Welcome to Ecuador! Pick up at Quito Airport and transfer to your hotel followed by free time to settle-in and acclimatize to your new surroundings.
Quito is at 2800m altitude so remember to take it easy the first few days and stay hydrated!
Airport transfer (Spanish)
This downhill mountain biking day tour takes you for an exhilarating ride down the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world.
*** Against high altitude sickness, please follow some simple recommendations:
- Drink plenty of water the day before the trip and during the trip
- 0 Alcohol the day before and during the trip
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Do not eat too heavy, as digestion is difficult due to the altitude.
- Do not exhaust yourself, especially when you are at the highest point
- Wear warm clothing
- Professional Bilingual Guide
- Fully Equipped 4×4 Back up Vehicle
- Mountain Bikes with V-Brakes and Front Suspension
- Protective Gear (Helmet & Gloves)
- Box Lunch
- Purified Water
- Entry Fees
- Personal Expenses
- Tips (Optional)
El Corazón (The Heart) is an eroded extinct volcano ca. 40Km southwest of Quito in the western Cordillera of the northern Andes near the agricultural town of Machachi. This tour leads you through the wide paste land and the grasslands of the Paramo up to the summit from which you can oversee the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes”.
Your hike starts on the slopes of the volcano climbing up through the paramo. The nearer you get to the summit the steeper the path gets and after some 4-5 hours of hiking you reach the summit just right for lunch time. Enjoy a rest on the summit with spectacular views. In the afternoon you hike back to the car (ca. 2-3 hours). A perfect day for the experienced hiker.
The weather in the area is very unpredictable and you must be prepared with warm clothing. The hike takes approx. 3-5 hours reaching a height of 4199m (15984, 25 ft.). It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude, we recommend acclimatizing at least one day around 3000m (9842ft).
Volcano Corazón
Breakfast
Boxlunch
English speaking guide
Private transport
Early in the morning we head into the Amazon basin. After a picnic on the river shore we board the kayaks and explore the upper Arajuno River, paddling downstream for 2 hours, on the lookout for wildlife such as otter, caiman, toucan, parrot, monkeys, etc. After settling into the lodge there is an optional night hike.
Breakfast
Box Lunch
Dinner
English Speaking Guide
Specialist equipment required
After breakfast we paddle down the river for 2 hours on the lookout for wildlife that inhabit the river, and enjoying class 1 rapids that are super easy and fun to kayak. Arriving at the animal shelter, we take a guided walk to learn about all the animals that live here. After a box lunch on the side of the river we go back to the Lodge by canoe, with free time to relax.
Breakfast
Box Lunch
Dinner
English Speaking Guide
Specialist equipment required
An early canoe ride takes you to the parrot clay lick, where colorful birds come to lick the minerals from the clay to detoxify and digest. Breakfast is at the lodge, and then a hiking exploration for 2 hours in the forest. After lunch we head by canoe to the Kichwa Community, to learn about their culture, drink sacred “chicha”, and make chocolate straight from the bean.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
English Speaking Guide
A relaxing day at the famous Papallacta hotsprings resort. Time to put your feet up and relax at the pools while enjoying the stunning mountain setting. Bathe in the rejuvenating waters of the clear natural hot springs and there is also an excellent spa available (at extra cost). We also recommend a 1-hour hike along the beautiful river before entering the pools.
Breakfast
English speaking guide
Private transport
Entrance fees ($10-$25)
Spa treatments
Transfer Out
You will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the airport in time for your international flight out.
Breakfast
Airport transfer (Spanish)
