Ecuador Adventures
The Adventure: High Andean trekking The condor Trefk Physical rating: 6-10 high altitude trekking….
Day 1 We leave Quito in the morning and head east up the Cordillera Real towards El Tambo, a small village close to Papallacta and situated at 3400m, where packhorses await us. After loading our equipment on the horses we then start out on our trek. This day is spent mostly on muddy trails and crossing small rivers, where rubber boots are a must. Our first campsite is located at small lagoon, called Laguna del Volcan and the hike takes us 4 hours to complete. (4hrs.)
Day 2 After breakfast we begin our ascent towards our second base camp at the foot of Antisana at 4100m. The first two hours still take us through muddy areas and small forests until we reach higher paramo regions, void of trees but with much dryer ground.. After another 4-hour hike passing the magnificent and massive Antisana glacier and the Santa Lucia lagoon, we reach our second camp called Puente de Palo. (6 - 7 hrs.) Adventure Highlights: Spotting a Condor. Amazing views. Fresh Andean air. Summiting a Volcano. Being high in the Andes.
Day 3 In the morning we leave our camp site at the foot of Antisana and head to our next camp site which is located at the foot of Sincholagua mountain. This hike takes us through high paramo regions, crossing twice roads. This hike takes around 7 hours and is the most tiring day of our trek. (7 hrs.)
Day 4 We leave early in the morning and begin the steep hike up to the highest point of our tour ( 4500m ), the pass at Sincholagua which leads into the Cotopaxi National Park. From then on we descend to our last camp at the River Pita, which is located at the limit of Cotopaxi National Park at 3800m. This stretch of the trek on solid and dry paths takes about 5 hours. (5hrs.)
Day 5 At around 10 am the jeep picks us up and we visit the Pre-Inca site of El Salitre and then we head up to the parking area of Cotopaxi refuge. After a 40-minute climb up to the refuge hut "Jose Ribas" we reach the altitude of 4800m. After lunch in the hut we head back down to the jeep and return to Quito with an optional stop at the Laguna Limpiopungo, a small lagoon famous for its nesting birds. (2hrs.)
Amazing scenery
Mode of Transport: We will be traveling in a fully expedition equipped Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4. The Land Cruiser is safe, modern and comfortable and has legendary off road capabilities. On board we carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, maps and emergency recovery tools. The vehicle will be driven by a UK trained and licensed truck/coach driver with many years of experience driving expeditions throughout Latin America. No more scary bus rides, you are safe in our hands.
The Guide: Please pick the Ecuador guide for you, they are all great but worth a look!
What’s included?
- Transport in a safe, comfortable and modern 4x4, with plenty of space for you and your bags.
- Trained and experienced bilingual mountain guide will lead all of the treks and climbs
- Snacks, packed lunch, sport drinks and water.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or have a go at filling in this online Ideas to do in Ecuador form.
