It’s an early flight to Loja then we drive to to Cerro Toledo.
From here we begin our trek with a 3-hour hike, passing through the typical tropical forest of Podocarpus Park. Landscapes are beautiful.
We hike to the small village of Esmeralda, where we set up camp and have dinner.
After breakfast we set off to hike to Las Peñas stream against a backdrop of mountains and lakes.
Mules carry the heavy gear.
Late afternoon we reach our destination and set up camp.
After breakfast we hike to Lagunas Margaritas, climbing from 1,800m to 3,200m (5,906-10,499ft).
We spend the night at the Capamaco refuge.
This morning we have the opportunity to do some horseback riding from the refuge down to the Vilcabamba valley at a sub-tropical 1,600m/5,249ft.
In the afternoon we head for our accommodation at one of the small family hostels in the village.
Early this morning we drive to Loja, La Toma and fly back to Quito, and the tour ends.
Refugio, hostel and camping.
The majority of the trip is open to people of good mobility and health with some experience of trekking.
Ideally you will spend a night or two in Quito (or similar altitude) before the trek so you can acclimatise to high altitude.
We grade this as an easy to medium trek because of the some time at altitude and consecutive hiking days in a remote area.
Trekkers ideally need to be used to walking while carrying a daypack and ideally accustomed to walking for 4-6 hours on consecutive days.
However, it is also open to first time trekkers and people who are in good physical shape and with a positive outlook.
Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please enquire.
Your meals are prepared and served to you in a dining tent, and will be a mix of hot drinks, cereals, fruits and toast with jam.
Lunch, while out walking, will be either sandwiches or meat and cheese with crackers, with fruits etc available on trips from basecamps.
Basecamp meals are large and feature bread, vegetables, meats and hot drinks, rice and pasta dishes.
Fully qualified trekking guide throughout the tour, a local, bilingual Ecuadorian guide with many years’ experience.
Our local drivers and support staff have worked with us for many years.
Diving and snorkeling among sharks and vibrant marine life made this Galapagos adventure an unforgettable, five-star experience.
A flawlessly organized Ecuadorian adventure combined the Amazon’s wild beauty with a breathtaking Galapagos cruise.
It is located in the south of Ecuador and stretches over three provinces – Loja, Zamora and Morona Santiago – and two main regions; the Andean highlands and the Amazon Basin.
The park can be clearly divided into five life zones. Each is rich in biodiversity and characterised by different flora and fauna.
From: $2092 per person
Duration
7 days
Landscapes vary from the drier south to the more humid north.
The Highlands, or sierra, encompass two Andean Cordilleras (the Central and Western), which run north to south through the country. Ecuador’s largest volcano is Chimborazo (6,310m) whose summit, because of its proximity to the equator, is the closest point on earth to the sun. Several of Ecuador’s volcanoes are still active, and it’s a great area for trekking.
Descending the steep, east-facing slopes of the eastern Cordillera, one passes through a transition zone comprising dense cloud forest and humid high jungle, before entering the Amazon lowlands.
This mainly primary rainforest covers a third of the country, accounts for 5% of the population and stretches across Ecuador, from its Colombian to its Peruvian borders.
The Galapagos Islands are simply unique. Lying 600 miles off the mainland, the archipelago comprises the summits of gigantic equatorial volcanoes.
The flora and fauna of the Galapagos, long separated from their continental cousins, have evolved differently. Charles Darwin used his observations there to develop his theory of Evolution.
Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.
It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.
Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
When planning for the varied climatic conditions encountered, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system. It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.
To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities:
First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.
Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.
Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
We also carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only.
Below is a more detailed kit list.
Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.
In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.
In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.
Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).
The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.
To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.
On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.
Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.
In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.
Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.
The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.
The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.
There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.
Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.
Diving and snorkeling among sharks and vibrant marine life made this Galapagos adventure an unforgettable, five-star experience.
A flawlessly organized Ecuadorian adventure combined the Amazon’s wild beauty with a breathtaking Galapagos cruise.
