8-Day Ecuador Trekking the Avenue of Volcanoes from Quito

Day 1: Arrival in Quito City

1. Adventure Journeys
   Pass by
   Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm.
   Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.

Day 2: Trekking in Cotopaxi National Park

1. Cotopaxi National Park
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Begin by hiking in the Sierra climate around the Limpiopungo lagoon (13,000 ft / 3,800 m) on the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. There is also a chance to see wild horses, wild bulls, and some bird species. Concluding our day, we will drive to Isinlivi, where we will spend the night.
   
   Trekking time: 2 hours on flat terrain around Limpiopungo lagoon, elevation: 12,631 ft, elevation gain 1,000 feet, distance 5 miles, total steps 15,345.

Day 3: Trekking Through The Toachi Canyon to Chugchilan

1. Chugchilan
   3h
   The charming Andean mountain landscapes will inspire us today on a 13.5 km (8.4 mi) trek along the Toachi canyon. Experience stunning views of small villages and indigenous people working in the fields. We will hike down to the Toachi River canyon and then back up to the main road, which will take us to Chugchilán, a small town in the middle of the Quilotoa loop. Here we will find our Eco-house accommodation, and in the afternoon we can explore the village, with a great opportunity to gain a bit of cultural experience with the locals.
   
   Trekking time: 2 hours downhill from 10,810 ft (3,295 m) to the Toachi River at 9,500 ft (2,896 m), then 2 hours uphill to Chugchilán at 10,498 ft (3,200 m).
   Total steps: 25,481

Day 4: Trekking to Quilotoa

1. Quilotoa
   6h
   Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will start our 11 km (6.9 miles) hiking adventure along small trails blazed by the mountain people and still used by locals to transport goods and cross the canyons to reach neighboring communities. While trekking on this trail, it is common to see the traditional custom of exchanging goods; bartering is still used today. We will venture into impressive canyons and later climb back to the crater rim, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Quilotoa Lake. The majesty of this place will take your breath away.
   
   Enjoy a beautiful picnic with the best views of the volcano, then transfer for 2.5 hours to a magical hacienda in the foothills of Chimborazo volcano.
   
   Trekking time: 1 hour downhill from 10,498 ft to the Toachi River at 9,800 ft, then 2.5 hours uphill to 13,000 ft. After, 1.5 hours on flat terrain.
   Total steps: 27,518

Day 5: Trek to Chimborazo Basecamp

1. Chimborazo Province
   6h
   Early in the morning, we will drive through valleys and farming villages to reach Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador, at an elevation of 6,310 m (20,702 ft) above sea level — its summit being the furthest point from the center of the Earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers.
   
   Visiting this spectacular national park involves a short 0.9 km (0.57 mi) hike to reach an elevation of 5,000 m (16,404 ft), where the glacier begins. On the hike, we will try to spot some wildlife such as the Andean condor, caracara, hummingbirds, and the timid wild Vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, vicuñas were reintroduced into the wild and are now protected — these beautiful animals are relatives of the alpaca and llama. A delicious picnic will be organized at the base camp before we leave.
   
   Trekking time: 1.5 hours uphill from 15,748 ft to 16,732 ft and then 45 minutes downhill back.
   Total steps: 14,974

Day 6: Trek in the Llanganates National Park

1. Tungurahua Province
   6h
   Trek in Llanganates National Park for 6 hours, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and legendary mystery. According to folklore, the Inca General Rumiñahui is said to have hidden a vast treasure of gold somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range.
   
   The hike begins at 3,200 m (10,498 ft) above sea level and climbs to 3,600 m (12,024 ft), passing through diverse vegetation zones. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Tungurahua and Sangay volcanoes.
   
   After this magical trek, return to the vibrant town of Baños. You’ll have the opportunity to unwind in a local spa with a relaxing massage or soak in the famous hot springs. In the evening, experience Baños’ lively nightlife.

Day 7: Hike to the road of Waterfalls and return to Quito

1. Banos
   6h
   Baños is a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano and is an excellent place for outdoor activities including horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting. It is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country, you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look to this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Bride´s Veil waterfall, where we will take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then, we will hike down for one hour to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second-highest in Ecuador. After a day full of adventures in the cloud forest, you will enjoy the scenic ride returning us to Quito City.

Day 8: Departure Day - End of Services

1. Quito
   Pass by
   Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "Buen Viaje"!

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• IMPORTANT DETAILS
• It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
• On Day 2, 5, 6 and 7 from 2 to 3 hours a day.
• On Day 3 and 4 no driving.
• All year
• Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Tungurahua, Chimborazo.
• All Inter-Andean Valleys and Andes mountains, cloud forest in Sangay and Llanganates National Park and canyons.
• 3 to 6 hours
• From 5100 to 1600 m (16,732 to 5,249 ft)
• Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
• Moderate to challenge. This program will run from the high Andean Mountains to the tropical cloud forest of the Amazon, which involves trekking for 4 to 5 hours a day along canyons and volcanoes.
• Hiking sticks.
• All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same gender. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
• Travelling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
• All Adventure Journeys guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service.
• Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest, and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.