HIKING RUCU PICHINCHA VOLCANO

Today you will hike your first peak, the Rucu Pichincha volcano (4.690 m)!

In the morning you will take the cable car Teleferico to get up to approx. 4.000 m from where you will start the hike. Enjoy the great view over the city. The first part of the hike brings you through páramo (typical andean landscape), whereas the last part until the summit is a steeper climb.

On the summit, enjoy the feeling of having climbed this volcano, take some pictures and start your way back to the Teleferico, which brings you back down to the city. The complete hike takes about 6 hours.

Maximum Altitude: 4690 mt.

Difficulty level: Moderate- High.

Hike Duration: 6 hours

HIKING DAY AT COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

You will wake up early, and after breakfast, you will say goodbye to the beautiful Hacienda and head to the Cotopaxi National Park, about 10 – 20 minutes’ driving distance.

Upon your arrival at Cotopaxi National Park, you will see the volcano towering at 5897 meters, whose peak boasts a perfectly symmetrical snow-capped cone, and picturesque surrounding parkland. Located south of Quito, the Cotopaxi volcano is the second highest summit in Ecuador (19,347 feet). But there is more than meets the eyes. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes! Its dome, which form is almost perfect, is covered with eternal snow.

Once there, you will start at Lake Limpiopungo, here you may find a variety of birds, and occasionally even wild horses. A short walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life along the way.

You will explore the rugged surroundings and stunning scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and Cotopaxi Volcano and enjoy heading ever-higher into this sky-high region, stopping at the 15,800-foot (4864-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge, here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano’s gigantic cone, The distance is short, and the hike presents no technical difficulty. but make sure to stay hydrated to avoid the effects of altitude, and bring warm clothes (hat, scarf, gloves, warm upper layers, wind/rainproof jacket). This will be an excellent way to discover the mythical Andean landscapes in a truly unique way.

Jose Ribas Refuge Altitude: 4864 mt.

Difficulty Level: Low- Moderate.

Hike duration: 1- 2 hours approx.

ALPACA ENCOUNTER AT QUILOTOA LAGOON

Today you will visit the picturesque volcano lagoon Quilotoa. You have the option to walk along the crater’s rim to enjoy the splendid view or hike down a path to the crater lake. The return can become a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill hike. In the afternoon, you return to Quito.

Altitude: 3878 mt.

Difficulty Level: Moderate.

Hike Duration: 1 hour down/ 2 hours going up Approx.

HIKING FUYA FUYA VOLCANO- OTAVALO

Today, you will climb the beautiful Fuya Fuya Volcano, located not far from Otavalo! You will start the hike at Laguna Mojanda, from there the trail leads up through knee-high grass vegetation and achupallas (andean tall pineapples). The climb gradually becomes steeper as you gain altitude. It takes around 2-3 hours to get to the top. Once on top of the summit, you can enjoy the view of surrounding mountains (if the weather permits). After descending the volcano, you will head back to the hotel in Otavalo.

Altitude: 4290 mt.

Difficulty Level: Low-Moderate.

Hike Duration: 2-3 hours.

CUICOCHA LAGOON HIKE

After a delicious breakfast, you will head to the famous Cuicocha Lagoon, a little bit North of Otavalo. On the trail around the crater lagoon, your guide will explain to you the high-altitude flora and fauna and the history of the once-active volcano (duration of hike: approx. 5 hours). Alternatively, if you don’t feel like hiking, you can just take a short walk and take some pictures, or ride in a boat around the two islands.

In the afternoon, you can make a stopover in the leather town of Cotacachi – maybe you find some souvenirs.

Altitude: 4944 mt.

Difficulty Level: Low- moderate

Hike Duration: 4-5 hours.

OTAVALO MARKET- PEGUCHE- QUITO

Today, you will visit to the market of Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets of South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicraft to fresh vegetables and fruits. Take a stroll through the streets and maybe try some of the local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, fried pork with cooked corn.

Afterwards, you will head to the small waterfall Peguche, formed by the river of the same name. This waterfall is considered as an indigenous ceremonial site. After visiting the waterfall, you could also stop by the local artisans who live and work in this area. For your overnight stay, you return to Quito.

HOTSPRINGS IN TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA

What better way is there to wrap up a long trip than a relaxing visit to a hot spring to unwind? Today, head to Papallacta, home of the Termas de Papallacta, a spa made up of eight natural geothermal pools. Take a dip in the warm water and let any stress from your travels melt away as you admire the views of polylepis trees and the Antisana Volcano in the distance.

Papallacta Hotsprings is a popular tourist destination in Ecuador. The hotsprings, which are located in a mountain valley near the Andes, boast of therapeutic and healing powers due to their high mineral content. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities including soaking in the hot pools, steam baths and Jacuzzis, as well as a variety of treatments such as massages and mud baths. The resort also offers a number of other amenities such as a spa, restaurants, a pool, and a variety of lodging options. Papallacta Hotsprings is a great destination for anyone looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

TRANSFER TO QUITO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE

It is time to say goodbye to Ecuador and continue to your next adventure. A representative will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport in Quito for your flight.