Unbranded: Lenka Kucevora - Climbing adventure Ecuador - 12 days

Transfer in Quito

Upon your arrival in Quito, you will be greeted by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name. You will be assisted with your belongings and provided transportation to your next destination or hotel. 

Quito free day

Today you will enjoy a free day in the Quito city in order to get used to the altitude. You can easily visit the Old town on your own that day.

This colonial city was the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to having the best preserved historic center in the Americas. The tour will show you the highlights such as La Plaza de la Independencia, La Iglesia de San Francisco, and the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional. During this time you will learn more about Quito’s interesting and colorful history while taking in the sights and sounds of daily Ecuadorian life. 

Pasochoa Volcano Hike

The extinct volcano of Pasochoa was last active in the ice age. The volcano has a height of 4,199 meters and is one of the best places to see the Southern crested caracara, a native bird of South America found between the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest. The climb offers fantastic views of the mighty Cotopaxi and surrounding volcanoes. Inside the crater, you can see the last remnants of primary Andean forest, throughout the trail you’ll take about 3-4 hours winding through grasslands and paramo. This is a perfect hike for those who are new to the altitude and looking for a thrill of the climbs in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Rucu Pichincha via the Teleferico

Today your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the TeleferiQo that takes you up to 4200 m where you will start hiking to the top.

The ascent takes about 2h30 and about 1h to go down

 

Hacienda Day at Papagayo

Today you will dive into an interesting experience to learn more about the local cheese production, rose farming, as well as trekking through a native forest and finally ending the day with a relaxing time at the jacuzzi.

Artisan cheese is primarily made by hand, in small batches, incorporating many of the traditional cheesemaking techniques. An artisan cheesemaker typically uses no machines and little to no mechanization. Artisan cheese may also use a variety of milk and natural flavors.

Afterwards, you will visit the neighboring rose farm, called EcoRoses. This rose plantation prides itself on producing the largest roses in the world and they are happy to receive our guests for a tour through the green houses and production halls. The experience of visiting a plantation, where we can see several varieties of export roses, is certainly fascinating and unique. You will learn more about the rose export industry which plays an integral part of Ecuador’s economy.

Later around noon, we will continue our way to the “Umbria Forest”. It is an endemic forest of the sector with beautiful Pumamaqui trees that are more than 900 years old. Here you will explore the nature and enjoy a delicious picnic with beautiful views of the Volcanoes Avenue.

In the afternoon, you will return to the Hosteria PapaGayo to relax in the Jacuzzi and Sauna, to take in this special day.

Corazon Volcano Hike

Forming part of the Avenue of Volcanoes located to the south of Quito. It is a great day hike for those looking to capture and feel the nature of the Northern Andes. Corazon volcano is also a great climbing option to get acclimatized and increase your endurance. Corazon, meaning heart, is called this because of the familiar heart shape it resembles. The hike and climb are about 8 hours in total. The trail leads up through the grassy paramo landscape of the Andes. As you reach the peak you will be met with rocky outcrops providing the opportunity to practice scrambling. From the peak, on a clear day, you will have breathtaking views of other peaks that form this stunning section of the country like the Ilinizas North and South, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, and others.

Illinizas Volcano Climb

A truly stunning climb, Illinizas North is a great option for you if you are preparing to climb Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. Get ready for a steep climb through magnificent landscape followed by an exhilarating scramble to the summit.

The day begins leaving after breakfast, making your way to the starting point called “The Virgin”, at a height of 4,000m. The local people worship the mountain and earth gods from this location. The climb will take 4-5 hours to summit and another 2 hours to descend. During the climb, you will enjoy amazing views of snow-capped mountains and the beautiful green lagoon between Illinizas North and South. Technical gear with ropes and harnesses will be used near the summit the guide will provide. 

