8 Day Avenue of Volcanoes

Avenue of Volcanoes EcuadorDESCRIPTION

Trek in the Ecuadorian Andes and discover a magical world of stunning landscapes, rural villages, indigenous communities and massive volcanoes.  This trekking adventure will take you deep into the heart of the Andean culture, enabling you to experience the local way of living.   A 3 day trek to Quilotoa volcano, hike to the base of Quilotoa crater-lake and swim in its volcanic waters. Ascend the glacier of Chimborazo, the tallest volcano in Ecuador.  Uncover the legends and secrets of the Gods’ ¨volcanoes,¨ and enjoy volcanic hot springs.

9-avenue-of-volcanos-ecuador-watermark

ITINERARY

DAY 1
Arrival in Quito

Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Quito is a high elevation city, at 9,350 feet that is located on a long and narrow Andean valley surrounded by volcanoes. Once at your hotel there will time available to tour the city, where you will immerse yourself in the culture of Educator. A welcome dinner is held in the evening, as well as a briefing of the tour. Overnight in Quito. (Dinner)

DAY 2
Trekking in Isinlivi

The morning begins with a scenic drive to the Avenue of Volcanoes; panoramic views showcase Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Illinizas and others. In the afternoon, lunch will be served and we will embark on our first trekking exploration through the Andean fields. Trekking time is roughly 3 hours. Overnight (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 2
Cotopaxi National Park

Today we will explore Cotopaxi National Park and will set out on our first acclimation hike which will take us around Limpiopungo Lake that rests at an elevation of 12,467 feet. Along our 2 hour hike we may encounter lamas, wild horses, bulls and a variety of birdlife. The lake offers magnificent photographic panorama of surrounding peaks, such as Cotopaxi , Sincholagua and Ruminahui. Concluding our day, we will drive to Isinlivi for the night. Overnight (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 3
Trekking Toachi Canyon to Chugchilan

On the 3rd day, we will enjoy an 8.4 mile hike; following the Toachi canyon which offers stunning views of small villages and farmlands. The mountainous landscape is inspiring as we hike to the small town of Chugchilan, located in the middle of the Quiltoa loop. Here we will find an Eco-house accommodation and in the afternoon will explore the village. Total hiking time today is roughly 4 hours. Overnight (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 4
Chugchilan to Quilotoa

After an early morning breakfast, we will begin our 6.9 hiking adventure from Chugchilan to Quilotoa on a small trail established by the local mountain people. This trail is primarily used for transportation of products and traveling to neighboring communities. The trail takes us down and across canyons that we will later ascend to reach the crater rim; views of Quilotoa Lake from here are stunning. Our trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Overnight (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 5
Trekking into the Quilotoa Crater Lake

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Illinizas Ecological Reserve, a beautiful drive through the Andes. Here you will begin your hike to the base of Quilotoa (just under a mile). The steep trail features unbeatable views of the turquoise water-filled caldera. Once at the bottom, you are free to explore the banks of this mythical, active volcano. You can enjoy a swim in the volcanic waters or kayak (optional approximately 1 hour). The hike back, takes roughly an hour and a half to complete. Alternately, you can rent a mule and ride your way up the crater wall. In the afternoon we will be transferred to the Riobamba region, centrally located in the Ecuadorian highlands. Overnight (Breakfast)

DAY 6
Chimborazo Volcano and Baños Hot Springs

An early morning drive takes us through scenic valleys and farming villages as we approach the highest mountain peak in Ecuador, with an elevation of 20,549 feet above sea level. Chimborazo Volcano is located along the equatorial bulge making its summit the farthest point on the Earth's surface from the Earth's center. Under clear conditions, the summit of Chimborazo dominates the horizon over 80 miles away. Here we will hike a short distance to reach an altitude of 16,404 feet, where the glacier begins. Along our hike we may encounter wildlife that inhabits this volcanic wonderland and a picnic lunch will be organized at the base camp before heading to the tropical town of Baños, here we will enjoy the hot springs and explore the nightlife of Baños, discovering the flow of salsa dancing. Overnight (Breakfast & Lunch)

DAY 7
Highway of the Waterfalls - Return to Quito

From Baños we drive the “Highway of the waterfalls,” and hike through the cloud forest to reach Bride´s Veil waterfall, where we will board a cable car to cross the Pastaza River, then hike to Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador. Baños is situated at the foothills of the Tungurahua (an active volcano) the landscape offers lush unspoiled mountain views and exciting outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for Ecuadorian families to vacation.  A scenic transfer will take us back to Quito City. Hiking time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Overnight (Breakfast)

DAY 8
Depart

After breakfast you are transferred to Quito Airport for departures. (Breakfast)

END OF SERVICES

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INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers 
  • Accommodations 
  • Ground transportation
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Activities - trek in Isinlivi, 3-day trek to Chugchilan and Quilotoa, hike to Quilotoa crater lake, hike to Chimborazo glaciers, hike the Highway of the Waterfalls in Baños, volcanic hot springs, cable-car ride in Baños, hike to Pailon del Diablo waterfall, salsa lesson, cultural experience with the local people, and Pujili indigenous authentic market
  • Hiking/trekking poles
  • Expert guides

EXCLUDED

  • International flights
  • Meals not described in the itinerary
  • Tips