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Ecuador

3 More Trekking Choices

Cotopaxi National Park & Tungurahua, 2 days
Level: Moderate

This Ecuador Adventure trek combines the highland natural attractions of Cotopaxi National Park with the subtropical cloudforest reserve on the slopes of the Tungurahua volcano. Explore the picturesque town of Baños nestled in a dramatic river gorge, home to thundering waterfalls and multiple opportunities for single trail hiking. Spend the evening in this lively town in standard accommodations.

DAY 01 - Early in the morning we head south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Cotopaxi National Park. We start our trek at Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, where we can spot Andean animals and birds as we ascend the Rumiñahui volcano. We will also enjoy a taste of local Indian life, as we pass farmlands, meadows and wild horses grazing at the foot of magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. Evening transfer to our local hacienda hotel for accommodations. (L, D)

DAY 02 - After breakfast, we continue our trip to Tungurahua Province where we commence trekking in the cloud forest through the beautiful Patate River valley with its impressive views to Tungurahua volcano. Our unforgettable day continues as we enter the stunning Pastaza gorge, mighty gateway to the Amazon River. Following a visit of the picturesque town of Baños, we head back to Quito as the day draws to a close. (B, L)

2007-2008 Price per person in US$: $305 each for 2, $245 each for 3, $220 each for 4

INCLUDES: Professional guides, private transportation, accommodations, meals as per description.

DOES NOT INCLUDE: Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee USD 10.00 P/P, beverages at restaurant or hotels, tips and extras.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours each way
TREKKING TIME: 4 hrs each day
SEASON: All year
SUGGESTED: warm clothes, sun block, gloves, flashlight, boots, rain gear, trekking boots, binoculars

Pasochoa and Cotopaxi National Park, 2 days
Level: Moderate

The highlight of Pasochoa is its protected cloud forest situated inside a collapsed volcanic crater. While hiking to this crater you will pass through dry lava flows, glacier lakes, Rumiñahui volcano (4700 m) and Incan ruins on you way towards Cotopaxi National Park.

DAY 01: TREKKING TO THE PASOCHOA
Drive from Quito to the Pasochoa Protected Forest, a collapsed crater south of Quito. We start the hike at the Pita River Gorge at 9,184 feet (2,800 meters). Observe Andean animals and birds while walking through secondary roads that go up the mountain. During the day you can see the Highland Indians cultivating potato and cereals and tending cattle and horses. End the day at your campsite at 11,480 above sea level (3,500 meters) on the border of Cotopaxi National Park. (L, D)

DAY 02: TREKKING TO THE COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
Begin the day hiking through Cotopaxi National Park, trekking through the moorlands observing the highest active volcano in the world. Sightings of Andean flora and fauna such as wild horses, gulls, ducks, and possibly the magnificent condor, add to your adventure. Return to Quito in the afternoon. (B, L).

2007-2008 Price per person in US$: $245 each for 2, $195 each for 3, $165 each for 4, $150 each for 5

INCLUDES: Professional guides, private transportation, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), meals and refreshments.

NOT INCLUDED: Pasochoa Protector Forest entrance fee, Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee, sleeping bags, tips and extras.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 2 hours each way
TREKKING TIME: 4 to 5 hrs each day
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: 2800 m to 3800 m
SUGGESTED: warm cloths, sun block, gloves, flashlight, boots, rain gear, trekking boots, binoculars

Cayambe - Coca Ecological Reserve, 4 Days

Level: Moderate to Challenging

The Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve is considered to have the greatest diversity of flora and fauna within Ecuador's protected areas. This reserve, which slopes down into the Amazon Basin, offers many interesting sites. Other than the typical páramo vegetation, the flora consists of many species with great ecological, economic, and medicinal value such as: orchids, gencianas, puyas, bromareas, fushias, polilepys, hoja blanca and more. Lots of birdlife, including the elusive Andean condor, eagles, falcons, ducks and even highland hummingbirds can be seen. Animal life abounds, and a lucky visitor might spot deer, The Andean fox, mountain liona, Andean rabbits and more. Cayambe-Coca is a large reserve, covering many life zones from the summit of Cayambe at 5790 meters (18,997 feet), down to the Amazon rain forest. The reserve includes 81 different lakes, many of them remote and difficult to access.

Day 1: Depart from Quito to Hacienda Rancho Alto. After a short briefing and time to prepare we start our hike at approximately 2800 meters above sea level. We hike, gaining altitude into the glacial valleys, until we reach a high point called San Lorenzo, which is also the entrance to the reserve. We keep hiking along the páramo until we reach our first camp, hidden next to a small stream in a Polylepis forest. This climate zone gathers much of the fresh water on the continental divide as it flows down both sides of the Andes. We'll start with an easy acclimatization hike through trails that feature many of the flowers and plants of the Andean cloud forest. We will set up camp next to the lake and relax before enjoying our gourmet dinner. (L, D)

Day 2: After breakfast, we prepare day packs and loud up our horses before climbing through trails that feature stunning scenery and photo opportunities. We keep an eye out for cara-caras, eagles and the Andean condor as we climb through the highlands along trails that take us to one of the most beautiful lakes in the reserve, called Nunalbiro. Afterwards, we keep hiking until we reach our next campsite at Laguna Seca (4290 meters). The expected temperature is below zero. Our campsite will be set up near a freshwater river. (B, L, D)

Day 3: On day three we will walk mostly downhill for the first part, through the obsidian valley, before going up again to the Corrales, which are impressive granite wall formations with waterfalls that used to be an ancient mine between 10,000 and 5,000 years ago, when the Inga cave men lived in the area. As we hike back down, we get stunning views of the avenue of the volcanoes. On a clear day, you can see the Antisana and Puntas volcanoes. We will complete the circuit back to San Lorenzo and before arriving hike through some cattle ranches and local farmland with quinua and potato crops. Our support vehicle will transfer us to Papallacta, where we will close this magnificent journey with a soothing and therapeutically relaxing day in the mineral, sulfate and alkaline rich waters of the Papallacta Hot springs resort. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Today we have the morning to relax in this first class resort. Return to Quito after lunch. (B, L)

2008 Price per person in US$: 2 people = $780, 3 = $588, 4 = $492

INCLUDED: Professional guides, private transportation, meals as per description, refreshments, camping arrangements.

NOT INCLUDED: Natural Reserve entrance fee, beverages in hotel.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hrs approx.
TREKKING TIME: 3 to 4 hrs
SEASON: All Year
TEMPERATURE: 20° to 0° C
ALTITUDE: 2800 m. to 4290 m.
SUGGESTED: warm layered clothing, sun block, gloves, flashlight, rain gear, trekking boots, binoculars