5k (16k+) LOOP - CAYAMBE, COTOPAXI and typical Ecuador

BREAKING NEWS - VOLCANO COTOPAXI RE-OPENED ON OCTOBER 4, 2017

11 days for discovering Ecuador's essentials: with Cayambe and Cotopaxi - the second and third highest mountains of the country - as highlights. Beautiful acclimatization peaks, lakes, markets and the middle of the world are part of this smooth program. We focus on good acclimatization, a perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxing as well as the ascent of Ecuador's most popular mountain, being Cotopaxi. Good fitness and some previous experience are highly recommended for this tour.´

DAY 1 - Quito:

Arrival in Quito. Transfer to the hotel. Meet and greet your guide in the evening.

DAY 2 - Middle of the World - Equator:

We leave Quito and visit the park "Midad del Mundo" in the north of Quito. Further we go up to the Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua, which is close by. Afterwards we continue to Otavalo, where we spend the night.

DAY 3 - Laguna Cuicocha:

We drive to Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and walk around the LAGUNA DE CUICOCHA (3.450 m / 11,319 ft) for some first acclimatization. Duration is about 4 hours.

DAY 4 - Fuya Fuya:

After breakfast we go up to the Lagunas de Mojanda, where we start our tour to FUYA FUYA (4.263 m / 13,986 ft). The hike to the summit takes approximately 2 hours.

DAY 5 - Otavalo:

Market day: we visit Otavalo's famous handicraft market and have plenty of time for shopping and walking around in Otavalo.

DAY 6 - Imbabura:

We are getting higher: IMBABURA (4.609 m / 15,121 ft) summit will be climbed as last acclimatization peak. It takes us about 5 to 6 hours to reach the summit.

DAY 7 - Refuge Ruales Oleas Berge:

We drive to Cayambe, up to the Refugio Ruales Oleas Berge. We hike up to the glacier for some glacier training in the afternoon. Early dinner and rest.

DAY 8 - Cayambe Summit:

Early wake up and breakfast. Ascent to CAYAMBE (5.790 m / 18,996 ft), which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. Descent to the hut and drive to our hotel.

DAY 9 - Indigenous markets Pujili or Saquisili:

We visit the indigenous markets of Saquisili or Pujili (depending on the day).

DAY 10 - Refuge José Ribas:

We drive to Cotopaxi National Park and hike up to the Refugio José Ribas (approx. 50 minutes). Early dinner and rest.

DAY 11 - Cotopaxi Summit:

Early wake up and breakfast. Ascent to COTOPAXI (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which takes about 6 to 7 hours. Descent, return to Quito and "good bye".

our package includes:
- transportation
- ASEGUIM / UIAGM mountain guide
- park entrance fees & climbing permits
- accommodation throughout the tour
- food & beverage (as stipulated in the program)

upon request:
- climbing equipment
- download checklist for equipment

price:
Prices depend on services included. Please contact us for your individual offer.

Or check our offers for fixed departures.