A modular trek to make the most of the Ecuadorian Andes.
D1: Arrival in Quito
Reception, transfer and overnight at the 2 * / 3 * hotel.
D2: Quito - Cable car to Pichincha Volcano or Line of the Equator - Quito
Guided walking tour of Quito. Then transfer to the cable car station and climb to the foot of the Pichincha volcano at 4100 m. 1st short acclimatization hike. OR transfer to the Equator Line, visit the village and monument and the Inti Nan ethno-scientific museum. Return to Quito. Overnight at the same hotel. (P.D)
D3: Quito - Andavalo Andean region: Pinan trek: Iruguinchu - Pukará ruins (5h)
Early departure by the Pan-American route, with its Andean landscapes of the Cayambe volcano and Otavalo. Arrival at the village "Iruguinchu" (2900 m). Meet the team. Beginning of the Pinan Trek to the Churoloma mountain (3,600 m), with an overview of the surrounding snow-capped cities and volcanoes. Walk to the “Pukara” ruins (3,450 m) for camping. (P.D / D.P / D)
D4: Trek Pinan: Pukará - Yanacocha Lagoon (7-8h)
Walk in the "Andean Forest". Observation of the flora: orchids, bromeliads, etc., then climb up to the plains at 4,000 m. The vegetation is reduced and especially formed of "páramo" (straw of the Festuca highlands, or Jarava ichu). Then arrived at a point of view on the "Chota Valley", very dry and in contrast with the surrounding green plains. Walk to 4,100 m, then descend to 3,900 m to Lake Yanacocha. Bivouac. (P.D / D.P / D).
D5: Trek Pinan: Ascent Yanahurco del Piñán (4,535 m) - Piedra Blanca (8 am-9am)
Climbing the Yanahurco del Piñán peak. At the top, observation of almost all the snow-capped mountains of Ecuador as well as the Andean valley. Descent to "Piedra Blanca" (3,900 m) where it will be possible to observe the Andean Condor. Bivouac. (P.D / D.P / D)
D6: Trek Pinan: Piedra Blanca - Picanchi - Quilotoa Lake or Cotopaxi Volcano
Last day of the Trek. Hike with chances to observe fauna such as the Andes deer, rabbits, hawks, etc., and if possible, view of the central valley and its mountains, in particular the "Chimborazo" volcano (6,310 m). End of the hike in the village of "Pichanchi". Rest and bath in thermal springs. Then road following the Allée des Volcans to Cotopaxi (5897 m) and lunch. Night at an ecotourism hacienda or a mountain inn at the foot of the volcano. Or drive to the splendid crater lake and indigenous Quilotoa village with dinner and overnight at a community inn. (P.D / D.P / D).
D7: Cotopaxi volcano or Quilotoa lake - Hacienda Releche
Possible walk in the vicinity of Cotopaxi Park or to the edge of Lake Quilotoa and meet with its craftspeople, painters. Depending on the day, possible visit to the indigenous market of Pujili or Saquisili or Zumbagua. Then continuation of the Allée de Volcans to the Riobamba region, from Chimborazo volcano, the hacienda Releche (at 3080 m). Dinner and overnight. (P.D / D.P / D)
D8: Riobamba - Train des Andes Nez du Diable - Riobamba
Transfer to Alausi (2h) for a short trip on the Little Andes Train, through the impressive passage Nez du Diable to the Sibambe terminal where the local indigenous community Puruhae will welcome you with a cultural presentation and their crafts. Then return to Alausi and transfer to Riobamba. Overnight at 2 * / 3 * hotel or dinner and overnight at an inn. (P.D)
D9: Riobamba - Cuenca
Transfer to Cuenca (5h), Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visit of the city and its Mirador El Juri. Then visit a hat factory called "Panama". Free afternoon or visit to a museum. Overnight at a charming 2 * / 3 * hotel. (P.D)
D10: Cuenca - Cajas or Hacienda de Cacao Lakes - Coastline: Guayaquil
Road to the coastal region by express minibus. Panoramic tour of Guayaquil freely on foot along the Malecon to the old Las Penas district. Night at a 2 * / 3 * hotel. (P.D)
D11: Guayaquil - Return flight
Transfer to the airport and return flight. (P.D)
included:
- Transfers in private 4x4
- Mountain guide and visits to Quito and Cuenca Spanish-English or French-speaking
- Spanish or French-speaking driver
- Accommodation
- Meals: mentioned (P.D: Breakfast, D.P: Picnic lunch, D: Dinner)
- Water during trekking
- The visits mentioned
- The Devil's Nose Train route
- Entrance fees to national parks and archaeological sites
- Camping equipment (tents, etc.)
not included:
- Personal hiking equipment (sleeping bags, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Entrances to sites visited in Quito, Cuenca and Banos
- Tips and personal expenses
- International flight
Price for 4p. Contact us for the dates.
Options:
+ Trek altar (4 days): € 620
+ Trek on the Inca trail (3 days): 420 €
+ D11: inn at the foot of Chimborazo with lamas: 55 €
+ D10: Cajas Lakes hike or visit / tasting of a cocoa hacienda: 45 €
+ Extension of the Pacific coast / Galapagos islands / Amazonia / MINDO forest: price to be defined