Joining the tour
On booking, you will be
sent the following information: name and address of Quito hotel,
advice on how to get there, time of rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: If circumstances
dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from
those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1 Arrival in Quito
You will be met and transferred to your hotel, a charming traditional Spanish building in the heart of a lively bar and restaurant area. Hotel, Quito.
Day 2
At 2850 metres Quito is the second highest capital city in Latin America and lies in a long narrow valley dominated by the imposing Guagua Pichincha Volcano. It is surrounded on all sides by impressive volcanic mountain scenery and is a wonderful city in which to recover from the flight and adapt to the altitude. Transport will be provided from your hotel to Quito’s beautiful old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a delightful crush of narrow cobbled streets and fine colonial architecture. The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. You will also visit the Church of La Compañía (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red and gold columns and ceilings. Afterwards, you will be taken to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. You will also drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, “ El Panecillo” where you will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the only winged virgin in South America. Just 30 minutes from Quito is the location of the equator at La Mitad del Mundo (“the middle of the world”). This is the site where, in 1736, Charles-Marie de la Condamine’s expedition made the measurements, which demonstrated that this was the equator. Here visitors have the rare opportunity to be in two hemispheres at the same time! A 30m monument was built to mark the site and visitors can take an elevator right to the top, as well as visiting the excellent ethnographical museum inside. Around the monument are buildings and restaurants designed to represent those of a typical colonial town. The evening is free to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, internet cafes and artisan shops near the hotel. Hotel, Quito.B
Day 3
Travel North of Quito for 1 ½ hrs to arrive at the famous cultural town of Otavalo (2550m). In the afternoon take an acclimatisation walk (4 hours) on the edge of the Cuicocha Lake (3070m), ½ hr from Otavalo. This flooded crater lies on the slopes of the Cotacachi volcano (4939m) and offers great panoramas of the surrounding highland scenery. Today two small volcanoes are emerging in the middle of the lake and the ridge walk around the rim is a fantastic way to view this area from all sides and also on clear days see the volcanoes of this area, snow-capped Cayambe (5790m) and rocky Imbabura (4600m) towering over the patchwork fields of this agricultural area. After the walk return to Otavalo for the night. Hotel, Otavalo. B
Day 4
Market day!!! The Otavalans argue that they are the only true Ecuadorian Indians. Today you will have the opportunity to find out, as you will visit the colourful Otavalo market and Otavalo’s interesting surroundings. At 2550 metres high it is surely one of the highest markets you will have visited. Otavalo’s industrious inhabitants are extremely striking in appearance - the pony-tailed indian men in their uniform of felt hat, navy and grey poncho, calf-length white trousers and alpargatas; the women in white blouses, dark skirts and necklaces of gold and coral. The Indian markets in Ecuador are well known for their colour and diversity. In every region, each community has its own traditional costumes, crafts and cultural characteristics that distinguish it from other towns. Visitors can hope to encounter everything from wool textiles, native fruits, fresh vegetables, and flowers to jewellery, ceramics, baskets, wood carvings, local paintings, embroidery, tools and even animals of all shapes and sizes! It is best to arrive on a Saturday as this is when the world renowned market takes place where people come from far and wide (and abroad!) to witness this colourful and very traditional extravaganza. Food, crafts, handiwork, animals all converge on the tiny cobbled streets of this atmospheric place. Hotel, Otavalo, B
Day 5.
