Day 1
Arrival in Quito. Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel
Day 2
Private half-day sightseeing tour of the historical part of Quito including La Basilica church, La Compagna church and El Panecillo hill. We leave the hotel by private transport and observe the transformation of the new part of the city into a completely beautiful historical and colonial part of Quito. We will have time to see all the interesting churches, squares, etc. You will enjoy the local atmosphere, numerous shops and vendors. After these interesting sights, we continue to "El Panecillo", a hill in the center of Quito, which overlooks the city and the historic center. On clear days, you can watch several snow-capped volcanoes surrounding Quito from this spot.
Overnight at the hotel.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 3
After breakfast, meeting at the hotel and transfer (2 hours) to the beginning of the trail, located at an altitude of 3848 m. From here, a very well marked trail leads through farmland to the Paramo area. Here the trail leads south, gradually rising to the base of the crater of the Pasochoa volcano (4164 m). The last section is the steepest and follows a mountain path to the rim of the crater, and then we walk along the rim of the crater, from where there is a beautiful view of the Machachi Valley, also known as the “Volcanoes Avenue”, and the highlands to the west. On clear days, there is a beautiful view of the volcanoes of Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Ruminahui and Artisana. The descent goes back along the same path. Returning to the starting point, the group will be transported (2 hours) to the outskirts of Machachi (2930 m).
Night in a mountain house.
Ascent: 516 m / Descent: 516 m / Maximum altitude: 4164 m / Activity duration: 5 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 4
Early transfer (4 hours) to the city of Angamarca (2985 m), located on the western slope of the Andes. The first part of the road is very good. But after 2.5 hours we leave on a dirt road, which makes the last leg of the journey a little slow.
There will be a couple of stops at the viewpoints as the scenery is very beautiful and different from the main valley where Quito is located. Angamarca is a remote village with a traditional way of life that gives a good idea of the local way of life. The hike starts from the city, in the afternoon. The day hike lasts about 3 hours and follows a local trail to a dirt road leading to the first camp: Los Pinos (3300m).
Night in tents.
Ascent: 315 m / Maximum height: 3300 m / Lesson duration: 3 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 5
After breakfast and gathering of the camp, climb up along the Yayachanchi River, Yayachanchi Valley. The hike starts along a dirt road and after 30 min. goes to the local trail. The rise is constant and very pleasant; there will be corn and bean fields along the way. Further, after a relatively steep ascent, the first houses of the town of Yayachachi (3900 m) will appear. This isolated settlement was until recently only accessible by foot or horseback, but a recently opened dirt road has made access easier and improved the lives of the locals. A short break for a snack, then we continue moving along the same valley, leaving the village and heading towards a well-marked ridge, which, having gained altitude, goes east, reaching the Pigua mountain pass (4200 m). From the pass, an easy descent into one of the most beautiful valleys on the route, crossing the river and heading towards "La Chorrera de Pigua" (Tigua waterfall), where the camp will be set up, Pigua camping (4073 m).
Night in tents.
Ascent: 900 m / Descent: 127 m / Maximum altitude: 4200 m / Activity duration: 6-7 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 6
Leaving the Pigua campsite, following an almost non-existent path up the mountainside in an easterly direction, we will reach the highest point of the hike: the Zumbagua mountain pass (4466 m). This pass offers some of the best views of the high volcanoes. On a sunny day, you can see Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, Chimborazo, Los Altares and the active Tunguragua with its plume of smoke coming out of the crater. A green valley opens down from the pass, turning into a lower valley that continues to the indigenous settlement. After settling in and descending through a narrow gorge, we will transfer by local transport (30-45 min) to the city of Zumbagua and from there to the Quilotoa crater lake (3900 m). Quilotoa is a famous tourist attraction in Ecuador due to its convenient location, perfect round shape of the crater, and the deep green color of the lake inside the crater. The place is very peaceful and perfect for enjoying a cold beer while watching the sunset with Ilinizas in the background.
Overnight at a local hostel.
Ascent: 393 m / Descent: 766 m / Maximum altitude: 4466 m / Activity duration: 6 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 7
Early breakfast as at approximately 8am we will begin our hike on the West Trail, circumnavigating about a third of the crater on the scenic trail at the top. Clear skies offer incredible views of the distant volcanoes Cotopaxi and Illinisas, the lake at the bottom of the crater, the Western Valley, Guayama and its city. From the edge we descend into the Guayama Valley and follow a series of trails and dirt roads until we reach the Rio Toachi Gorge. This last section is quite steep, following an old trail to a river crossing, where a short walk will take us to the town of Chugchilan (3198 m) and our local lodge.
Overnight at hotel/lodge.
Ascent: 203 m / Descent: 1025 m / Maximum altitude: 4020 m / Activity duration: 5 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 8
From Chugchilan the landscape becomes greener and more colorful. There are many small local productions of the most basic crop such as potatoes, corn, beans, etc. The lifestyle is still very traditional and is mostly populated by peasants and indigenous descendants. We will walk through a changing landscape with valleys and gorges adorned by the Toachi River to our next stop at Insilivi Town (3000 m) where we will stay in another lovely lodge to enjoy a nice day.
Overnight at hotel/lodge.
Ascent: 150 m / Descent: 200 m / Maximum altitude: 3000 m / Lesson duration: 5 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 9
After breakfast, transfer for about 4 hours, and then we will have an excursion in the city of Otavalo (2600 m). The trip is exciting as it passes through the relatively dry areas formed by the "rain shadow" of the volcanoes and it is easy to observe the deposits that testify to the formation of this part of the Andes. Crossing the equatorial line and soon entering the lush Otavalo region, where the Otavalo Indians managed to continue their proud traditions. This valley is very beautiful, surrounded by small volcanoes and lakes. There will be a stop to visit the Equator Monument and learn about this interesting place. Upon arrival in Otavalo, you will have time to visit the food market, a very interesting place that is rarely visited by tourists. In the afternoon, the guide will give a briefing on the activities for the next day.
Overnight at the hotel.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 10
Today we will have an unforgettable ascent to Fuya Fuya volcano (4100 m). After an early breakfast, drive back along the Pan American Highway towards Quito. A few kilometers from Otavalo, a dirt road (1 hour) leads to the Mojanda Reserve; an inactive volcano with a turquoise lake called Caricocha. There are 2 extinct volcanoes in Mojand: Fuya Fuya and Cerro Negro, which are located very close to each other. Our main destination will be Fuya-Fuya (4100 m). The hike starts from the shore of the lake (3800 m) and follows a well-defined path through meadows and bushes (Paramo) to the summit. This is a very pleasant route with a gentle climb and incredible views of the exploding caldera. Back at the parking lot, the car will take the team back to Otavalo.
Ascent: 300 m / Descent: 300 m / Maximum altitude: 4100 m / Lesson duration: 5 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic
Day 11
We are resting. Free morning at the famous Otavalo local market. After lunch, transfer (1.5 hours) to the archaeological ruins of Kochaski, where we will have the opportunity to visit one of the best preserved pyramids and listen to local history. From Cochasca we have about 2 hours to our hotel in Quito.
Overnight at the hotel.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 12
Time to leave the volcanoes of Ecuador! Meeting at the hotel and transfer to Quito airport (1-2 hours).
Included meals: breakfast
Note! After the tour, we recommend that you check out our optional trips - they will complement your adventure and show you some of the natural riches and diversity,
that a small country like Ecuador has to offer.