AAEP01 The Volcanoes Climbing
Expedition 8D/7N
Climbing Mount Corazon
(4788 m), Illiniza (5120 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m) and Chimborazo (6310 m)
Volcanoes.
Day 1: Starting from Quito City we head south
towards the highlands of Corazon Volcano. This 4788 m. summit offers a nice
opportunity for acclimatization while enjoying great views of the Machachi
valley and the surrounding mountains: Illinizas, Rumiñahui, Sincholagua and
Cotopaxi Volcanoes. Overnight in a nice local hacienda.
Day 2: Machachi-
Iliniza’s camp (3800 m).
It
is approximadetely 40 minutes ride
by car to the beginning of the trail. Trekking along the
slopes of the Illinizas till we reach our camp site at “La Virgen” at 3800
m. (L,D)
Day
3:
Summit
of IIliniza North (5120 m). Start
climbing from our camp at 3 a.m. and we expect to arrive to
the summit at 9-10 a.m. Back from the summit we descend to meet our
vehicle and transport to our hacienda-hotel.
Day
4:
Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park and 1 hour hike to the José Rivas hut.
Overnight at the hut at 4800 m. (B,BL,D)
Day
5:
Summit of Cotopaxi (5897 m). Midnight wakeup and start of climb to the summit.
To reach the summit takes approx. 6-7 hours. Afterwards, return to the hut and
drive to Riobamba city for a well-deserved rest. Hotel.(B,BL)
Day
6:
We drive southwest towards the Fauna Reserve of Chimborazo and then we reach
the parking lot and the Carrel hut at 4800 m. Hike to the Whymper refuge at
5,000 m. (B,BL,D)
Day 7: Summit of Chimborazo
(6310 m)
At midnight we climb up to
the summit of the highest mountain in Ecuador. To reach the top of Chimborazo
takes approx. 8-9 hours. Back from the summit we refuel our bodies with a tasty
soup and set off on our drive to the charming town of Baños. Hotel. (B,BL).
Day 8: Free relaxing morning in Baños. Afternoon transport
back to Quito. End
of our services. (B).
Included:
Private
transportation, professional mountain guide, double accommodation in
comfortable hotels and tents, noted meals during the excursion, communal
climbing gear (ropes, belays) cook, helpers, entrance fees.
Not
included: other meals, personal expenses, personal climbing outfit, tips.
Grading:
easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEP02 Cotopaxi National Park Circuit 7D/6N
The
Cotopaxi National Park, with an area of 35000 hectares, contains a very
interesting natural area for eager climbers and adventurers. The valley of
Limpiopungo with
a height average of 3800 m is located at the base of the following volcanoes:
the Rumiñahui (4712 m), the Sincholagua (4898 m) and the Cotopaxi (5897 m). This
circuit can definitely be complete, enjoy.
Day 1: Transfer
via Sangolqui Village located in the beautiful Sangolqui valley to the Hacienda
of Rumipamba, our trailhead. Our
first day trek will
take us along small villages and cultivated camps. Good opportunity to
observe the life of the Ecuatorian
highland “campesinos” and enjoy nice views of the paramos of Ecuador. We
trek to the banks of the Pita River where our first camp is located at 3150 m,
3-4 hrs. (B,BL,D).
Day 2: Climb up to
3700 meters, to the foothills of Pasochoa volcano. Enjoy great views of
Sincholagua volcano and if weather permits we can already see the beautiful
snow capped cone of Cotopaxi Volcano. We trek through the Pedregal Tambo highlands
with wonderful views of Pasochoa, Sincholagua and Cotopaxi Volcanoes. We set up camp at the base of Mt Sincholagua
(4890 m).
Day
3: This day we will have the opportunity to climb Mount Sincholagua (4893
m) a nice rocky peak. This is a long, demanding day, but worth the effort to
enjoy great views of the highlands and of the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano. Camp on Limpiopungo valley. (B,BL,D)
Day
4:
This day starts with a soft and steady climb to the lower ridges of the
Rumiñahui Volcano until we meet the rocky section that leads us to the summit.
Back to our camp at 3800 m. (B,L,D)
Day
5:
Resting
day of
soft acclimatization trek south to Limpiopungo Lagoon, a beautiful, pristine
and quiet place surrounded by a little lake and small hills. Camp at 3800
m. (B,L,D)
Day
6:
We are picked up by the car and transferred to the Cotopaxi parking lot at 4600
m. From here we make a short trek to the hut at 4800 m. Overnight in the hut.
