Trip Extension Overview
This extension, including a village-to-village trekking circuit, is the perfect add-on for any active traveler looking to get off the beaten path and into the heart of the Andean backcountry. On this five-day trip, you will spend a day visiting Cotopaxi National Park, acclimatizing with a day hike in the shadow of one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. The trip continues as you hike the circuit along the remote highland route that links several indigenous villages, ending at the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake. The route leads through rural communities, past indigenous markets and beneath snow-capped mountains. Accommodations are at cozy, remote lodges that serve warm and filling meals for hungry hikers.
Trip Features
- 5 Days
- $1,695
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PHYSICAL RATING
Difficult -
ACTIVITIES
Multi-day Trekking -
HIGHLIGHTS
Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Laker, Andean Villages, Indigenous Markets
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This morning, depart from Quito and head south, driving through the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes. If the weather is good, a number of snow-capped and glaciated peaks are visible throughout the drive. After arriving at Cotopaxi National Park, the first stop is Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, located at the base of Volcan Rumiñahui. Limpiopungo is home to abundant highland waterfowl, including gulls, ducks, falcons, and more, which can be spotted as you hike the perimeter. Take this opportunity to learn first-hand about the endemic paramo landscape, the unique tropical tundra endemic to the high northern Andes. Continue through the foothills of Rumiñahui and past several other small lakes and rivers. Take in magnificent views of Cotopaxi’s massive, glaciated cone, looming over the high plain directly across from Rumiñahui. Keep an eye out for llamas, wild horses, deer, and hares. Refuel with a delicious lunch and then visit the Pucara Ruins, where you will learn about the Inca presence in Ecuador. Overnight at a hosteria inside the park. (B,L,D)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4 hours
After a delicious breakfast, start the hike to Rumiñahui volcano. This is a beautiful trek through the paramo ecosystem. Along the way, we have the chance to visit the Rumiñahui Cave, a giant rock that forms a special ecosystem in the area and is a perfect shelter for humming birds, owls and very interesting native vegetation of the area. The goal of today’s hike is reach as high as possible toward the summit of Rumiñahui volcano and to enjoy the majestic views from of Avenue of the Volcanoes. After the hike, drive to the village of Isinlivi, a picturesque Andean village that serves as the start to the Quilotoa Loop. Here you will check into your charming guest house for the night. (B,L,D)
Approximate Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Today you begin the first leg of the incredible Quilotoa Loop. After a hearty breakfast, we depart for the trek to Chugchilan. This route takes you along and over the Toachi River, which flows through a canyon formed by the pyroclastic flow of the last eruption of Quilotoa. Along the way we will pass through small villages set in Andean meadows. Overnight in the village of Chugchilan. (B,L,D)
Approximate Hiking Time: 6 hours
Today we will finally reach the incredible Quilotoa Crater Lake. Your path today will pass through the Zumbahua Indian communities that inhabit this area. You will make another cross through the Toachi Canyon before climbing to the rim of the crater where you will get your first glimpses of the lake. From here we follow the path that leads to the village of Shalala, where you will enjoy a wonderful post-hike dinner and restful overnight. (B,L,D)
Approximate Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Today, hike inside the crater of the Quilotoa Volcano! The descent takes 30 minutes and the climbing back up takes about an hour and half. As you descend, the vegetation changes as you approach the beautiful turquoise lake full of minerals and nutrients. Once in the bottom of the caldera you may opt to rent kayaks and paddle around the lake admiring this spectacular setting before hiking back up. Continue on following the southern part of Toachi river canyon toward Zumbahua, where you will see the lifestyle of the inhabitants of these small communities that keep their traditional way of life the same way they have for centuries. This afternoon you return to Quito. (B,L)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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