Sample itinerary
Day 1: Quito - Alao - Sangay National Park
We leave early from Quito and drive south to Riobamba, along the "Avenue of Volcanoes" on the south Pan-American Highway, passing by some colourful towns. From here on a dirt road we drive 2 hours to Alao, a little settlement located on the boundaries of the Amazon basin, and already within the Sangay National Park, the starting point of our trek. Camping.
Day 2: Culebrillas camping site
We start very early in the morning, climbing up to 3900 m. starting at the cloud forests and ending up in the cooler highlands of Culebrillas. Magnificent views of the Amazon basin are the highlights. It will be 8-9 hours trekking to our first campsite at the Culebrillas site.
Day 3: Culebrillas - Camp 2
We leave Culebrillas and head eastwards passing through Yanayacu River several times. The trek goes up and down but remains at an average altitude of last camp until the end of the day when we start descending to lower and bushier areas with warmer climate. Camp.
Day 4: Camp 2 - Sangay base camp
Trek towards the base campsite. On the way we will see the dramatic changes in vegetation, from cold straw fields to the warmer lower paramo highland flora. At night it might be possible to have a glance at some of the mammal species yet living near the volcano. From our base camp and if the volcano and weather permits we will admire the impressive activity of the Sangay.
Day 5: Sangay base camp - Summit
We will attempt the climb to Sangay´s summit. Sometimes the intense activity of the mountain can be heard. We leave the camp early in the morning, with the first sunrays; this is important since we negotiate our way up against the stone falls and sandy path. Once the top, the sulphur smell and the impressive and astonishing views of the smoke blowing up every few minutes will accompany us. Return to our base camp.
Day 6: Sangay base camp - Plazapamba campsite
After a relaxed morning, we trek back along the Eten route and not on the same path used to reach the base camp. Late afternoon we arrive to our next camp at Plazapamba (2800 m)
Day 7: Pucara campsite
Trekking to Pucara campsite.
Day 8: Pucara - Eten - Baños
Trek from Pucara to Eten, one of the remaining old haciendas in this area. From here we drive to the colourful and famous town of Baños for a well-deserved rest. Hotel.
Day 9: Baños - Quito
After a relaxing morning drive from Baños to Quito.
Included: private transport, trekking guide, cook, horses to carry equipment & luggage, horse keepers, all meals as mentioned, overnights in hotel in Baños, all camping equipment (2 persons per tent), rubber boots (up to size 44), entrance fee to National Park Sangay.
Not included: Personal trekking gear, personal expenses, extras and tips..
Tour operators offering this adventure:
Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com