Volcano Multiadventure 5D/4N

Chagra’s life: Horseback ride, lassoing, and cooking in the clouds

Rise and shine! Today we will have an authentic experience with the local people and experience their life in the hacienda. The day begins early in the morning by greeting the animals from the ranch and moving the horses from the corral to the Hacienda’s house, we will learn how to saddle a horse together with the Chagras. We will have breakfast and get ready for the rest of the day.

After a briefing on how to handle the horses, we start a ride of 2 hours through exclusive trails at the hacienda. The first portion of the ride we will get acquainted with our horses and ride on dirt roads. We will pass by the Tentadero, a bull ring where we test our bravo cattle. Then we will ride through open paramo where we can learn about the native flora and fauna of the area. We will reach 3,800 mts. (12,500 ft) at “El Mirador de los Guardianes del Volcán” where we will enjoy a magnificent view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, then we will start our descent towards the hacienda. The pace of the horses is mainly walking, but we have the opportunity to trot and canter on portions of the ride. Good possibilities of spotting Andean birds on this ride. Once we return to the hacienda we will have a short break and then learn how to lasso like an authentic Chagra (cowboy) of the region. Will you be able to bow the heads of bull?

A delicious lunch will be served for us and a time to relax. In the afternoon we will have a cooking lesson to learn how our local chef prepares our famous cheese empanadas recipe, followed by the elaboration of ají or hot sauce. Ají is a very important part of Ecuadorian cuisine. We will also learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink that is commonly served on celebrations in the Highlands of Ecuador.

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)

Rumiñahui Volcano Trek and Spa

After a wholesome country breakfast, we begin our trek to Rumiñahui Volcano inside the exclusive trails of the hacienda, 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 the Ilinizas peaks and Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped mountain in Ecuador.  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 have a lunch date with the Apus or spirits of the mountains by taking a packed lunch and eating with them. The hike will take about 5 hours, physical effort is medium but no technical experience is needed.

Back at the Hacienda you can soak at APU Mountain spa and have a relaxed evening. (Breakfast/Packed Lunch). 

Quilotoa Exploration

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)