Travel South on the Panamerican Highway and visit to Pasochoa Biological Reserve for another interesting hike. Continue your journey to a lovely hacienda near Cotopaxi National Park. The hacienda offers very comfortable traditional accommodation with shared facilities. Hacienda, nr Cotopaxi National Park, B,L
Day 6 and 7
From here drive south to Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy the magnificent landscape en route on the Pan American Highway from the eastern range of the Andes to the western range along the Avenue of the Volcanoes where Cotopaxi and the Illiniza twin volcanoes amongst many are located. There are over thirty of these picturesque peaks and the glint of the permanent glaciers on some of the higher ones provide a stark contrast to the arid rocky terrain and cultivated fields. Enjoy two days in the famous Cotopaxi National Park in the foothills of different volcanoes that surround majestic Cotopaxi, each with its own magic, ecosystem and distinctive climate You will reach the fascinating landscapes of the valley of Limpiopungo (3800m) near Rumiñahui (4200m). Sincholagua (4898m) can also be seen nearby and condors are often spotted flying overhead. The parking lot for those climbing Cotopaxi is at 4600m and the famous Jose Rivas Hut from where the climbers embark their ascent is a short 30mins walks away at 4800m. Various optional activities are on offer including horseback riding or mountain biking. Hacienda, Cotopaxi National Park. B, L
Day 8 to 11
CHIMBORAZO VOLCANO TREK. Today you continue your journey South and start the first trekking portion of this trip from Mocha community on the upper slopes of Carihuairazo’s northern face where you will also meet the local staff who will provide the well needed pack animals for your main luggage (you will only have to carry your daypack). ‘Carihuairazo’ means ‘mountain of the wind’ and is one of the most beautiful extinct volcanoes in Ecuador. En-route you will get great views of the Ambato Valley and the beautiful paramos of Hatillo and, with luck, may glimpse one of Tungurahua’s spectacular eruptions – this volcano is the most active in Ecuador. An easy climb will take you to the summit of your high pass at 4350m. You then traverse the steep side of Mocha peak descending to the huge Abraspungo Gorge. From Piedra Negra you trek through a gorgeous valley with Mt. Chimborazo to your South and Mt. Carihuairazo to your North. Traverse the plateau between Carihuairazo and Chimborazo. During your walk you’ll get great views of the impressive glaciers on the northern side of Chimborazo, which contrast with the beautiful grassy moorlands on the lower slopes of Carihuairazo. On the high paramos of Isupapungo you should see herds of delicate vicuñas which exist on the highlands of the Chimborazo Natural Reserve. The bird-life here is also spectacular with giant humming-birds, snipe, sylphs, sunbeams to name but a few. One of your camping spots will be near the local lama/vicunia
project! You then continue over the high paramos of Chimborazo’s majestic north-west face you will see the huge glaciers and an unusually arid area found on this side of the mountain. Today’s goal is the few remains of the famous Fabian Zurita refuge (4900m). Years ago, the first attempts to reach the summit of Chimborazo, the ‘Colossus of the Andes’, all started from here following the “Murallas Rojas” route. Once on the main track you will meet up with your transport and pay a quick visit to the famous Whymper refuge (5000m.) From here, weather permitting, there should be stunning views of the imposing Chimborazo volcano as it is little more than a 30minute walk to the actual rockface climbers ascend to the summit. It was first climbed by Whymper in 1880 and there are actually five summits formed by the remains of two ancient volcanoes. Hopefully you will be able
to see some of the tremendous, ecologically important birds which inhabit this area such as the Vulture gryphus. The mountain is noticeably more volcanic in nature to the other volcanoes and herds of vicunas often roam the park grazing on the sparse vegetation that grows amidst the blackened rock. Then descend out of the park and travel further south to your lovely hacienda close to the city of Riobamba. Camp, Chimborazo National Park, B,L,D and Hacienda, nr Riobamba, B,L
Day 12
A busy day. Today you will take the famous Devil’s Nose Train journey making a series of switchbacks (known as the ‘Devils’ Nose) from Riobamba to Sibambe. Continue by road to Achupallas, the remote mountain village from where you start your second trek to the Incan ruins at Ingapirca. Set up camp in Achupallas where you will meet the local community staff helping the group with their pack animals. Camp, Achupallas, B, L, D
Day 13 and 14
The Inca system of roads was larger than the Roman Empire, extending from Ecuador through to Chile. Follow the ancient route through hilly country and small colourful communities to beautiful lagoons and peaceful campsites. A chance to compare the contemporary lifestyle of the Indian peasants with a close look at a significant native American culture reflected in the ancient ruins. The area has remained unchanged for centuries and you will follow in the footsteps of Incan couriers to the city of Ingapirca itself, built as a temple for sun worship more than 500 years ago. Average daily trek times will be 5-6 hours. On Day 13 you will trek from Achupallas to Tres Cruces and on Day 14 you will trek from Tres Cruces to Paredones. Camp, Tres Cruces/Paredones, B, L, D
Day 15
Your last day in the fields, trekking from Paredones to the Incan ruins of Ingapirca. Arrive at around lunchtime and spend the afternoon touring the Incan ruins and its museum. After ample time visiting the ruins you will continue to the beautiful city of Cuenca, oddly famous for its panama hats! Hotel, Cuenca, B
Day 16
Take a morning city tour of this beautiful city oddly famous for its panama hats! Cuenca, due to its isolation in the southern sierra, has kept its old world architectural charm and colonial ambience. Wander the narrow streets and many art and craft shops. Fly back to Quito in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel for one last Hispanic evening in this bustling city. Hotel, Quito, B.
Day 17
Depending on flight times there may be one last chance for some souvenir shopping around the local market before transferring to the airport. Fly out. B.
Our price includes: All
transfers in Ecuador, accommodation in hotels, two man tents, full camping equipment (tents, mess-tent,
mats), pack animals, porters, all meals while on trek and climbs,
breakfasts throughout, qualified English speaking guides
Not included in the prices are: International flights, drinks, meals
not included above, national park fees, international airport tax (USD
41) personal expenses, tips, travel insurance.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
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