Trekking the Avenue of the Volcanoes
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Trek in the Ecuadorian Andes while you discover an incredible world of stunning landscapes, hidden communities, indigenous cultures and massive volcanoes. This trekking adventure through the narrow trails used by the local mountain people will take you deep into the heart of the Andean culture and their lifestyle. Explore the mythical Llanganates National Park and admire the stunning glacier of the highest summit measured from the center of the world.
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Day 1: ARRIVAL IN QUITO CITY
Meet your trip leader and group at 18:00pm. You will be transferred in from the airport. 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. We 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 : In-flight Day 2: TREKKING 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. If the weather conditions permit, we will attempt to trek to the basecamp at 16000 ft. (4876 m). 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 fett, distance 5 miles, total steps 15,345. Accommodation: Hostal Llullu Llama or similar Meals : 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. 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 Accommodation: Hostal Mama Hilda or similar. Meals : 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. 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 Accommodation: Andaluza Hacienda or similar. Meals : 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. Trekking time: 1.5 hours uphill from 15,748 ft. to 16,732 ft. and then 45 minutes downhill same way back. Total steps: 14,974 Accommodation: La Casa de Luis or similar Meals : 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 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. Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar Meals : 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. Trekking time: 45 minutes downhill from 5,249 ft. to 4,950 ft. and then 1 hour uphill same way back.Total steps: 13,000 Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Quito or similar. Meals : Breakfast Day 8: DEPARTURE DAY - END OF SERVICES Today our trip will end and you will be transferred to the airport for 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 ! Meals : Breakfast A Safe Travels Certified Tour Operator
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Departs every Saturday with a minimum of 2 people. 2022 Price per person double occupancy - US$1380. Single Supplement - US$575. 2023 Price per person double occupancy - US$1400. Single Supplement - US$669. NOTE
• Confirmed departures from 2 passengers. • Program rates based on shared groups. If private departures are required, please add the private supplement of $460 per person. Included:
NOT INCLUDED
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER 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.
DRIVING TIME On Day 2, 5, 6 and 7 from 2 to 3 hours a day. / On Day 3 and 4 no driving. SEASON All year TREKKING TIME 3 to 6 hours a day ALTITUDE From 5100 to 1600 m (16,732 to 5,249 ft) AVG. TEMP. Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF DIFFICULTY LEVEL 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. GROUP SIZE Max 16 – Avg. 8 MINIMUM AGE 8 years old START / FINISH Quito, Ecuador / Quito, Ecuador ADVENTURE GEAR Hiking sticks. ACCOMODATION All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact us prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost. MEALS 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 us prior to your departure. Vegetarians, Vegans and Gluten Free people are very welcome in our trip, our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals for them, as Ecuador is very well known for its great diversity of gastronomy. YOUR TRIP LEADERS AND GUIDES All guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation. SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon rain forest 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. HEALTH Please inform us of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice. Payment is due 65 days before arrival. If you book less than 65 days in advance, it is due when you are confirmed.
Alterations: - Change of date will be available until 45 days before departure, to avoid cancellation policy and it will depend on the conditions of the booking and availability of services; any change of date made after 60 days will apply cancellation policy accordingly. - Leaving the trip at any day/time after arrival will apply 100% cancellation - Change of itinerary or extra services during the trip will depend of availability and subject to 100 % cancellation penalties of existing services. CANCELLATIONS DUE TO MAJOR EVENTS SUCH AS COVID 19 - FREE Reschedule will be available at all times until 2 days before departure - FREE Change of name option, or credit voucher will be valid for one-year calendar from the departure date - FULL REFUND available up to 5 days before departure |