(B,L,D)
Day
7:
After midnight starts the 6-7 hours climb to the summit of the impressive
Cotopaxi volcano. Descend to the
parking lot and drive back to Quito. (B,L)
Included: Private
transportation, professional mountain guide, double accommodation in
comfortable hotels and tents, noted meals during the excursion, communal
climbing gear (ropes, belays) cook, helper, entrance fees.
Not
included: other meals, personal expenses, personal climbing outfit, tips.
Grading:
easy – moderate – hard
AAEP03 Climbing the Avenue
of the Volcanoes 16D/15N
During this trip we can
enjoy the marvels of ice and snow climbing in the middle of the world. We will
climb five mountains in Ecuador: Imbabura (4600 m.), Cayambe (5780 m), North
Illiniza (5100 m.), Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m.) and Chimborazo (6310 m.).
Day
1.
Arrival in Quito. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit to the old town and the equator monument. At
evening, welcome drink with slide show.
Day
2.
Transport to Otavalo city. Visit Cuicocha Lagoon and enjoy a nice trek (4-5 hours) around it . Hotel in
Otavalo.(B).
Day 3. Imbabura Volcano. Early morning departure
from Otavalo towards Ibarra continuing afterwards to the foothills of Imbabura.
The trek/climb will take approximately 5 to 6 hours, weather permitting we will
enjoy great views of the Ecuadorian Andes. Return to Otavalo. Hotel. (B,L)
Day
4:
Morning drive towards the upper hills of the Cayambe volcano. Overnight in the
refuge. (B,L,D).
Day
5:
At 3 a.m. awake up to prepare ourselves for the climb to the summit of Cayambe
Volcano. The adventure will take about 6-7 hours of steady climb in snowfields.
Return to the refuge and drive back to Quito. Hotel. (B,L).
Day
6.
ILLINIZA. Drive towards Machachi. From here we turn to El Refugio Hacienda. A 2
hour trek will take us to our camp at the foothills of Illiniza peaks. Camp.
(B, BL, D).
Day
7.
Wake early to climb the normal route of North Illiniza (5116 m.), a beautiful
rocky mountain. Climbing time approx. 5-6 h. Return to the camp and trek down
to meet our vehicle. Transport to Machachi. Accommodation in an attractive local
hacienda. (B, BL).
Day
8:
Resting day in Hacienda La Estación. (B).
Day
9.
COTOPAXI. Drive up to Cotopaxi National Park. Camp at 1 Km of Limpiopungo
valley at 3800 m. In the afternoon short acclimatization trek. (B, BL, D).
Day
10. After breakfast, drive up to the parking place from where a short trek
will take us to the refuge at 4800 m. Ice climbing practice on the closest
glacier. (B, BL, D).
Day
11. Awake early to climb to the summit of Cotopaxi. After 7-8 hours we can
expect to arrive at the summit from where we can enjoy a view of the impressive
crater. Back to the refuge and drive down to Riobamba. Hotel (B, L).
Day
12. Rest day in Riobamba. (B).
Day
13. CHIMBORAZO. After lunch drive towards the southern slopes of
Chimborazo, with our camp at 4000 m. (B, D).
Day
14. Drive up to the first refuge of Chimborazo. A short trek will take us
up to the E. Whymper refuge at 5000 m. Relaxing afternoon. (B, L, D).
Day
15. Wake at midnight. Climb following the ridge on the left side of
Thyelmann glacier. We expect to arrive at the top after 7-8 hours. Return to
the refuge and meet our vehicle, which will take us back to Quito. Hotel. (B,
L).
Day
16. Transfer to the airport (or program extension). (B).
Included: Private
transportation, professional mountain guide, double accommodation in
comfortable hotels and tents, all camping gear, noted meals during the
excursion, communal climbing gear (ropes, belays) cook, helper, entrance fees.
Not
included: other meals, personal expenses, personal climbing outfit, tips.
Grading: easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEP04 Climbing Volcanoes and Jungle
Expedition 15D/14N
Day 1.
Arrival in Quito. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening, welcome drink with
slide show.
Day
2. In Quito. Hiking in the city, visiting the old town, churches and
museums. Hotel. (B).
Day
3.
RUCU-PICHINCHA. Climb Rucu Pichincha volcano (4780 m.) a rocky peak
located near Quito. A nice opportunity for acclimatization while enjoying views
of the city of Quito. Return to Quito.
Hotel. (B, BL).
Day
4.
ILLINIZA. Drive towards Machachi. From here we turn to El Refugio
Hacienda. A 2 hour trek will take us to our camp at the foothills of Illiniza
peaks. Camp. (B, BL, D).
