Hiking Adventure in Ecuador

A superb vision of the Andean mountain chain and its culture: the sumptuous panoramas during hikes close to the volcanoes (summits up to 13,986 and 15,125 feet) and the visit to its traditional cities, villages and markets. For those passionate hikers, sign up for an extension, the Cotopaxi’s ascension at 19,347 feet, Ecuador’s most awesome summit and/or visit the Galapagos Islands.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Quito
• Day 2/  Visit Quito, Otavalo 
• Day 3/  Fuya Fuya, laguna Cuicocha 
• Day 4/  Volcano Imbabaura 
• Day 5/  Otavalo market, Tambopaxi 
• Day 6/  Refuge Cotopaxi, Riobamba 
• Day 7/  Refuge Chimborazo, Banos 
• Day 8/  Around Banos, Quito 
• Day 9/  Depart from Quito.

This well diverse program, set in such a magnificent country, is intended for those who are short on time and enjoy the discovery of landscapes by foot. During this adventure, we climb some easily accessible 13,123 foot high volcanoes - deadened or active! -which offers the most beautiful views of the country and of the large glacial volcanoes. We discover many lakes of the Otávalo area. We ascend over 16,404 feet as we approach the glaciers on the slopes of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. We visit the colorful local market of Otávalo and the colonial center of Quito. We relax in Baños city springs. Imagine a truly varied adventure, extensive exploration on foot, amazing hikes and easy climbs close to the famous Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, crater lakes and typical villages in the patchwork of fields. In nine days, you will discover a remarkable outline of the landscapes of the Ecuadorian altiplano, its mountains and its population.

Day 1/ Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Quito at Mariscal Sucre Airport; you can arrive in the afternoon or night. You will be met at the airport and transferred to an elegant five-star hotel with many amenities, including a beautiful spa and indoor/outdoor swimming pools. Hotel Grand Mercure Alameda or Hilton Colon or similar.

Day 2/ Quito – City Tour –Cable car- Otavalo
After a delicious breakfast, explore Quito: a town built on the ruins of an INCA city by Spanish invaders. Quito has maintained an undeniable colonial flavor. It is the first city in the world declared “Cultural heritage of the world” by UNESCO, its historical center boasts over sixty churches and convents, which earned the nickname "Florence of the Americas". After learning about Quito and its culture, you will have a short transfer to visit the cable car (teleferico) for a splendid view of Quito, we’ll go from Occidental Avenue (9,678') to Cruz Loma over Pichincha volcano (13,287'). After that we will head towards Panecillo, a hill that dominates the city, where we will discover the famous religious statue, the Virgin of Quito. In the afternoon we will drive about 2 hours to Otavalo. Hacienda Puerto Lago (or similar).

Day 3/ Otavalo – Fuya Fuya – Cuicocha – Otavalo
After breakfast we will hike to the top of Fuya Fuya (13,986 feet), located at the foot of Mojanda lagoon, it offers splendid panoramas and a chance to see condors circling overhead, which quickly allows us to forget the steep path. After we will have a short transfer by bus (approximately one hour) we will visit Cuicocha’s lagoon that is located in the crater, which was formed on the sides of the Cotacachi volcano (16,194 feet). This lagoon with two small islands, seemingly floating in the middle, offers wildly varied flora (orchids, "elephants ears") and splendid views of Imbabura’s province. Circling on a great looping path, the modest altitude allows us moderate acclimatization. From the highest point (11,155 feet), we enjoy a very beautiful view of Otavalo and the volcano Imbabura. 3 - 4 hours walk. Hacienda Puerto Lago (or similar).

Day 4/ Otavalo – Imbabura – Otavalo
After breakfast a short car ride approximately one hour to begin the 5/6 hours climb towards the summit of the volcano Imbabura (15,125 feet). No technical difficulties except the altitude gain. A very nice view of countryside. Hacienda Puerto Lago (or similar).

