Ecuador Trekking $1910

Departure Date

Daily

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Views

3566

Maximum Seats

10
Overview

True adventure. Imagine yourself a modern day pioneer, stepping foot on fresh Andean soil, taking in breathtaking sights from a new perspective. This Expedition takes place in a location like no other, trekking off the beaten path along narrow trails surrounded by beautiful farms, crater lakes and snowcapped volcanoes. Witness the local way of life while immersing yourself into this region. Learn from your guides about the geography, history, ecology and culture. Let us take you on a one of a kind adventure through the land touched by the hand of Mother Nature.
Accommodation is provided at charming eco-lodges and colonial Haciendas.
mapas tours_ecuador trekking
  • Trek off-the-beaten-path in the Andes

  • Trek the Quilotoa Loop

  • View wild vicuñas near Chimborazo

  • Explore Baños city

  • The Swing of the end of the World

  • Hike to Pailon del Diablo Waterfall

  • Learn about the Culture of the Andes

  • Hike to the Glaciers of Cotopaxi Volcano

  • Share time with the local indigenous people

  • Bath at the volcanic hot springs in Baños

  • Stay at unique places in every location

  • Be led by top Activexpedition experienced guides at every step you take

  • Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature

  • Trekking

  • Hiking

  • Culture

  • Wildlife

Easy To Moderate

Day 2.- Trek Sigchos - Isinlivi

Day 3.- Trek Isinlivi - Chugchilan

Day 4.- Trek Chugchilan - Quilotoa

Day 5.- Trek Chimborazo

Day 7.- Trek Cotopaxi

  • Year around

  • 12 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Day

A collaborator will be waiting for you at airport to assist with transfer to hotel in Quito. There are no activities planned for your first day for you to be able to explore the beautiful city of Quito on your own terms, but if you feel like having a guided day tour at extra cost, do not hesitate in contacting us. We are always more than happy to send you with one of our expert guides to learn more about the city or the surrounding areas.
Please keep in mind that there is a meeting at 18:00 in the hotel’s lobby the first day to meet your guide and the rest of the group as well as learn about what’s in store for the days of your expedition!

Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar
Meals included: none
Day 2

Quito City and Foodie Experience (drive time less than one hour total)

AM: Begin with a visit to one of the best-preserved historic centers in South America. Stone and wood are combined to shape our historic center, decorating the finest artistic representations with their elements. Let the unique architecture of the fascinating convents, churches, squares and neighborhoods captivate you. Travel back in time surrounded by splendid interiors where masterpieces belonging to the “Quiteña School of Art” and preserved finishes from the colonial era are exhibited.
PM: We will have lunch at Altamira Gastronomic Experience'. Altamira is an operating company located in the historic center of Quito. We´ll find experiential cuisine related to national gastronomy, such as cooking class, cocktail experience, afternoon coffee, Heritage chef, among others. You will be able to prepare traditional Ecuadorian recipes with your own hands and the guidance of one of the chefs.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3

Trekking from Sigchos to Isinlivi

We start early morning driving for 3 hours through the volcanoes highway, heading to south western Andes were the famous Quilotoa loop hike starts, Sigchos.
As soon as we arrive we get ready with all our equipment and start our day 1 on hiking for more less 5 hours, this is the easiest of all the 3 days giving us an idea how the altitude will work on us, walking through a dirt road with a very little traffic and and some sections of narrow trails. Most of the way is downhill and flat considering that our start point is Sigchos at 12,000 feet and our first night stop Isinlivi is at 11,000 feet.
As soon as we get to Isinlivi we will check on the most cozy Lodge of the area known as Llullu Llama, we will have some good time to rest and enjoy the place for finally at the end of the day enjoy a delicious dinner and recharging the batteries for next day hike!

Accommodation: Llullullama Hostel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4

Trek Isinlivi - Chugchilan

After breakfast, we will start our day hiking on dirt trails and narrow secondary roads. Along the way we will have the pleasure of experiencing some of the most stunning and privileged views of the Andes in Ecuador, passing through villages like Isinlivi and Chugchilan. These towns are small and they depend on farming and cattle. They also produce quinoa, potatoes and corn, and they raise horses, mules, chickens and guinea pigs, a delicacy in Ecuador. Once we get to Toachi canyon we will have a picnic and then climb up to Chugchilan.

Accommodation: Mama Hilda Hostel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5

Trek Chugchilan - Quilotoa - Chimborazo

Today is one of the biggest challenges of the Expedition but also one of the most rewarding! After much effort, you will be met with 360 views at the top of the Quilotoa Volcano a turquoise jewel in the Andes. This volcano is sacred to the indigenous people not only its impressive power but also for being inspiration for the local artists in many of their works. After lunch we will drive to Riobamba where we stay overnight. At Hosteria Andaluza we have included access to the SPA and get time to relax at the wet area.

Accommodation: Andaluza Hacienda or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6

Trek Chimborazo

In the morning, we will enjoy a tasty breakfast and then drive to Chimborazo reserve. This place is home of thousands of vicuñas, small relatives of llamas that are easily identifiable by their red coats as they wander about the skirts of the volcano. Chimborazo’s summit is considered the highest on earth if measured from the planet’s core. This is due to its proximity to the Equator making it closer to space than Everest! Our hike will be short but challenging, as we will be reaching almost seventeen thousand feet. After lunch we will head to Baños, a perfect place to go out for drinks and salsa dancing. Spa available at our accommodation.

