Day 1: Quito- Cotopaxi

Private transportation  from Quito to Cotopaxi.

 

First peak, Pasochoa

At 4,200 meters this is a challenge that will get our engines revving in anticipation of the second part of our adventure. Access is not difficult, and our hike to the peak will take about 3 hours over grassland trails. From Pasochoa you will get a spectacular view of the mountains surrounding Quito, the inspiring scenery of the volcano’s crater, as well as the impressive surrounding mountain crests: Antisana, Sincholagua, Quilindaña, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Corazón and the twin Iliniza peaks.

The second part of our day consists of the descent to the Pedregal Valley, a downhill walk of about 3 hours through grassland, ending at cozy Chilcabamba Lodge, situated at about 3,200 meters above sea level.

 

 

Mountain: Pasochoa.

Maximum Altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level.

Hiking time: 7 Hours.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Type of terrain: Grassland trails.

Transportation: Vehicle to the foot of Pasochoa, and walking.

Box Lunch included

 

Night at Chilcabamba Lodge (standard room)

 

Included:  transportation, English speaking guide, excursion, Snack during the activity, , accommodation and  dinner

Day 2: Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Trail

Today we head to Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador’s most beautiful protected areas. On a clear day it is possible to see Cotopaxi’s peak from parts of Quito, but its majesty can only be truly experienced from within the borders of the park. When the weather cooperates, views of its snow-capped, almost symmetrical cone like summit are awe-inspiring. Our hike starts at the Pita River which provides essential drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Quiteños (as Ecuador’s capital city residents are known); its source is the pristine glacial melt water of Mt. Cotopaxi. The Pita’s rushing waters will accompany us throughout much of our adventure.

This is a special and beautiful hike, but it’s about more than just the beauty and activity. By hiking here, we are working to conserve the Pita River. The hike is designed to raise awareness for both locals and visitors alike about the importance of this body of water, how conserving it is important, and how melting glaciers will impact our population.

The hike enters Cotopaxi National Park and we head towards an archeological site called Pucara de Salitre, where we can see a variety of migrant and resident Andean birds. On the way, we might see some of the wild horses, deer or llamas that make the park their home, as well as gorgeous seasonal mountain wildflowers and breathtaking scenery. We will spend time at the water’s edge of the Pita and the Park’s natural springs, admiring classic views of Cotopaxi Volcano or perhaps the reflection of Mt. Rumiñahui Mount in the waters. During our adventure, we will stop to enjoy a picnic in the crisp alpine environment.

We will finish our exploration at Limpiopungo Lake where our transportation will be waiting for us to drive us back to our mountain lodge.

Mountain: Cotopaxi

Maximum Altitude: 3,755 meters above sea level.

Hiking time: 5 Hours.

Difficulty: Easy

Type of terrain: Forest– grassland trails.

Transportation: Walking.

Box lunch included

 

Night at the Tambopaxi (Standard Room)

 

Included:  breakfast, excursion, transportation, English speaking guide, Snack during the activity, lunch, accommodation and dinner

Day 3: Cotopaxi

ON THE SNOW LINE

From the lodge we will drive in our private vehicle to the parking area of the Cotopaxi mountain refuge. We will then walk for approximately an hour before reaching the mountaineers’ lodge, and hike from there to the edge of the glacier, a walk of approximately two hours. From here, the northern side of the mountain offers a spectacular panorama. You will be able to identify (with the help of our guide) all the ground we have covered since the first day of our adventure: Quito, its valleys, the distant mountains in the north, and the road from Pasochoa, through the Pita canyon, to el Pedregal, Sincholagua, Rumiñahui and the magnificent Limpiopungo valley. The descent, which will take approximately 2 hours, takes the same route back to the parking lot and we head back to Quito.

Mountain: Cotopaxi (Glaciers on the snow line).

Maximum altitude: 5,100 meters above sea level.

Hiking time: 4 Hours. Difficulty – Type of terrain: Sandy ground – Glacier / Moderate.

Transportation: Vehicle from Tambopaxi to Cotopaxi parking area and walking and back to Quito

 

Lunch included.

Private transportation from Cotopaxi to Quito

Included:  breakfast,  excursion, Snack during the activity, lunch, transportation, English speaking guide

Included:  Bilingual Naturalist Trekking Guide. Transportation and support vehicle for luggage throughout the program.  Meals as described on itinerary. Accommodation at comfortable lodges First Aid Kit.

Not included: Park Entrance fees. Tips. Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Gear of any type

What to bring – clothes and mountain equipment: High ankle hiking boots (please do not bring new boots) and walking sticks. Long sleeve, synthetic, waterproof thermal jacket.  A warm impermeable jacket with fleece (goretex o similar). Quick drying walking pants. Waterproof pants. Gloves, warm hat, sun hat and kerchief.  A small towel.  A flashlight lantern, water bottle, knife, sun glasses.