Day
5. Wake early to climb the normal route of North Illiniza (5116 m.), a
beautiful rocky mountain. Climbing time approx. 5-6 h. Return to the camp and
trek down to meet our vehicle. Transport back to Quito. Hotel. (B, BL).
Day 6: CAYAMBE:
Early morning drive north to the village of Cayambe, famous for its cheese and
biscuit factories. The journey passes
several times through the areas of beautiful haciendas before arriving at the
mountain hut (4800 m). Afternoon for leisure and light walks along the climb
route. Snow climbing practices. (BL, D)
Day 7: Wake up shortly
after midnight for a light breakfast. The climb begins at 02:00 am along the
southern slopes and normally it takes 6-7 hours to the top (depending on
weather conditions). Return to the hut and drive back to Quito. (B, BL)
Day
8. COTOPAXI. Drive up to Cotopaxi National Park. Camp in
Limpiopungo valley at 3800 m. In the afternoon short acclimatization trek. (B,
BL, D).
Day
9. After breakfast, drive up to the parking place from where a short trek
will take us to the refuge at 4800 m. Ice climbing practice on the closest
glacier. (B, BL, D).
Day
10. Awake early to climb to the summit of Cotopaxi. After 7-8 hours we can
expect to arrive at the summit from where we can enjoy a view of the impressive
crater. Back to the refuge and drive down to Baños village. Hotel (B, L).
Day
11: Drive towards Tena and continue our journey to the indigenous village
of San Pedro. From here, we will travel
downstream along the Napo River by canoe, arriving at Yacuma Lodge in the late
afternoon. You’ll have time to settle
into the lodge’s rustic cabañas, which sleep two people. After dinner, you will have the opportunity
to explore the surrounding forest by night. (B, L, D).
Day
12: After breakfast we’ll begin a 3-4 hour trek through the rainforest.
Along the way an indigenous guide will show us the many species of plants and
describe their medicinal purposes to us.
With a little luck we will see monkeys and birds such as oropendolas and
parrots. After lunch we’ll visit the Quechua indigenous community, where you
will have the opportunity to learn about local customs and the way of life of
the native people of the jungle. Later in the afternoon, you may like to enjoy
a refreshing swim in the river or try your hand at fishing. (B, L,D).
Day
13: In the morning, we’ll travel further along the Napo River towards the
mouth of Arajuno River, where we invite you to visit the Amazonico Animal
Rescue Center. Here we will be able to observe different kinds of jungle
wildlife. Our crew will serve a box lunch on the way. Later in the afternoon,
you will have the rare opportunity to try panning for gold on the shores of
Napo River. We’ll also take you to a
perfect spot for bathing beside one of the sandy shores of the Sumino River.
We’ll return to the lodge late in the afternoon and after dinner we invite you
to have a drink at our informal social evening. (B,BL,D).
Day
14: After breakfast we’ll begin our return journey along the Napo River to
San Pedro. Transport back to Quito.
Hotel in Quito (B)
Day
15: Transfer out (B)
Included: Private
transportation, professional mountain guide, double accommodation in
comfortable hotels and tents, all camping gear, noted meals during the
excursion, communal climbing gear (ropes, belays) cook, helper, entrance fees.
Not
included: other meals, personal expenses, personal climbing equipment, tips.
Grading:
easy – moderate – hard
AAEP05 Trekking, Biking & Rafting 10D/9N
An enjoyable and beautiful
gentle adventure tour combining different sporting activities in the most
outstanding areas of Ecuador: trekking on the highlands of Antisana Volcano.
Mountain Bike along the foot of Cotopaxi one of the highest active volcanoes in
the world, afterwards drive to the western side of the Andes Cordillera to
enjoy a wonderful 2 days rafting in the Blanco and Toachi rivers.
Day
1.
Arrival in Quito, Transfer to the hotel.
Day
2.
Around Quito. Visit the Colonial town. After lunch visit to the Equatorial line
and short trek to Pululagua Volcano. Hotel. (B).
Day
3.
Morning drive towards Sangolqui Village. Afterwards we continue east to the
foothills of Sincholahua volcano. Camp at 3200 m. on the shores of Pita River
where we can fish for some trout for dinner. (B, L, D).
Day
4:
On this day we hike towards the plains of the Limpiopungo valley at the base of
the beautiful Cotopaxi volcano. Pasochoa volcano, Mount Sincholagua and
Cotopaxi volcano are the 3 main peaks in this area. Camp (B, L, D)
Day
5.
In the morning our bikes are ready for a wonderful mountain bike ride on the
plains of the volcano. Later on we drive up to 4600 m. Short trek to observe
the impressive glaciers of Cotopaxi. Descend to our camp in Limpiopungo valley.
