Welcome to Quito! The capital city of Ecuador is beautifully situated in the Andes, squeezed between mountain peaks and volcanoes at an altitude of 2,850 meters (9,350 ft). A city full of traditional Ecuadorian Sierra Culture, bustling markets, relaxing parks, busy commercial streets choked with traffic, and the incredible historical colonial city center.
Our driver will carry a sign with your name on it and welcome you at the arrivals area. You will be transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day/evening is free to acclimatize and get used to your new surroundings.
Duration: transfer of 45 min to 1 hour 15 min / Type: private transfer
Be prepared for unpredictable weather – the Quiteños literally say there are 4 seasons in one day! The mornings usually start off fresh and sunny, but around mid-day weather may feel warm while the sunshine is very strong. In the afternoon temperature starts to drop quickly and it may rain.
A fantastic day hike up the Rucu Pichincha Volcano. The day starts riding the Teleferico cable car up Cruz Loma (4100m) for fine views over the city and your first taste of altitude. From there we head a little higher trekking 3 hours up to Rucu Pichincha (4680m) before returning to Quito to relax.
Tour duration: 8 hours / Type: this is a privately organized tour service
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. The car will stay close to you in case you need to rest.
At 3,700m we enjoy lunch by an old Inca ruin before continuing downhill passing the pretty Limpiopungo Lake to our journeys end.
Tour duration: 6-7 hours / Type: this is a privately organized tour service
*** 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.
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.
Tour duration: 8 hours / Type: this is a privately organized tour service
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).
Breakfast
Boxlunch
English speaking driver/guide
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.
Then, you will be transferred to Riobamba.
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.
Afterwards, transfer to the green lush mountains of Baños.
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)
Free rmoning in Baños to explore the town and beautiful green surroundings at your own pace.
There is a whole array of potential activities to enjoy from relaxing hot springs to trekking, biking, water rafting, canyoning and horse-riding to name but a few. The small town is also nice for a stroll around the park and main street where you can taste the local traditional streets called melcochas. You can also visit the famous Swing at the Edge of the world.
Then, 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.
Our driver is at your disposal for the day in Baños and near surroundings.
Breakfast
Private transport (Spanish)
Entrance fees & activities
Hotel late check-out
You will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the airport in time for your international flight out.
