Central Andes (05 Days)

05 Days/04 Nigths
Max. Altitude: 5116 m / 16,784 ft
Route: Trekking Central Andes
Availability: All year
Difficulty: Easy

Itinerary

Day 01: Pasochoa trekking
The Pasochoa, an extinct volcano that is very fertile in consequence of the lava and the thousands of years that passed by the eruption. Covered in Andean forests and moorlands, you can find many different species of plants, trees, animals and insects. Our trekking takes about 6-7 hours in total. After reaching Pasochoa Summit (4200 m / 13,779 ft) we head to our lodge to rest for the night.

Day 02: Rumiñahui
We continue to Cotopaxi National Park. We start our tour at the edge of the stunning Limpiopungo lagoon at 3900m. Rumiñahui is a beautiful rocky mountain which its name means: face of rock: Rumi (piedra) Ñahui (cara). We hike to the summit and back in approx. 4-5h. We traverse beautiful moorlands and the last part to the summit is a fun rocky easy climb to Rumiñahui Central. The view is amazing to active Cotopaxi volcano, Sincholagua, Pasochoa and surrounding valleys. We return to our lodge to rest.

Day 03: Ilinizas Reserve Trekking - Iliniza Norte 5116 m / 16,784 ft
The journey takes us about 30min to the Virgin statue nearly at 4000 m / 13,123 ft. The hike to the hut will take us about 2hrs and one hour back. Traversing moorlands and a small polilepis forest, the hike is very scenic with great views of the valley. If guests desire, we can try for the summit of Iliniza North adding additional 2 hours from the hut up, and 2 hours descent total.

Day 04: Quilotoa Loop
We head to the central Andes. The Quilotoa Lake is one of Ecuador’s most spectacular sites, although relatively off the beaten path. The crater lake was formed when the volcano erupted many thousands of years ago. It is about 250 meters deep and is characterized by its stunningly bright turquoise color. We walk around the lake about 4-5 hours to complete the loop around the crater. Then we will be transferred south to Chimborazo province to our hotel to spend the night.

Day 05:Chimborazo trekking and back to Quito
Afrer breakfast we go for a wonderful trekking around the area and base of the mountain to admire the moorlands, views and meet the Andean camelid, alpacas and vicuñas. We reach the mountain refuges and reach up to 5000m at the base of the mountain. We return to Quito for our next adventures.

What’s included

• Local certified English/Spanish-speaking mountain guide
• Accommodation mentioned above
• Private transportation
• Meals mentioned in program above
• Transportation, Accommodations, meals for all guides and driver

• Travel accident and health insurance
• Airfare
• Soft and alcoholic beverages
• Extras and services not mentioned above
• Insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Glacier, climbing and extra trekking gear (we can assist with the rental)
• Taxes

WHAT TO TAKE:

• Cap for cold
• Small backpack
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
• Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
• Lightweight pants
• Regular and long underwear (at over 13,000 ft./4,000 masl)
• Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
• Light cap and wool hat
• Rain poncho (or rain gear)
• Water bottle
• Light gloves
• Medium weight socks
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping bag (-10º to 0ºC)
• Small daypack
• Strong waterproof duffel bag
• Sunglasses, Sun block, lip balm
• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
• Towel.