Day 01: Quito - Riobamba - Alao - Laguna Negra
Departure from Quito and travel to the small Indian village Alao (via Riobamba) that we will reach after 5-6 hours drive. On our way we get to see the life of the Indios who still pursue agriculture according to traditional methods. From Alao we hike to Cusniparcha at the base of the Andean pass of the Laguna Negra. Here we will set up our camp. -/L/D

Day 02: Laguna Negra - El Placer
Today we hike to the Laguna Negra and cross the pass at an altitude of about 4.000m. The lagoon is situated at the foothills of the enormous massif of the Altar (5.320m) where we can take in the spectacular view of its nine snow-covered peaks. From the windy and cold highlands of the Andes we descend in just a few hours through the mountain forest to the mountain cloud forest. In El Placer (The Pleasure) you get to relax in the nearby thermal spring. We will spend the night in El Placer in a spacious hut. B/L/D

Day 03 - 11: Rio Palora - Jungle Crossing
After leaving El Placer we follow a small path, which disappears in the national park near the collection of huts called Guamboya. From here we follow the Rio Palora through valleys of virgin mountain rainforest descending to the subtropic areas of the foothills in the Amazon rainforest. Cutting our path through the dense vegetation we hike along the noisy river, where we may spot some of the timid inhabitants of this unique natural paradise. In the evening we set up our tents close to the river.
On the 11th day we cross the river and hike through tropical forest in the direction of Palora. It is likely that we will pass the first isolated huts of Shuar-Indians who settled here. B/L/D

Day 12: Palora - Puyo - Quito
Today we reach Palora which is a small jungle town located about 2 hours from Puyo. From here we drive via Puyo, Baños and Ambato back into civilization to Quito. On this 8-hour drive we will pass through the spectacular terrain that changes in different climate zones- from the tropical rainforest to the Sierra - a dignified conclusion of our adventure. B/L/-

Included: private 4WD transportation, expedition English speaking guide, all meals included in this itinerary, collective camp equipment such 1 or 2-pers. tents, kitchen gear etc., cook, porters, entrance National Park, first aid

Not included: international flight, accommodation and food supply in Quito, airport tax ( USD 25,-), sleeping bag, personal items, tips, travel insurance.

What to bring with you: sleeping bag, sun glasses, sun block, rain wear, torch, hat, rubber boots, trekking shoes, warm clothing, canteen, camera and film (400 ASA).

Note: The tour may be delayed due to unforeseen obstacles (e.g. rivers we cannot cross because they are flooded). Therefore you should plan one or two reserve days after the tour. The countryside is often very difficult and we also have to cross-rivers. For this tour it is essential that you are in very good shape and are prepared to work as part of a team!

A maximum of 8 participants

Tour operators offering this adventure:

Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com