This hike will allow you to discover a beautiful area of highlands and Andean indigenous communities.
Located at 4/5 hours from Quito, the Quilotoa region is dotted with small communities living mainly from agriculture. We propose to discover their way of life for 5 days walking with your backpack
We start the tour visiting Cotopaxi National Park, at an altitude of 4800 meters, before walking from village to village. Provide for sufficient acclimatization in Quito or the suburbs, this hike takes place at 4000 meters of altitude in a wonderful mountain panorama.
The backpacking trek is more demanding and requires more effort. Vulnerable to the elements but allowing permanent contact with the population, allowing for more encounters, discoveries and surprises. Improvisation is part of the program.
Come to share those moments with us! This will be a real adventure!
Program
Day 1:
Departure form Quito in private vehicle towards Cotopaxi National Park. Arrival to 4500 meters and then walk (45 minutes) to the José Ribas refuge (4800 m). Box Lunch. Hike to the glacier or as the weather permit, until the first snow on the route of ascent of the volcano. In return, quick stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon for bird watching. Visit of the park´s museum and then to Latacunga. Hotel in Latacunga
Day 2:
Breakfast. Departure in local bus to Quilotoa Lagoon. Instalation and visit the community. Descend into the crater. Ability to ride a mule from the lagoon (optional). Lunch, dinner and night in the community of Quilotoa.
Day 3:
Breakfast. Hike from Quilotoa to Chugchilán (5 hours: andean highlands). Box Lunch. Dinner and night in Chugchilán´s hostal.
Day 4:
Breakfast. Hike from Chugchilán to Isinliví. (5 hours). Box Lunch. Dinner and night in Isinliví
Day 5:
Breakfast. Return to Quito by local bus Or to Latacunga in the case of recovering luggage. End of program
Practical advices
The backpacking trek is more demanding and requires more effort.
Improvisation is part of the program.
We recommend a good physical condition and an adventurous spirit ...