Day 5/ Otavalo Market – Tambopaxi
On Saturdays, it is Otavalo and nowhere else! This is one of the highlights of the trip. The entire region takes part in the most colorful and famous market of Latin America. We will enjoy the animated bargaining for animals, weavings, fruits, vegetables and crafts. The inhabitants have maintained their original way of life and traditions. The local people of Otavalo are among the most prosperous, indigenous groups and they sell their wares in all corners of Ecuador and the world. In the afternoon we’ll enter to Cotopaxi National Park passing by Quito. Tambopaxi is an acclimatization center located at 12,303 feet at the foot of the volcano.

Day 6/ Tambopaxi – Refuge Cotopaxi – Riobamba
The National park is located at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano (19,347') which, with its perfect snow covered cone, is the world’s highest active volcano. We cross the park, leaving behind us herds of wild horses, in order to begin the climb to the refuge. From this point located at 15,748', we walk to the glacier, which is very impressive and relatively easy to access. Then we’ll walk down towards Limpiopungo’s lagoon. After that we’ll drive to Riobamba. Hosteria Abraspungo (or similar).

Day 7/ Riobamba- Refuge Chimborazo (20,702 feet) - Baños
After breakfast, car transfer up to 15,748 feet high where the road stops. From this point, one hour to go to the Edward Whymper hut, located at 16,404 feet. It is the highest, relatively comfortable, hut in the world. From the hut, we continue hiking up to Needles’ Whymper at 17,388 feet. In the afternoon, transfer to Baños which is approximately three hours. Volcano Hotel or La Floresta Hotel or similar.

Day 8/ Baños – Quito
Located in a subtropical area at 5,905 feet high and at the foot of the volcano Tungurahua at 16,456 feet, this charming little town of Banos is well known for its thermal spring’s swimming pools, an ideal place to relax. You will have a chance to see numerous sugar cane, mandarin and blackberry plantations. Furthermore, you will discover the city center, the cathedral, the balsa and tagua (vegetal ivory) workrooms. As an option for enthusiastic athletes, you can enjoy a thrilling downhill mountain bike ride along the road leading to the Amazon, passing amazing waterfalls and spectacular canyons. Horse back riding or walking is also possible. In the afternoon we return to Quito. Hotel Grand Mercure Alameda or Hilton Colon or similar.

Day 9/ Depart from Quito
Transfer to the airport and depart on homeward-bound flight.

• The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
• For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice.
• The Otavalo market is only on Saturdays. The program takes this into account.

During the treks, all of your belongings are dispatched between a back pack and/or a traveling bag carried during our walks. Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the vehicle of assistance and the logistic team during the excursions.

• An English-speaking professional Ecuadorian Mountain World Travel guide
• A driver in charge of the bus.

The airport/hotel transfer and all other transportation are organized through private tourism Bus vehicles.

• Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
• In the cities, we book hotels and hosterias of excellent standard, Quito 5 stars, Baños and Otávalo 4 stars, based on double occupancy and according to availability at the time of reservation.
• We choose these hotels, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
• The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
  Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
  It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Downtown, breakfast at the accommodation's restaurant, dinner at the restaurant.
Lunch, taken on the way in the form of a picnic or in a restaurant depending on the day and circumstances.
Beverages, mineral water provided during transfer and in restaurant.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control.
Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Quito
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included"

• Drinks (except mineral water during meals)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Airport tax (to date 41 USD$ per person)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included"

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at www.mountainworldtravel.com or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-888-MWT-TREK (698-8735)

Our preferred airlines to fly to Quito are:

• American Airlines: daily flights from anywhere in the States through Miami
• Continental: daily flights from anywhere in the States through Houston
• Avianca: daily flights from Miami
• or LAN (Oneworld), etc

Please note: This list is indicative only. The prices of the airport tax (at the time of check in for departure from Quito) do not depend on our tariff policy and can increase without notice. Ecuadorian states can decide to change their tariffs without notice.

Formalities for US, Canada, EU, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days. For other nationalities, please contact the Ecuadorian embassy of your country.
Please check with: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1106.html

We advise you, however, to be up date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever,hepatitis.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEcuador.aspx

Dentist and doctor: A check up before your departure is recommended.

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness:
We conceive our routes by respecting the best possible "stages of acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve, move in altitude(specific tests may be considered). Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 3
2 months prior:  Hike 9 to 10 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity for a cumulative duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per week, you should be up to speed.  

 

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).