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Haciendas and Indian Villages , 6 days
Suggested Itinerary
DAY 01: Otavalo and Cuicocha Lake
We drive north to Imbabura “The Province of the Lakes”, for a short visit to the Indian market in Otavalo. We head up to Cuicocha Crater Lake (Lake of the Guinea Pigs, 3,068 m) which offers incredible Andean cloud forest scenery. Located within the Cayapas-Cotacachi national park the lake features excellent birdlife and stunning scenery as we trek around the crater shore. Picnic lunch on the lake. Afternoon transfer and dinner at our hotel hacienda. (L, D)
DAY 02: Cerro Imbabura
After a healthy breakfast we will attempt Cerro Imbabura (4,609m) arriving at the peak before midday. We get great views to the valleys, lakes and towns below from this ancient volcano. After lunch we will go south near Cotopaxi to spend the evening at an old colonial hotel hacienda. (B, L, D)
DAY 03: Cotopaxi National Park
After breakfast we head to the Cotopaxi National Park. We start our trek at Limpiopungo glacier lake where we can observe Andean animals and birds as we walk up the Rumiñahui volcano. We will also see some of the local Indian lifestyle and introduced animals such as wild horses all under the sights of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. Evening back in our hacienda hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 04: Quilotoa Crater Lake
After breakfast we drive to the stunning Quilotoa crater lake where we find the famous Tiguas, the local handcraft, which consists of painted animal skins. This is one of our favorite treks because of the exceptionally beautiful Andean landscapes. We trek down the crater lake on a steep sandy trail. In the afternoon we will drive to Salcedo. Evening in another hacienda hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 05: Chimborazo Arenal and Hieleros Path
We drive south to Chimborazo national park. On a fair day you find why Alexander Von Humbolt call this breath-taking landscape the Avenue of the Volcanoes. We trek east, ascending the gigantic Chimborazo, until we reach the Edward Whimper refuge, named after the Englishman who first set foot on its summit in 1880. After lunch we start descending east bound through the Hieleros path. We may be able to see some of the members of this legendary family-held tradition bringing down blocks of ice from the glacier to be sold at Riobamba´s market. In the afternoon we will meet our transport and drive to another colonial hacienda hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 06: Tungurahua & Baños
We continue our trip to the Tungurahua province where we commence trekking in the cloudforest through the beautiful valley of the Patate River with impressive views to the Tungurahua volcano. We will end our day entering into the stunning geography of the mighty Pastaza gorge, which is a main gateway to the Amazon. This night will be spent in Baños enjoying the natural hot springs. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Explore Baños
Today we will relax and explore Baños which is a colourful colonial town nestled within incredible geography and cloudforest surroundings at 1,500 m. We trek nearby through some of the several incredible waterfalls and the surrounding natural areas. After lunch we return to Quito. (B, L)
INCLUDES: Professional bilingual guides, private transportation, hotels, meals as described.
NOT INCLUDED: Drinks in restaurants or hotels, entrance fees to national parks, tips/gratuities.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 2 to 3 hours each day
TREKKING TIME: 3 to 5 hours each day
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: 4500 m. to 1500 m
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHLANDS: Day 8-20ºC, night 5-12ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE CLOUDFOREST: Day 18-30ºC, night 16-20ºC
SUGGESTED: warm cloths, gloves, sun block, hat, rain gear, repellent. Detailed packing list upon request.
TOUR OPERATORS OFFERING THIS TOUR: