6 Day Hiking Ecuadorian Andes Tour

Day 1: SIGCHOS HIKE

1. Sigchos
   5h
   Your adventure begins driving southeast of Quito to a region known as Sigchos that's is located in the south of Latacunga city, here you will trek from Sigchos to Isinlivi through the Toachi Canyon (3 - 4 hours approx.) It is a canton full of traditions, culture, and natural landscapes. After spending quality time learning and exploring, you will have lunch and then go to the lodge.

Day 2: TREK ISINLIVI – CHUGCHILAN

1. Chugchilan
   6h
   After breakfast, you will start your day hiking on dirt trails and narrow secondary roads. Along the way, you will have the pleasure of experiencing some of the most stunning and privileged views of the Andes in Ecuador, passing through villages like Isinlivi and Chugchilan. These are small towns and depend on farming and cattle. They also produce quinoa, potatoes, and corn, and raise horses, mules, chickens, and guinea pigs. Once you get to the Toachi canyon, you will have a picnic and then climb up to Chugchilan.

Day 3: TREK CHUGCHILAN – QUILOTOA – CHIMBORAZO

1. Laguna Quilotoa
   6h
   Today, you will face one of the biggest challenges of the expedition, but also, it will be one of the most rewarding days! After a challenging hike and much effort, you will be met with 360 views at the top of the Quilotoa Crater lake, a turquoise jewel in the Andes. This volcano is sacred to the indigenous people, not only because of its impressive power, but also because it is an inspiration for the local artists in many of their art pieces. After lunch, you will drive to Riobamba where you will stay overnight.

Day 4: TREK CHIMBORAZO

1. Mount Chimborazo
   4h
   In the morning, you will enjoy a tasty breakfast, and then, drive to the Chimborazo reserve. This place is home to thousands of vicuñas, small relatives of llamas that are easily identifiable by their red coats as they wander about the skirts of the volcano. Chimborazo’s summit is considered the highest point on earth, if measured from the planet’s core. This is due to its proximity to the Equator, making it closer to space than the Everest! The hike will be short but challenging, as you will be reaching almost seventeen thousand feet.
2. Banos
   2h
   After lunch, you will head to Baños, a perfect place to go out for drinks and dance to salsa.

Day 5: BAÑOS AND THE ROUTE OF THE WATERFALLS

1. Cascada El Pailon
   3h
   Today, you will head to the border of the lush Amazon Basin, where you will hike through a beautiful forest to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful cascade. This waterfall forms a small gorge with an overhanging bridge allowing people to experience its majesty, not only alongside the falls, but also from above.
2. La Casa del Arbol
   3h · Admission ticket included
   In the afternoon, you will visit la Casa del Arbol, famous for its swing overlooking the valley in Baños and the Tungurahua volcano. Many will recognize this place as it won the photo contest of NatGeo in 2014. There will also be time for optional activities like zip-lining or shopping.

Day 6: TREK COTOPAXI

1. Cotopaxi National Park
   4h
   The final day of adventure takes you back north to the Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes on earth. Perfectly conical and surrounded by views of other volcanoes, it is a sight to behold. The park is also home to horses and bulls, which can sometimes be seen trotting about. Once reaching the National Park, you will trek upwards to the base of the glacier, nearing 17,000 feet! In the afternoon, you will drive back to the meeting point in Quito where your Hiking Ecuadorian Andes Tour will come to an end.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Optional Briefing: The day before your tour, one of the trip leaders will meet you at the meeting point hotel lobby (to be advised in your voucher of services) for a welcome briefing at around 6:00 PM. At this time, details and questions you may have regarding the adventure will be discussed.
• Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
• Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes Mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
• Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 3 out of 5. Experience is not a prerequisite but please keep in mind that trekking lasts four to six hours a day covering between seven to nine miles every segment. The average daily elevation change will be 1500 feet. There will always be transport support in the case that someone wants to take a break or just wants to avoid the uphill. Our drivers will be happy to show you the landscapes from the car.
• Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch.
• Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
• It is important to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
• Important things to bring: Warm, windproof and waterproof clothing, appropriate shoes or boots, water, sunblock, sunglasses, pocket money, and passport.
• Accommodation is based on number of travelers, if you are traveling with a group, you will be sharing rooms (single rooms require an extra fee).