These programs are also designed as
acclimatization trips before a serious climb. These acclimatizing programs give the climber a better chance in their attempt to reach a high summit.
All these trips start from Quito.
AAEH01 Pululahua Volcano (2800 m) 1
Day
A short car ride (30 min)
from Quito takes us to the rim of
Pululahua crater. The trek
descends into the inhabited basin inside the crater. Walk through the crater and continue afterwards to the west side
of the crater from where our vehicle will take us to hacienda Amboasi to enjoy
a delicious local lunch. Later on, a visit to the picturesque village of
Calacali and finally a visit to the Equator Monument. Drive back to Quito. (L).
Included:
Private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, lunch.
Not
included: personal trekking equipment, tips and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy
AAEH02 Papallacta Highlands Hike 1 Day
This short trek combines a
lot of adventure with the fun and relaxing enjoyment of hot water springs of
Papallacta Thermal springs.
The tour starts with a
drive eastwards towards the Amazon region. The road climbs up to its highest
point, which is where the trek starts on the cloudy highlands of the upper
Papallacta Paramo. It ends at the Papallacta hot springs resort area. Relax in the volcanic thermal waters. There
are 4 natural springs each with different water temperatures. Late afternoon
return to Quito (or optional overnight stay in one of the local hotels). (BL)
Included:
Private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch.
Not
included: personal trekking equipment, tips and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH03 Pasochoa Volcano
Hike (4200 m) 1 Day
After a short drive
southwards from Quito, we reach the Pasochoa Forest Reserve. Pasochoa is a
dormant volcano, which has formed an open crater where many hiking trails can
be found to present the magnificent and unique flora and fauna. Through dense
bushes the gentle uphill trek rises to the top of Pasochoa. (BL)
Included:
Private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch.
Not
included: personal trekking equipment, tips and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH04 Guagua Pichincha Volcano (4794 m) Hike 1 Day
Drive east over
the Pichincha range until the proximities of the hut located beneath the rim of
this active volcano. Hike up to the hut and then continue towards a viewpoint
located at the volcano rim. Enjoy the magnificent view over the west side of
the volcano.
Included:
Private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch.
Not
included: personal trekking equipment, tips, and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH05 Mojanda Lakes Hike
1 Day
This very attractive lake system lying at 3,800 m.
is located in the province of Imbabura, close to the Indian market of
Otavalo. Here a charming walk can be
combined with trout fishing or with a short easy climb to the summit of a rocky
peak known as Fuya Fuya Volcano (4200 m). (BL)
Included:
Private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch.
Not
included: personal trekking equipment,
tips, and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH06 Corazón Volcano Hike (4786 m) 1
Day
The tour begins with a
drive south of Quito to the little town of Machachi, in the foothills of the
Corazon Volcano. The trek leads over the foothills reaching a high ridge from
where a trail leads to the summit of Corazon. Great views of Cotopaxi,
Rumiñahui and Illiniza Volcanoes. (BL)
Included:
Private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch.
Not
included: personal trekking equipment,
tips, and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH07 Quilotoa Volcano & Lake (3600
m) 1 Day
Very early start from
Quito. There is a 5-hour drive south to the village of Zumbahua and from there
we continue our drive towards the rim of the impressive Quilotoa Volcano
crater. Enjoy the amazing and breathtaking scenery followed by a hike down to
the shores of the lake located inside of the crater (a 3-4 hours trek around
the crater is also possible. Transport to Quito, Bños or Riobamba (or program
extension). (BL).
Included:
Private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch.
Not
included: Personal trekking equipment, tips and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH08 Cotopaxi Volcano Hike (5897 m) 1 Day
The Cotopaxi National Park is located 2 hours
southwards from Quito. The road that take us to Cotopaxi N. P., offers
impressive views of one of the highest volcanoes in the world and some of the
nicest mountains in Ecuador. Once in the park, we will visit the interesting
museum and then the first hike starts at Limpiopungo valley (3800 m) and heads
out across the vast plains around an impressive lagoon, this trekking will take
about I hour and a half. Afterwards we will have a 1 hour trek from the parking
lot (4600m) through José Rivas Hut at 4800 m and after a short rest enjoying
the magnificent views of the mountains, we return back to Quito.
Include:
private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch
Not
included: Personal trekking equipment, tips and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH09 Cayambe Volcano
Hike (5790 m) 1 Day
Early in the morning we
drive from Quito north towards the city of Cayambe, from where we continue our
drive along the hacienda road close to the hut. 1 hour trek will take us to the
snow line of the Cayambe Volcano. We hike to the glaciers approx. 400 mts above
the hut from where we can expect a beautiful view over the western side of the
Mountain.
Include:
private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch
Not
included: Personal trekking equipment, tips and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate
AAEH10
Antisana Volcano Hike (5705 m)
1 Day
We drive east from Quito
very early in the morning. Two hours later we are in one of the most beautiful
paramos of the eastern part of Ecuador. The landscapes are magnificent, and
here we will enjoy a great hike and the glimpse of many different native
highland birds and giant herds of sheep together with a wonderful view of the
impressive Antisana Volcano.
Include:
private
transport, professional guide, all entrance fees, box lunch
Not
included: Personal trekking equipment, tips and other expenses.
Grading:
Easy – moderate