Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Free time to relax and acclimatize to your new surroundings.
A gentle start to the tour with a ride on the teleferico cable car to the top of Cruz Loma for spectacular views of the city of Quito below - here we are very close to the peak of the recently active Guagua Pichincha Volcano which last erupted in 1999 sending an 18km ash cloud high above the city. The afternoon is free to rest or explore Quito.
A spectacular day visiting one of the highest active volcanoes in the world (5897m) and exploring the Andean grasslands (paramo). Our first activity is to visit the small park museum; you will then continue up to an altitude of 4,500 meters/15,000 feet with amazing views on a clear day! After putting on helmets, gloves and protection pads the bike adventure begins on dirt roads through volcanic ash and grassy landscapes. At 3,700m we enjoy lunch by an old Inca ruin before continuing downhill passing the pretty Limpiopungo Lake to our journeys end.
*** 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
Warm clothes & waterproofs are recommended for today. 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. The car will stay close to you in case you need to rest.
Breakfast
Boxlunch
English speaking guide
Private transport
Bicycle and equipment
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
Quilotoa is a real highlight of your tour that will literally take your breath away! An emerald green Laguna inside the crater of an extinct volcano with steep jagged cliffs and views straight down the entire valley of volcanoes (on a clear day), as well as amazing landscapes along the drive through what is sometimes referred as the Grand Canyon of Ecuador. The trek into the crater to the lake shore is very popular. There is a possibility for an optional mule ride out (approx. 10$) for those with tired limbs. At the shore you can also rent a kayak to explore the lake and fumaroles. The village of Quilotoa is also an interesting crafts center.
The village of Quilotoa is set at 3,800m so remember to stay hydrated throughout the day to help avoid the effects of the altitude. It can also be very windy and cold, so be prepared.
A day exploring the impressive Chimborazo Volcano. Today we take you to follow Whymper´s footsteps - the British explorer was first to conquer this impressive summit - up to the second refuge at 5000 meter. On the way up, we may see lamas, alpacas, wild bulls and the beautiful vicuñas (wild lamas) and your guide will explain about the history of this region and the rich flora and fauna of this amazing landscape. If you prefer a gentler day then just let your guide know and he will devise an alternative itinerary in the park for you.
For today we recommend to bring warm clothes and a waterproof wind jacket. Remember to drink plenty of water to avoid any negative effects of high altitude.
Breakfast
English speaking guide (tour)
Private transport (Spanish)
Today we begin the return journey north to Quito, but the trip would not be complete without a glimpse of Ecuador's most currently active volcano, Tungurahua. This volcano, meaning "little hell" in local tongue, has been on almost constant orange alert since 1999 since when it has caused many evacuations of local towns as well as its fair share of destruction. Our driver will try to find you some of the best views of its smouldering peak during the drive.
Breakfast
Private transport (Spanish)
You will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the airport in time for your international flight out.
