Brief Itinerary 2D/1N

A perfect itinerary if you like to experience the Cotopaxi area on a short time. You will experience a magnificent horse ride on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano through the exclusive trails inside Hacienda El Porvenir, and will also visit the famous Cotopaxi National Park escorted by a knowledgeable naturalist guide.

  • Day 1: Rumiñahui Volcano horseback ride / Cooking in the clouds
  • Day 2: Guided visit to Cotopaxi National Park

*Tour available year round. This tour operates with minimum 2 people.

Level of Difficulty

Technical Level: Low
Physical effort: Low

Detailed itinerary

Horseback Ride Rumiñahui Volcano and Cooking in the clouds

In the morning after a delicious, nutritious farm breakfast, we will receive a brief riding lesson from our guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), we ride out across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts approximately 4 hours. Back in the farmhouse, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival.   In the afternoon we’ll have our Cooking in the Clouds lessons. The class starts with cooking lessons or our famous cheese empanadas, followed by the elaboration of aji. Aji or chile sauce is a very important part of the Ecuadorian cuisine. The recipe varies from home to home. Here at Hacienda El Porvenir you will learn how to make it the traditional way, on a stone mortar and seasoned with various herbs and spices. At last we will learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink that is served on celebrations on the Highlands of Ecuador. After the class the participants will enjoy their preparations next to a crackling fireplace. Overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. (Lunch).

Cotopaxi National Park Visit

After the hacienda Breakfast we will drive to Cotopaxi National Park (CNP). This is a very interesting drive through ancient lava flows from Cotopaxi’s past eruptions.  The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean Geology. On our visit we reach the car park below the Cotopaxi’s Refuge, where we begin our 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. Once back in the vehicle, we continue on our way driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a box lunch will be served. If there is time, we will visit the Park Visitors Centre, which has interesting descriptions of the local flora and fauna as well as details of the various eruptions of Cotopaxi.  We will then continue, crossing rocky valleys, until we reach the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress on the way to the Amazon basin. Near this spot there are some natural springs which rise with the icy water from underground rivers that come from the glaciers of Cotopaxi. Return to Quito. (Breakfast/Packed Lunch).

 

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation (based on double occupancy)
  • Described Meals
  • One soft drink per meal
  • Described activities
  • Licensed English speaking guide
  • Gears to perform activities
  • Transport from and to Quito
  • Entrance to APU Mountain SPA wet area 

Tour does not include

  • Diners
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • International Airfare to Quito
  • Anything else not described on the tour

Important notes

  • Horse riders can’t exceed 220 pounds of weight
  • Itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions.
  • TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR, YOU MUST SIGN OF WAIVER OF LIABILITY.