(B,L, D).
Day
6.
Bike along the lowest valleys of Cotopaxi Volcano. At the end of the day we
will be transferred for a well-deserved
rest in a nice local hacienda. (B, BL).
Day
7.
Day to rest and optional visit to the Quilotoa Lake and the beautiful Zumbahua
highlands. Hotel. (B).
Day
8.
Drive west, descending towards Santo Domingo, a city located on the western side
of the Cordillera. On the shores of the Toachi River we will start our 2-day
rafting program, enjoying class 3 and 4 rapids. The environment is wonderful
with amazing tropical forest. Accommodation in a comfortable hostal. (B, BL, D).
Day
9.
After breakfast enjoy 3 hours rafting along the Blanco River. At the end our
car will be ready to transport us back to Quito. (B, BL)
Day 10: Transfer out.
Included: Private
transportation, professional mountain guide, double accommodation in
comfortable hotels and tents, all camping gear, noted meals during the
excursion, bike and rafting equipment, cook, helper, entrance fees.
Not included:
other meals, personal expenses, personal climbing outfit, tips.
Grading:
easy – moderate
AAEP06 Trekking Ecuador 16D/15N
Ecuador, one of the smallest of the Andean nations, is
a land of breathtaking variety and home to numerous snow-draped volcanoes and
peaks of the high Andes. This exclusive Andes Adventures tour is designed
around two challenging and rewarding high-altitude treks. From the colonial
capital of Quito we head north to the market town of Otavalo before beginning
our first volcano trek to Yanaurcu de Piñan (4535m) – the Black Mountain.
Heading south we visit the beautiful highlands of
Zumbagua with its local naïf painters before setting out on a six-day trek
passing Carihuairazo Volcano(5020m) with stunning backdrops of glaciers,
moraines and lakes to the world famous Whymper Hut (5000m) on the slopes of
Mount Chimborazo (6310m), whose summit is the closest place on earth to the
sun.
At the end of the trip those still hungry for peaks
have the option to stay on and tackle the ascent of North Illiniza (5116m) and
Cotopaxi(5897m) or for those looking for something different there’s an option
to add a remarkable cruise among the ‘enchanted’ Galápagos islands, a great
finale and a memorable experience for any lover of natural history.
Day
1:
Arrival in Quito. Transfer to our hotel.
Day
2: Quito. At 2850 m Quito is the second highest capital city in Latin America
and lies in a long narrow valley dominated by the imposing Pichincha
Volcano. The old part of the city, a
UNESCO World Heritage site, is a delightful crush of narrow cobbled streets and
fine colonial architecture. A world
away however is the new town with its broad avenues, fine villas, modern shops
and offices. The Equator Monument, marks the spot which Marie-Charles de la
Condamine declared the equator to be in 1736. Guided visit to the old city and
to the Equator monument. Hotel. (B).
Day
3:OTAVALO.
Driving north from Quito across the equator we reach Otavalo, home of a
renowned market. Otavalo’s industrious inhabitants are extremely striking in
appearance - the pony-tailed Indian men in their uniform of felt hat, navy and
grey poncho, calf-length white trousers and espadrilles; the women in white
blouses, dark skirts and necklaces of gold and coral. Most Indian communities
around Otavalo are dedicated to some form of craft work. In the afternoon we
will take an acclimatization walk (4 hours) on the edge of Cuicocha Lake. This
flooded crater lies on the slopes of Cotacachi volcano and offers great
panoramas of the surrounding highland scenery. After the walk we return to
Otavalo for the night. Hotel (B).
Day
4:
YANAHURCU DE PIÑAN TREK. This morning we will drive from Otavalo to the
village of Iruginchu, a typical Andean town at 2800m. From here we start our
first day trekking and head towards the base of Churoloma hill and our first
camp at 3100 m, the route takes us past small farms and polylepis forests.
These small trees, known locally as quinua,
are members of the rose family and, along with the Himalayan pines, share the
world record amongst trees for growing at the highest altitudes. (B,L,D)
Day 5: YANACOCHA LAKE. Today we follow an ancient
path, reputedly dating back to the Inca period, which climbs steeply towards
the base of Cerro Huga before descending south until we reach the shores of the
Yanacocha Lake. From the highest pass of 3900 m it is possible to see Yanahurcu
and Cotacachi volcanoes. Our camp will be at 3600 m. (B,L,D).
Day 6:YANAURCU VOLCANO ASCENT. Climbing across
a steep moraine as well as volcanic sand and ash fields we head for the summit
of the Yanahurcu volcano (4535m) whose name means Black Mountain. From the top (if weather permits) we should
get magnificent views of the Ecuadorian Andes. Descending back down the
mountain we move forward to the next campsite at the Burrococha lakes (3700 m).
