Cotopaxi Exploration 4D/3N

Trekking Rumiñahui Volcano

We begin our climb of Rumiñahui Volcano very early in the morning, crossing vast highlands swept by the cold breath of the Andes. In one single picture, one can take in valleys, mountains, and neighboring volcanoes. On a cloudless day, we will even have the opportunity to admire in the distance Ilinizas peaks and Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped mountain in Ecuador. Hiking takes about 5 hours total round trip. Hiking difficulty is middle. We will trek along with a local guide that will share with us his knowledge about the mountains, the páramo, and the local culture. We will take a packed lunch and then you will go back to Hacienda El Porvenir, a warm fireplace will be waiting for you. Overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir (Breakfast/Packed Lunch).

Cotopaxi National Park Exploration

Have you ever wondered how it is to climb an active volcano? Would you like to discover why ancient explorers pointed out Cotopaxi as one of the most beautiful mountains in the World? This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a fantastic day trip of exploration to the Iconic Cotopaxi National Park. Home of the biggest flying bird in the world: the Andean Condors. Home of herds of wild- truly wild- horses. Where migratory birds stop by to get some rest on their way South.
The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean geology, with Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi Volcano being the hosts.  On the visit, you will reach the car park below the Cotopaxi Refuge, where you begin a short hike up to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m (15,744 ft).  It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the Volcano on this short hike (about 1.5 miles round). Once back in the vehicle, you will continue the way, driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a wholesome box lunch will be served. After fuelling, the exploration will continue on a vast territory with ancient Inca military fortresses and plains full of volcanic rocks from past eruptions. Don’t forget to hydrate and bring your camera for this spectacle! (Breakfast/ Packed Lunch)

Quilotoa Visit

After a delicious breakfast, you will begin as any good day should: Filled with colors! Your first stop will be at Tigua, a small region famous for its art. Colorful landscapes and masks reflect history, legends, and traditions that date back to pre-colonial times.  With no formal training, Tigua artists have earned worldwide fame for their vibrancy, vivid colors, and depiction of nature and traditional life as it unfolds in remote Andean villages.

Grab your camera and get ready for an endless series of one-of-a-kind natural beauty. From canyons, mountains, and herds of sheep. This route is one of the most beautiful living paintings in the Andes! You will then arrive at Quilotoa Lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful lagoons of volcanic origin worldwide! Its volcanic minerals give the water a beautiful emerald-green tint. The color of the water also changes depending on the time of day and sunlight. It is possible to hike down into the crater to the lakeshore, it is a 3km trail and about a 1-hour walk going down and up again, on the lake you have the option to rent a kayak. After this short excursion, you will have a delicious packed lunch and return to Quito. (Breakfast/ Packed Lunch)