominates all the neighbouring massifs. The view from the summit will be breath-taking! During the ascent, you will likely observe hummingbirds, and after about 2 hours of hiking, you may have the opportunity to spot condors, which often glide along the cliffs on the north side.

While the ascent is not excessively challenging, it does require good physical condition. You will walk on an arid terrain of rocks and sandy ground. Some sections, especially towards the top, may require the use of your hands. The ascent will take approximately 4 hours. Picnic lunch (included) on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano.

At the end of the day, you will continue your way to the Capital, Quito. Enjoy a special dinner (included) and a well-deserved rest in your charming hotel in the capital.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visit: 1h

Hike: 11K / 5h, E+ : 770 m/2.526ft E- : 770 m/2.526ft

Transport: 2h 30 min

Your driver will pick you at the agreed time to take you to the Quito airport. For international flights, you need to be there 3 hours before departure. The transfer time to the airport is about 45’. Your driver will assist you on boarding your international flight back home, or to your next destination.

Note: for domestic flights, you need to be at the airport 2h before departure, and for international flights, 3h before.

Meal: Breakfast

Visit: No

Hike: No

Transport: 45 min