Mini stay / Speaking English Guide
Visited Area : Andes
Activities in this tour:
Short Walk – Tourism and Cultural Discovery
Nivel 
Easy * From 320 $
It is a tour that will allow you to discover beautiful Andean landscapes and their inhabitants along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, as well as the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, rising to 5,897 meters, with its almost perfect cone, considered the highest active volcano in the world. It is located southeast of Quito, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away, in the Eastern Cordillera.
We will then visit the Quilotoa region, located about 3 hours and 30 minutes southwest of Quito, in the Andes, on the Western Cordillera. This region is home to small indigenous communities that live mainly from agriculture, but where you can also find woodworking workshops and local naïve paintings. These communities live at an altitude ranging between 3,200 and 4,000 meters. We invite you to discover their way of life over three days, combining hikes and village visits. We will begin this stay with the discovery of the majestic Cotopaxi National Park. If the departure takes place on a Thursday, we will be able to visit the traditional Saquisilí market, as well as the traditional Zumbahua market, located near the Quilotoa community.
Program:
Day 1: Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Chugchilán
Departure from Quito by private vehicle towards Cotopaxi National Park. Stop at the shores of Limpiopungo Lagoon, at 3,800 meters above sea level, to observe the Andean páramo and the different species in the area depending on the season. Hike from the lagoon along the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, offering magnificent views of Cotopaxi. We will then continue to the refuge parking area, located at 4,500 m. Hike up to the José Ribas Refuge (4,864 m altitude; approximately 45 minutes of ascent and 364 meters of elevation gain). Picnic lunch during the hike.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Chugchilán, skirting the Ilinizas massif. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse in Chugchilán.
L (picnic) – D
Day 2: Chugchilán – Quilotoa Lagoon
After breakfast, we will begin the hike from Chugchilán to Quilotoa (approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours). A 400 m descent into the Sigüe River canyon followed by an ascent towards Quilotoa, passing through the community of Guayama. Picnic lunch during the day. Visit to the Quilotoa community. Descent into the crater (320 m of elevation loss and 1.6 km of trail). This volcano is still active, and we will be able to observe carbon dioxide gas emerging from the surface of the water, which contains a significant amount of iron. Option to ride mules from the bottom of the crater back up to the community (optional). Dinner and overnight with a local family in Quilotoa.
B – L (picnic) – D
Day 3: Quilotoa – Zumbahua – Tigua – Quito
After breakfast, we will head to the small village of Zumbahua to visit the traditional market (Saturdays only). We will then continue to the village of Tigua to discover local handicrafts, especially its naïve paintings. In the afternoon, return to Quito. End of the program.
B – L (picnic)
Variant:
Over 3 days: if the departure takes place on a Thursday, we can visit the traditional Saquisilí market on Thursday at no extra cost and the traditional Zumbahua market on Saturday. It is also possible to visit the Zumbahua market if day 2 or day 3 falls on a Saturday (before the hike from Quilotoa to Chugchilán or instead of the walk around Chugchilán).
Private transport
English Speaking Guide
Meals: meals as indicated in the program
Overnight stays: accommodation in a guesthouse in Chugchilán and Quilotoa
Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
Activities mentioned in the program
Crater ascent on muleback (Day 2)
Personal expenses and tips
Supplement for higher-category hotels
Departures every day
Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 2 participants
Variants:
Over 3 days: if the departure takes place on a Thursday, we can visit the traditional Saquisilí market on Thursday at no extra cost, and the traditional Zumbahua market on Saturday. It is also possible to visit the Zumbahua market if day 2 or day 3 falls on a Saturday (before the hike from Quilotoa to Chugchilán or instead of the walk around Chugchilán).
Precautions:
Due to the type of terrain and the altitude, as well as the reduced amount of oxygen, participants must report any symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, vomiting, or pain in the abdominal or chest area. These symptoms are related to altitude sickness, and once informed, the guide will take the necessary measures to ensure your well-being and safety.
Note:
The program may be cancelled or modified if the minimum number of participants is not reached, if weather conditions, or any other exceptional circumstances, affect the proper operation of the tour. In the event of a natural disaster, social or political issues, road closures, or other situations, we will find an alternative solution while trying to alter the program as little as possible. Otherwise, a partial refund will be made after deducting incurred costs.
Additional Information and Required Conditions:
Minimum age: Not applicable
Required physical condition: Good physical condition
Required experience: Not necessary
Altitude: From 3,000 to 5,000 meters
Difficulty level: Easy
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours per day
Total program duration: 3 days
Type of terrain: volcanic ash trails, rock and snow near the glacier, and dirt roads
Elevation gain: 2,000 meters
Climate: Partly cloudy with possible isolated rain showers, especially between March and May. From December to January, there is a possibility of snowfall near Cotopaxi Volcano. The rest of the year is drier with moderate winds
Location: Eastern and Western Cordilleras
Required Clothing:
Gloves, beanie, waterproof jacket and pants, thermal clothing, good hiking boots.
Recommended Personal Equipment:
Small backpack, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen.