(B,L,D).
Day
7: PIÑAN - MACHACHI. Striking camp
we make our final descent to the Hacienda Hospital whose nearby hot springs
offer a welcome chance to relax. From here we will drive south to the town of
Machachi. Accommodation in a nice Hacienda. (B,L).
Day
8:
QUILOTOA LAKE/RIOBAMBA. This morning we visit some small indigenous
communities and the famous naïf painters around the beautiful highlands of
Zumbahua. In Tigua we spend some time with the children of a local school
before driving to the rim of Quilotoa Crater, where we can descend to the
impressive lagoon that fills the vent of an ancient volcano. Later we continue
to our hotel in the foothills of Mt Chimborazo near Riobamba. Hacienda
accommodation. (B).
Day
9:
CHIMBORAZO VOLCANO TREK. The day starts with a drive to Tisaleo village
on the upper slopes of Carihuairazo’s northern face, before we head up to the
highlands of Chusalongo. Here we meet our mules and trek staff, and set off on
a 4-hour trek to our first camp on the banks of the Pachanlica river (3700m).
En route we’ll get great views of the Ambato Valley and, with luck, may glimpse
one of Tungurahua’s spectacular eruptions – this volcano is the most active in
Ecuador. Camp. (B,BL,D).
Day 10: QUEBRADA SACHAHUAICU.
The
second day of our trek takes us to our first pass at an altitude of 4500m
before we descend towards the base of Quebrada Carbonería and continue towards
the east side of Carihuairazo until we reach our second camp (4000m) at
Quebrada Sachahuaicu. Our route crosses beautiful paramos and (if weather
permits) we will have good views of Tungurahua. Camp. (B,BL,D).
Day 11: QUEBRADA TIGRE SALTANA. Surrounding the
east side of the Volcano, our trekking will take us to the southern side of the
Carihuairazo. In front of us we will have already the impressive view of Mount
Chimborazo and its glaciers. Camp (4100 m) is located in a beautiful spot just
between Chimborazo and Carihuairazo volcanoes. (B,BL,D).
Day
12: ISUPAPUNGO. Today we head south, traversing the plateau between
Carihuairazo and Chimborazo. During our walk we’ll get great views of the
glaciers on the northern side of Chimborazo, which contrast with the grassy
moorlands on the lower slopes of Carihuairazo. On the high paramos of
Isupapungo we should see herds of delicate vicuñas. Camp. (B,BL,D).
Day
13: POGYOS CAMP
Continuing over the high paramos of Chimborazo’s north-west face
we will see the huge glaciers and an unusually arid area found on this side of
the mountain. Today’s goal is the few remains of the famous Fabian Zurita
refuge (4900m). Years ago, the first attempts to reach the summit of Chimborazo
all started from here following the “Murallas
Rojas” route. Descend to our Camp near to Pogyos highlands. (B,BL,D).
Day
14: WHYMPER REFUGE/BAÑOS. On this day, the participants who feel
strong can make our last day’s long trek (6-7 hours) which takes us to the western
side of the mountain and after traversing a couple of glacial moraines, we
reach an altitude of 5100m before descending to the world-famous Whymper Hut
(5000m). Participants who wish a relaxing day will descend to the main road and
take our private transport up to Carrel hut (4800 m) and make a short hike to
the Whymper hut to meet the trekkers. Then together we continue our descent to
the Carrel Hut (4800m), where we meet our vehicle to drive to the charming town
of Baños (1800m). This pleasant spa town attracts many Ecuadorians, who are
drawn by its balmy climate and curative waters, plus the cathedral’s miraculous
Virgin which supposedly protects the inhabitants from the active volcano of
Tungurahua (5,023m) which overlooks it. Hotel. (B,BL).
Day
15: QUITO. Free morning to explore Baños. Despite the number of
visitors it receives, Baños remains relatively unspoilt and there’s no better
way to start the day than rising early and heading up the hill for an
invigorating soak - a remarkably social
affair! The baths are fed by thermal springs at the base of a volcano, and the
brown water (a result of its mineral content) is reputedly good for one’s
health. In the afternoon we drive back
to Quito. Hotel. (B).
Day
16: TRANSFER OUT.
Included: Private transportation,
professional mountain guide, double accommodation in comfortable hotels and
tents, all camping gear, noted meals during the excursion, cook, helper,
entrance fees.
Not
included: other meals, personal expenses, personal climbing equipment, tips.
Grading: easy – moderate – hard