Trek: The Avenue of the Volcanoes – 8 Days

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America, it is widely regarded as the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano.

Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. During the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a trek briefing. You’ll be able to discuss the details of the trek and questions you may have regarding the adventure.

Your first day is an acclimation and information day.

Beginning the day with a hike to the sierra climate around the Limpiopungo lagoon (13,000 ft/3,800 m) on the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From here, you’ll have the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. There is also the possibility to see wild horses, wild bulls and some bird species. If the weather conditions permit, you can attempt to trek to the basecamp at 16,000 ft. (4,876 m).

Towards the end of the day, you’ll be driven to Isinlivi where you’ll spend the night.

Trekking time: 2 hours on flat terrain around Limpiopungo lagoon, elevation: 12,631 ft, elevation gain 1,000 feet

The charming Andean mountain landscapes will inspire us today on a trek along the Toachi canyon for 13.5 km (8.4 mi). Experience stunning views of small villages and indigenous people working in the fields.

You’ll hike down to the canyon of the Toachi River and then back up to the main road that will take us to Chugchilán, a small town located on the middle of the Quilotoa loop. Here you’ll find your Eco-house accommodation, and in the afternoon you can explore the village with the great opportunity to gain a bit of cultural experience with the locals.

Trekking time: 2 hours downhill from 10,810 ft. to the Toachi River at 9,500 ft and then 2 hours uphill to Chugchilán at 10,498 ft. Total steps: 25,481

Early in the morning after breakfast you’ll start your hiking adventure for 11 km (6.9 miles) on small trails blazed by the mountain people and still used by locals to transport products and to travel across the canyons to reach neighboring communities. While trekking on this trail, it is common to see the traditional custom of exchanging goods with one another, bartering is still being utilized today.

You’ll venture down into impressive canyons to later climb back up to the top of the crater rim, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Quilotoa Lake. The majesty of this place will take your breath away.

Enjoy a beautiful picnic with the best views from the volcano and transfer 2,5 hours to lodge in a magical hacienda in the foothills of Chimborazo volcano.

Trekking time: 1 hour downhill from 10,498 ft. to the Toachi River at 9,800 ft. and then 2 and a half hours uphill to 13,000 ft. After, 1 hour and a half on flat terrain. Total steps: 27,518

Early in the morning, you’ll drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador with an elevation of 6310 m (20702 ft) above sea level; whose summit is the furthest point from the center of the earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers.

Visiting this spectacular national park includes a short hike for 0.9 km (0.57 mi) to reach the elevation of 5000 m (16404 ft) where the glacier begins. On the hike, we will try to spot a few of the animals that inhabit this volcanic climate such as the Andean condor, cara-cara, hummingbirds, and the timid wild Vicuñas. A delicious picnic will be organized at the base camp before we leave.

Trekking time: 1.5 hours uphill from 15,748 ft. to 16,732 ft. and then 45 minutes downhill same way back. Total steps: 14,974

Trek in Llanganates National Park for 6 hours, famous for its amazing landscapes and storied mystery. Legend has it that the Inca General Ruminahui has a large sum of gold hidden somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range. Start the hike at 3,200m (10,498 ft) above sea level and travel upwards to 3,600m (12,024 ft). See a variety of changes in vegetation while trekking to higher elevations. Expect stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Sangay Volcano (if visibility is good). After this beautiful trek return to Banos to spend the lasts night in this magical town.

Good opportunity to join the neighbor spa and get a nice massage after a day of trekking moon-like landscape of Chimborazo and drive on to the tropical town of Baños. In the evening you can soak in the famous hot springs of Baños and experience the thriving nightlife of this town.

Baños is a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano and is an excellent place for outdoor activities including: horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and rafting. It is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country, you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look to this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls.

The first stop will be at the Bride´s Veil Waterfall, where you’ll take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then, you’ll hike down for one hour to the Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador. After a day full of adventures in the cloud forest, you’ll enjoy the scenic ride returning us to Quito City.

Trekking time: 45 minutes downhill from 5,249 ft. to 4,950 ft. and then 1 hour uphill same way back.Total steps: 13,000

International departures, & end of services.

Take with you memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land.

Until the next time!