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Ecuador Andes Adventure Trekking 16 days
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Quito. Transfer to a comfortable hotel.
Day 2 : Quito. At 2850m, Quito is one of the the highest capital city in Latin America and lies in a long narrow valley dominated by the imposing Pichincha Volcano. The old part of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a delightful crush of narrow cobbled streets and fine colonial architecture. The Equator Monument, marks the spot where the world is divided in two.
Day 3 : Otavalo. Driving from Quito north across the equator we reach Otavalo, home of a renowned market. Otavalo´s industrious inhabitants are extremely striking in appearance -the pony-tailed indian men in their uniform of felt hat, navy and grey poncho, calf-lenght, white trousers and alpargatas; the women in white blouses, dark skirts and necklaces of gold and coral. Hotel.
Day 4 : Yanahurcu the Piñán Trek. This morning we will drive from Otavalo to the small village of Iruginchu, a typical Andean town at 2800m. From here we start our first day trekking towards our first camp (3100m) at the base of Churoloma hill.
Day 5 : Yanacocha Lake: Today we follow an ancient path, most probably dating back to the Inca period, which climbs steeply towards the base of Cerro Huga before descending south untill we reach the shores of the small Yanacocha Lake.
Day 6 : Yanaurcu volcano ascent. Climbing across a steep moraine as well as volcanic sand and ash fields we head for the summit of the Yanahurcu volcano (4535 m). whose name means Black Mountain.
Day 7 : Machachi. Striking camp we make our final descent to the Hacienda Hospital whose nearby hot springs offer a welcome chance to relax. From here we will drive south to the town of Machachi. Hotel.
Day 8 : Quilotoa Lake/Amabato. This morning we visit some small indigenous communities and the famous naif painters who live on the the beautiful highlands of Zumbagua. Drive to the rim of the impressive Lake Quilotoa Crater.
Day 9 : Carihuairazo Volcano Trek. The day starts with a drive to the Tisaleo village located on the slopes of the Carihuairazo volcano and then continuing to the small village of Bellavista. From here we will star our 3 hours hike up to the paramos of San Antonio. Camp (3500m).
Day 10 : Trek to Paramos de Hatillo. The second day of our trek take us to our first pass at an altitude of 4250m before we descend towards the base of Quebrada Carbonería and continue towards the east side of Carihuairazo until we reach our second camp on the paramos de Hatillo (3600 m).
Day 11 : Quebrada Tigre Saltana. This day we will trek up to Quebrada Carboneria untill we reach the base of the Carihuairazo. Then we will climb up to our second high pass at 4350m enjoying great views fo the Mocha peak. Then we will descend to the south-east side of the volcano heading down to our next camp on the deep gorge known as Quebrada de Abraspungo. Camp at 3700m. In front of us we will have already the impressive view of Mount Chimborazo and its glaciers.
Day 12 : Isupapungo. Today we head west along the Abraspungo gorge and then traversing the plateau between Carihuairazo and Chimborazo. During our walk we´ll get breathtaking views of the glaciers on the northern side of Chimborazo, which contrast with the grassy moorlands on the lower slopes of Carihuairazo. Camp at 4100m.
Day 13 : Pogyos Camp. Continuing over the high Paramos of Chimborazo´s north-west face we will see the huge glaciers and an unusually arid area. Today´s goal the few remains of the famous Fabián Zurita refuge (4900m). Camp at 3900m.
Day 14 : Whymper refuge / Baños: The parcipants who feel strong can make our last day´s long trek(6-7 hours) which takes us to the western side of the mountain and, after traversing a couple of glacial moraines we will reach the Whymper hut. Transport To Baños town for a well deserved rest in a charming hotel.
Day 15 : Quito. Free morning to explore Baños. Afternoon transport to Quito. Hotel.
Day 16 : Transfer out.
Included: private transport, professional mountain guide, double accommodation in comfortable hotels and tents, all camping equipment, meals during the excursion, cook, helpers, entrance fees.
Not included: other meals, personal expenses, personal climbing equipment, tips, extras.
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