Accommodation: Samari Spa resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 7

Baños and the Route of the Waterfalls

Today we will head to the border of the lush Amazon Basin where we will hike through a beautiful forest to Pailon del Diablo. A powerful cascade, this waterfall forms a small gorge with an overhanging bridge to be able to experience its majesty not only alongside the falls but also from above. In the afternoon we will visit Casa del Arbol, famous for its swing overlooking the valley in Baños and the Tungurahua volcano. Many will recognize this place as it won the photo contest of NatGeo in 2014. There will also be time for optional activities like zipling or shopping. Spa available at our accommodation.

Accommodation: Samari Spa resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8

Trek Cotopaxi

Our seventh day of exploring takes us back north to Cotopaxi. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active Volcanoes on earth. Perfectly conical and surrounded by views of other volcanoes it is a sight to behold. The park is also home to horses and bulls, which can sometime be seen trotting about. Once reaching the National Park we will trek upwards to the base of the glacier, nearing 17,000 feet! In the afternoon we will return to Quito.

Overnight: Wyndham Garden or Similar
Meals included: Breakfast and farewell dinner
Day 9

Departure

After breakfast, we get ready to be transferred to airport in time to connect with flight back home, but if you wish to stay longer and continue exploring more of Ecuador we can help you organize an extension trip to places you did not see during this trip. We thank you for choosing Activexpedition and hope to see you soon!

Meals included: Breakfast

Let's design your adventure

    • Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide

    • Airport transfers

    • Private Transport

    • Accommodation for eight nights

    • Meals according to the Itinerary

    • Water and snacks at all time

    • Access fee to wet area at Hosteria Andaluza

    • Trekking gear: (Black diamond hiking poles).

    • All fees to reserves and museums

    • International or domestic flights

    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

    • Tips for guides and drivers

    • Travel insurance (mandatory)

    • Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, your guides, due to weather or safety reasons, can make changes. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.

    • Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.

    • Accommodation: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service.

    • Single Supplement Costs: Generally, this fee is not incurred as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room, but if you prefer not to share and have your own room, then there will be an associated fee.

    • Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes Mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.

    • Gear: We will provide hiking poles, which are especially helpful in steep uphill and downhill segments.

    • Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 3 out of 5. Experience is not a prerequisite but please keep in mind that trekking lasts four to six hours a day covering between seven to nine miles every segment. The average daily elevation change will be 1500 feet. There will always be transport support in the case that someone wants to take a break or just wants to avoid the uphill. Our drivers will be happy to show you the landscapes from the car.

    • Weather and Elevation: In Ecuador the weather can be very variable depending on which side of the Andes you are traveling to, so it is highly recommended to come ready for all kinds of weather. When they say “Ecuador, All in One Place” they mean it! The altitude determines the temperature and the higher you go the colder it gets. Don’t let the geographic location of the country fool you. Even at a mere 15,000 feet the temperatures can feel like those of a winter in the northern United States. The coastal lowlands in the western part of Ecuador are typically warm with temperatures in the region of 25 °C (77 °F). Coastal areas are affected by ocean currents and between January and April are hot and rainy. The weather in Quito is consistent with that of a subtropical highland climate. The average temperature during the day is 70 °F (21 °C), which generally falls to an average of 50 °F (10 °C) at night. The average temperature annually is 64 °F (17.8 °C). There are only really two seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October to May.

    • Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero-waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples, we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.

    • Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.

    • Heath Advisory: No vaccinations needed for this trip.

    We do recommend travelling light for this expedition.  A duffel bag of 50 litters for your luggage and a backpack of 20 litters for daily activities should be sufficient. In Ecuador, the weather can change drastically especially when you are traveling on both sides of the Andes.

    • Passport

    • Credit card

    • Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants

    • One pair of cold weather hiking pants

    • Two pairs of shorts

    • One bathing suit

    • Four non-cotton T-shirts

    • One cotton T-shirts

    • One water T-shirt

    • One winter warm jacket

    • One fleece

    • One rain jacket

    • One pair of rain pants

    • Two buffs

    • One pair of hiking shoes

    • One pair of tennis shoes

    • One pair of water sandals

    • One- or two-night outfits

    • One cap or hat

    • Sunscreen

    • Sunglasses

    • Mosquito repellent

    • Camera

    • Head lamp

    • Optional binoculars

    • Weather bottle

    NOTE: Laundry is available almost at every location and it is cheap, this helps traveling light too.

    PRICE FOR SPECIFIC DEPARTURES:

    $1910/per person

    • All premium features

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    Contact Us

    • We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.

    Talk to our Activexpedition expert

    We're here to chat about your next big idea.

    • 7 am - 4 pm Monday through Thursday.
    • 7 am to 1 pm Fridays (US central) toll free or by skype.
    Otherwise, email us anytime. On average we provide quotes within 6 hours during business hours and the next day during off business hours. Privately guided trips allow you to be in control of all the details of your trip - departure times, accommodations, extra nights, extra activities, extra experiences - what you want and how you want it. If you want to go private or customize this expedition, contact us.
    Phone

    US & CANADA: +1 (919) 400-5824 EC: +593 (09) 5955-5556

    Email

    christian@activexpedition.com