Day 1 Quito - Loja - Podocarpus National Park - Loja
Transfer to Quito airport for flight lo Loja, a small corner of paradise tucked away in the south of Ecuador, where the mountains hold a magical quality with their arid ridges and lush ravines, dramatic skies and rich colors and the only sounds are those of nature.We pick you up at Loja airport and take you to the Libertador hotel for breakfast and to store any unrequired luggage. We then continue on to the Podocarpus National Park where we take a picnic lunch and admire the waterfalls in virgin cloud forest and experience the area´s unique biodiversity. Overnight at hotel Libertador or similar (breakfast not included).

Day 2 Loja - Saraguro - Urdaneta - Rio Negro
After an early breakfast and a 7 a.m. departure, we travel for two hours to the town of the Saraguro Indians, who have maintaines their distinctive ethnic identity and whose origins date back to pre - Inca times. We visit one of their looms before continuing on to Urdaneta where we are met by our crew and horses. After saddlind up, we begin walking, gently gaining altitude. After 2 hours we arrive ar an ancient stone - paved road where we stop for a picnic lunch and admire the gorgeous views along the Saraguro valley. We continue our hike for another 2 hours before camping just before the Rio Negro at a height of 3,060m.

Day 3 Rio Negro - Tres Lagunas
We begin trekking ar 8.30, continuing along a remarkable trail, crossing over the stone bridge of the Rio Negro, arriving ar 3,200m at the "Tres Lagunas" (three lakes) after several hours where we camp. The afternoon is devoted to exploring the area.

Day 4 Tres Lagunas - Palisada
Our day starts at 8:30. We reach a height of 3,300m after1 hour before descending down a winding, stone-payed road into the cloud forest. This descent into the eastern side of the Andes has been described like walking into an enchanted wood and is undoubtedly one of the most beatiful cloud forest in Ecuador. As we continue descending, the vegetation becomes more dense and tropical. After 6 hours trekking, we camp at Palisada at an altitude of 2,200m from where we enjoy wonderful views of the water falls and can admire the Cordillera as it trails away into northern Perú.

Day 5 Palisada - Tambo Loma - Yacuambi river
After an early 7.30 start, we descend down a pleasant trail to Tambo Loma from where we spot the Yacuambi River. A further 40 minutes walking brings us to the bridge over the river where we take lunch. After lunch, our guide gives us a brief safety talk. before we embark on our white water adventure, racing through gorgeous and beautiful canyons.

Day 6 Yacuambi river - Loja
Another day of rafting, but the river is more tranquil and rapids more scattered, giving us time to admire the passing scenery. After approximately 2 hours we stop for lunch and then begin our return to Loja. Overnight at the Libertador hotel (dinner not included).

Day 7 Loja - Quito
Transfer from hotel Libertador to Loja airport for flight to Quito.

Price includes:
Round Trip transport from Quito
Breakfast and Lunch
Guided naturalist hike
River rafting guide

Not Included:
Air ticket Quito-Loja-Quito USD 127 subject to change
Entrance fee to Podocarpus National Park USD 10 per person

Approximate distance: 45 Km
Altitude: 2,200, 3,500, 3,400, 1,810, 1,100 m
Trip Includes: Camping gear, bilingual and cloud forest specialist guide, transportation, pack animals, all rafting and safety equipment.

Tour operators offering this adventure:

Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com