Humboldt footprints: north and central Andes
The area of Cuicocha and Fuya Fuya and its lakes is recognized as one of the most scenic páramos in the Ecuadorian north highlands, its easy trails, lakes and peaks are a kind of invitation for people who seek for a soft adventure, relax and personal encounter. On the first day, we will visit the Indian Market of Otavalo, perhaps the finest and best known Indian Market in South America.
Afterwards, we will visit the massive of Rucu Pichincha, which are located few km west Quito or Guagua Pichincha still remains active after its explosion of 1999. They are Guards of the city and witness of our Independence battle, both became a historic and touristic symbol of Quito and Ecuador. Guagua (baby) and Rucu Pichincha (old) offer excellent conditions for a soft acclimatization and gorgeous views of the city and volcanoes avenue. Pasocho Volcano it propose a very gentle hike with extraordinariness views of the Central Andes.
Corazón and Iliniza North peaks offer some of the more enjoyable climbs in Ecuador. North peak is a truly fun climb with a couple of heart stopping scrambles. On seventh day, you will certainly be acclimatized, ready and willing to climb Cotopaxi, which is not technically difficult but requires your best fitness condition and positive minded attitude.
Lot of endemic colorful plants as well as Andean birds decorates these majestic and evergreen páramos. Seeking for your comfort, we ha ve selected the best cozy and classic local haciendas and Lodges, To complete the maximum of the experience, you will climb the highest active volcano in the world - Cotopaxi, and finally we deserve to enjoy Papallacta hot spring, the very best hot springs in Ecuador. With no doubts, this trek will remain in your memory for a long, long time!
Tour Summary
Day 1.- arrival in Quito
arrival in Quito and Transfer to Hotel Sierra Nevada
Day 2 - Otavalo & Mojanda lake
Departs from Quito in north direction towards Otavalo area, visit of the Indian market, lunch, and afternoon short hike at Mojanda lake. Overnight in mountain lodge (3200 mt).
Day 3 - Cuicocha crater lake
Transfer to Cuicocha area and trekking around the crater lake at 3500 mt. Afternoon back to Quito. Hotel.
Day 4 - Pasochoa Volcano
Transfer to the area of Pasochoa Reserve about 35 Km. South of Quito. altitude trek to the summit 4200mt. Back to parking lot and drive back to Quito.
Day 5 - Rucu Pichincha
Transfer to Cable car Station and with the Cable car we will ascent to Cruz Loma 4000mt. Hike along a ridge and scree slope to the summit. Back to Quito. Hotel.
Day 6 - Corazón
Transfer to Corazón volcano and trekking to its summit at 4600 mt. Back to vehicle and transfer to a local hacienda.
Day 7 - Iliniza North
Early transfer to Iliniza parking place at 4000 mt and climbing to its summit at 5125 mt. Back via direct route to parking and transfer to Hacienda.
Day 8 - Cotopaxi National Park
Morning at rest and afternoon transfer to Cotopaxi National Park. Relax and early diner at Tambopaxi Lodge.
Day 9 - Cotopaxi volcano
Midnight transfer to parking place at 4600 mt and hike to refuge at 4800 mt. Taking normal route we go up hills to the summit 5897 mt. Back to parking and transfer to Tambopaxi lodge. After resting and packing drive back to Quito. Hotel.
Day 10 - Papallacta thermals
We deserve a nice rest, so we go to Papallacta thermals, to relax and enjoy its medical and crystal waters. Lunch at Ecuadorian Restaurant. Back to Quito. Hotel.
Related tours:
| Highland-Lowland | Hike Cotopaxi | Tungurahua volcano |
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