Quilotoa Lagoon

Ever growing in popularity and understandably so, Quilotoa is a must-see when visiting Ecuador. This volcanic crater is filled with crystal-blue water and holds a special place in local indigenous mythology for being bottomless. Along the drive to reach the crater you will pass by local markets in Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujilí (Sundays) where you will gain an appreciation for the indigenous way of life. You’ll also pass through the canyon of Zumbahua, which makes for a great photo opportunity, and close to there, you will visit an indigenous family (subject to change due to the Covid pandemic). When you reach Quilotoa you can decide if you would like to walk down from the crater rim and down to the water’s edge. You can appreciate the beauty up close for yourself. Kayaks are also available for rent for an additional cost if you feel up for the adventure. Or you may decide you would like to enjoy the crater from other angles and hike the loop around the volcano crater. If you hike to the bottom, keep in mind that the way back up is rather steep, good hiking shoes are recommended. There is also the option of renting a mule to ride back up for $10 per person.

Chimborazo Climb Day 1

In the morning around 10 am, you will leave for the Chimborazo Ecological Reserve with your guide, climbing gear, and equipment. Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador with an altitude of 6,268 meters above sea level.  If you leave at this time in the morning, you can reach the reserve in time before it closes at 3 pm.  

When you arrive at Chimborazo Volcano, you can either settle into the refuge or set up your high camp with the help of the guide and porters.  You will discuss which of the two options you choose with your travel agent at the time of booking, depending on their availability.

Once you are set up, your guide will give a briefing on the climb and a short training session. You'll have dinner and rest until it's time to prepare for the climb. Just before midnight, you will start the ascent, which can take between 8 and 10 hours to reach the summit.  

Chimborazo Summit and descent and transfer to Baños

After reaching the summit of Chimborazo, you will descend back down to the refuge or your high mountain camp. Here you will have a small breakfast, pack up and then leave from the national park. On the way we will arrange a transfer from the main road to Baños for you.

You will spend the rest of the day and the night in Baños

Day off in Baños

Baños is a small city in the Andean highlands under the smoke of the Tungurahua volcano and surrounded by green lush mountains. Its name, which in Spanish means ¨baths (of sacred water)¨, comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. Baños is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador – you can do all sorts of adventure activities in the area surrounding Baños, such as horseback riding, biking, hiking, canyoning, bungee jumping, ziplining, white water rafting, and a lot more! It´s quite a tourist place, so there are lots of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and tour agents.

The Valley of the Waterfalls outside of Baños is much visited by tourists, and the Paillon del Diablo is the most impressive of all. There is also the famous Swing of the Edge of the World which you can visit for a stunning swing!

Suggested activities in Baños and its surroundings

What to do in Baños? 

The Town: bike and quads rental, walking around the village, shopping for handicrafts, excellent typical gastronomy, visiting the city’s historic Cathedral with its impressive paintings, and visiting one or more of the thermal baths, public and private.

Swing at the end of the world 

If you are in Baños town, make it a point to make a trip to Casa del Arbol in Baños. This is where the famous Ecuador swing is located. Currently, there are three swings and a zip line in the area. There is also a small snack bar. The whole park is being managed by the family of Carlos Sanchez who volunteered to monitor the Tungurahua volcano.

The famous Ecuador swing is attached to the same tree that holds the treehouse known as Casa del Arbol which serves as a seismic monitoring station. It is located at 8530,184 ft or 2,600 meters above sea level. For a long time running, it has been manned by a local named Carlos Sanchez, and its purpose was to observe and monitor Mt. Tungurahua.

Visit “Pailon del Diablo” Waterfall: 30 minutes from Baños, on the road to the Amazon Rainforest this breathtaking waterfall can be admired. Beautiful natural surroundings and some hiking trails are some of the highlights of this incredible site. Hiking down to the waterfall can take about 40 minutes while going up can take about one and a half hours, depending on pace and physical conditions. From Baños you can visit Pailon del Diablo either by car or by renting a bike.

Transfer from Baños to Quito

At a scheduled time, a driver will take you to Quito