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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Immerse yourself into the Northern Ecuadorian Andean Mountains, bike and paddle in front if the sacred Imbabura volcano, explore the Otavalo Indiguenous market, trek around the Cuicocha Crater Lake, this multi-activity expedition will blow your mind, join us and learn about the culture and nature of this magical area. Accommodation is provided at charming small hotels
What's included
Accommodation for two nights
Water and snacks available whenever
Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
All fees to reserves and museums
Lunch
Hiking gear: Black Diamond poles
Biking gear: Trek quality bikes with front suspension, certified helmets and gloves
Breakfast
Private Transport
Paddling gear: NRS inflatable sup boards, life jackets and paddles
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
What to expect
Day 1: Biking To Otavalo Market
Otavalo
2h
Northward bound we go through the mountains towards Otavalo; a bustling town home to a large indigenous population, noticeable by their traditional garb of wool hats, golden necklaces, intricately embroidered blouses and long black skirts. To charge up for the ride ahead we will stop to try a local delicacy of biscotti with cheese and caramel--a real sweet way to begin our adventure! Our ride takes us over the hills and through dirt-patched paths and roads used to connect the farms of local families, passing pastures of quinoa and other grains that are the way of life of the people in the region. Our final stop takes us to the colorful and captivating Otavalo Market. The largest indigenous market in Ecuador, let the aisles of locally crafted fabrics, sweaters, carvings, and jewelry inspire you to take a piece of Ecuador home with you in your heart and in your suitcase.
Day 2: Stand Up And Paddle San Pablo Lake
San Pablo Del Lago
2h
After a tasty breakfast, we go on the Panamerican Highway for few minutes towards San Pablo Lake. Here we will have a safety talk from our guide and then start paddling across this magical lake with views of the local towns and the ever-impressive Imbabura. For the local people this is a sacred volcano, so they respect it very much and have some interesting legends your guide will share with you, the San Pablo lake is also very important for the surrounding communities as they depend on its water to irrigate their farms, their main crops in the area are: corn, quinoa and straw berries. After our paddling adventure, we will have some delicious lunch and then go visit one of workshops where they make tapestries and all kinds of handicrafts.
Day 3: Trekking The Rim Of Cuicocha
Cuicocha Lake
5h · Admission ticket included
This morning we will head to the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological reserve, our challenge will be the 8 mile trek around the Cuicocha crater lake, along the trail we will view colorful orchids, Andean flowers and curios lizards, with some luck we might view the majestic Andean condor, the largest flying bird of the Andes. From the highest part of the trail, we will be able to see the whole crater and the two lava domes that where created from its last eruption. In the afternoon, we will go back to Quito.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, he/she will be wearing an our Uniform.
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
