Ecuador Holidays - Trekking Sangay Volcano in the Andes of Ecuador

The Sangay trek is a trek in a beautiful wilderness area with excellent opportunities for trekking and climbing. Sangay is one of the most active volcanoes of Ecuador. The National Park Sangay took its name after this volcano. The Sangay area harbours a great wildlife including some big game such as mountain tapirs, deer and spectacle bears. It is located in the eastern cordillera about 200 Km. south of Quito. The highest spot is 5230m. and presents some volcanic activity, although its activity has decreased in the last 5 years making the ascent safer than before. The long hike to the foot of the volcano is quite demanding and requires a good physical fitness and an adventure spirit. The trekker or climber has to negociate with difficult terrain sometimes but the reward of hiking through this amazing wilderness is unique and unforgettable.

Day 1: We leave early from Quito and drive south to Riobamba, along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" on the south Pan-American Highway, passing by some colourful towns. From here on a dirt road we drive 2 hours to Alao, a little settlement located on the boundaries of the Amazon basin, and already within the Sangay National Park, the starting point of our trek. Camping. (L, D)

Day 2: We start very early in the morning, climbing up to 3900 m. starting at the cloud forests and ending up in the cooler highlands of Culebrillas. Magnificent views of the Amazon basin are the highlight. It will be 8-9 hours trekking to our first campsite at the Culebrillas site. (B, L, D)

Day 3: We leave Culebrillas and head eastwards passing through Yanayacu River several times. The trek goes up and down but remains at an average altitude of last camp until the end of the day when we start descending to lower and bushier areas with warmer climate. Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Trek towards the base campsite. On the way we will see the dramatic changes in vegetation, from cold straw fields to the warmer lower paramo highland flora. At night it might be possible to have a glimpse of some of the mammal species still living near the volcano. From our base camp and if the volcano and weather permits we will admire the impressive activity of the Sangay. (B, L, D).

Day 5: We will attempt the climb to Sangay’s summit. Sometimes the intense activity of the mountain can be heard. We leave the camp early in the morning, with the first sunrays; this is important since we negotiate our way up against the stone falls and sandy path. Once on the top, the sulphur smell and the impressive and astonishing views of the smoke blowing up every few minutes will accompany us. Return to our base camp. (B, L, D). Note: if the volcano activity is too dangerous we will not climb the mountain.

Day 6: After a relaxed morning, we trek back along the Eten route and not on the same path used to reach the base camp. Late afternoon we arrive at our next camp at Plazapampa, a place at approx. 2800 m. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Trekking to Pucara campsite. (B, L, D)

Day 8:
Trek from Pucara to Eten, one of the remaining old haciendas in this area. From here we drive to the colourful well-known town of Baños for a well-deserved rest. Hotel. (B, L)

Day 9:
After a relaxing morning drive from Baños to Quito. (B)

Rated: Strenuous

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4
USD	$ 1327	$ 994	$ 840
EUR	€ 1101	€ 825	€ 697
GBP	£ 743	£ 556	£ 470

(*) Price last updated on 05 January 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Included:
private transport, trekking guide, cook, horses to carry equipment & luggage, horse keepers, all meals as mentioned, overnights in hotel in Baños, all camping equipment (2 persons per tent), rubber boots (up to size 44), entrance fee to National Park Sangay.

Not included :
personal trekking gear, personal expenses, meals not mentioned, beverages, extras and tips

Trekking Sangay Volcano

"Sangay National Park"

"Ecuador"