Trekking around the World’s Highest Volcanoes

"Quito - Antisana, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo National Park"

Ecuador

Ecuador’s highest peak, the giant Chimborazo (6310 m/20700 ft), was long considered the highest mountain on Earth. The perfectly cone-shaped Cotopaxi (5897 m/19334 ft) is the second highest active volcano of the world. This wonderful trek explore Antisana Ecological Reserve, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo National Park, three of South America’s most spectacular highland parks with excellent views of snow-capped volcanoes. You have the chance to observe the abundant wildlife, such as the flowering Puya plant (10 meters high), hummingbird, deer, tapir, puma, bear, condor.

The Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Quito. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2:
From Quito transport by car to El Tambo in the highlands of Papallacta. From here equipment and luggage is carried by mules and the trek (4 hours) heads south-west to the lower plains around the volcano lake. Camp 1 at 3800 m. (B BL, D).

Day 3:
Early start the longest trek (5 hours) of the trip. Some hill climbing is to start with beautiful views throughout the day. Arrival to the next camp on the north-western side of the Antisana volcano at Santa Lucia highlands from where we can enjoy magnificent views of Antisana volcano. There is also a possibility of seeing Condors at some time during the day. Camp 2 at 4200 m. (B, BL, D)

Day 4:
(6 hours trek). Trek towards the base of the southern peak of Antisana, traversing the moraines at the foothills of Antisana. Camp is set at 4500 m, just below the southern peak. The landscape here is spectacular! (B, BL, D)

Day 5:
Walk down again to the paramos and to the plateau at the foothills of Antisana. From here our transport takes us towards the Sangolqui Village. Afterwards we continue east to the foothills of Sincholagua volcano. Camp at 3200 m. on the shores of Pita River where we can fish some trout’s for dinner. (B, BL, D).

Day 6:
This day we hike towards the plains of the Limpiopungo valley at the base of the beautiful Cotopaxi volcano. Pasochoa volcano, Mount Sincholagua and Cotopaxi volcano are the 3 main peaks in this area. Camp (B, L, D)

Day 7:
By car we drive up to the parking place at 4600 m. from where a 1-hour hike will take us towards the P. Rivas Cotopaxi refuge located at 4800 m. After warming up with a hot tea in the hut we head towards the impressive glaciers of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Enjoy the magnificent views of the ice in the Middle of the World. Walk down to the parking lot and drive to Riobamba. (B, BL)

Day 8: Day at leisure in Riobamba (B)

Day 9: Drive to Urbina, via Mocha. 3 hours trek to the first campsite at the foothills of Nicolas Martinez Peak. Camp at 3900 m. (BL, D)

Day 10: The trek continues along the eastern slopes of Chimborazo with nice views over the mountain largest northern glaciers. After 6 hours trek we arrive to Tambococha campsite at 4100 m. (B, BL, D)

Day 11: Trek to Quebrada Colorada (Red Gorge), with views of the north-western side of Chimborazo. After 6 hours trek we set our camp at 4000 m. (B, BL, D)

Day 12: Long day hike (6-7 hours) up along the dry western slopes of Chimborazo to finally reach the Whimper refuge at 5000 m. Overnight in the hut. (B, BL, D)

Day 13: Morning at leisure and relax. Drive back to Quito. (B L).

Day 14: Transfer to the airport or continuation of program (B)

Recommended extensions:

Yacuma Jungle Lodge is nature in itself, pure, pristine and peaceful. The ideal place from which to enjoy the rainforest. Explore the primary rainforest along the Napo River and the wonderful ecosystem of this area, with a great diversity of birds, wildlife and fabulous green vegetation. Canoe the rivers, walk the extensive nature trails, discover the wonders and fragility of Amazonia and enjoy our indigenous style bungalows, each with two beds.
Quito - Yacuma Lodge - Quito

A yachting or sailing cruise through the prehistoric Galapagos Islands. Visit the best sites with a naturalist guide, trained by the Charles Darwin Station. Swim with sea lions and penguins, snorkel ....or dive.

General Information

Rated: moderate

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1653	$ 1306	$ 1148	$ 122
EUR	€ 1372	€ 1084	€ 953	€ 101
GBP	£ 925	£ 731	£ 643	£ 68

(*) Price last updated on 11 October 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) Discount for larger groups
(***) Single supplement available in hotels only

Included:
Meals as mentioned, professional bilingual mountain guide, camping equipment, cook, mules for cargo during Antisana and Chimborazo trek, private transportation, overnight in tents , in hotels double room accommodation with private toilet and shower.

Not included:
Personal camping equipment, entrances to parks & reserves, personal expenses, tips, beverages, meals not mentioned.

Ecuador Selections