Trekking across the Andes

This trip is focused on hiking and discovering the Andes. A wonderful adventure for lovers of nature and wide open spaces.

We will begin our trek in the north, in the Otavalo region, to gradually acclimatize. We will have many encounters with the surrounding communities; the kindness of the people will impress you. On this itinerary, we will follow in the footsteps of the Incas along the Qhapaq Ñan, which crosses the Cañar valley to the foot of the Inca religious center: Ingapirca, the most important in Ecuador. The trek, or Inca Trail, takes place along a still-existing section of the communication routes of the Inca Empire, which once stretched over 5,000 km from Quito to Talca.
We will end the trip in the peaceful and relaxing thermal town of Baños, as well as in Cotopaxi National Park, where the volcano of the same name rises: Cotopaxi, which at 5,897 m is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

Program – Departure any day from the city of Quito

Day 1 Colonial Quito – Guayasamín Museum – Quito
Visit of Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Guayasamín Museum and the Capilla del Hombre. Overnight in a hotel in Quito.
L

Day 2 Quito – Cochasquí Ruins – Otavalo Market – Otavalo
After breakfast, departure by private vehicle to the Imbabura province. On the way, visit the pre-Inca ruins of Cochasquí, pyramid-shaped structures. Check-in at the hotel in Otavalo. In the afternoon, visit the most famous traditional and handicraft market in Ecuador. Overnight in a hotel in Otavalo.
B

Day 3 Ascent of Fuya Fuya Volcano (4,250 m) – La Esperanza – San Clemente Community
After breakfast, departure for the ascent of Fuya Fuya volcano (4,250 m), the first acclimatization hike with a magnificent view over Mojanda lagoon. Picnic lunch during the hike. Continue to the village of La Esperanza, where we will spend the night in the community. Overnight in a homestay in San Clemente community.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 4 Otavalo – Hike from Zuleta to Cubilche (3,826 m) – Machachi
After breakfast, departure for a hike from Zuleta to Cerro Cubilche, offering beautiful rural scenery. Picnic lunch during the hike. Return in the afternoon to San Clemente, then drive south toward Machachi.
Overnight in a lodge in Machachi.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 5 Machachi – Quilotoa Lagoon
After breakfast, departure by private vehicle to the Quilotoa community and lagoon. Hike around this active crater at a constant altitude of 4,000 meters (4.5 to 5 hours of walking). A breathtaking landscape awaits you…
Overnight in a lodge within the community.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 6 Quilotoa – Hike from Quilotoa to Tigua – Riobamba
After breakfast, we continue our journey to the village of Tigua, crossing the Zumbahua geological fault and the Toachi River canyon (5 hours of walking). Picnic lunch during the hike. Continue to Riobamba, known as the “Sultan of the Andes,” at 2,750 meters above sea level. Overnight in a hotel in Riobamba.
B – L (picnic)

Day 7 Riobamba – Achupallas – Inca Trail
After breakfast, morning departure to Achupallas, where we will load our camping equipment onto mules. Snack. Early afternoon hike to our first campsite. Dinner. Overnight in tents.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 8 Inca Trail – Achupallas – Tres Cruces
Breakfast. We begin our hike between two mountains called “Callana Pucará” and “Mapahuina,” following the banks of the Cadrul River and using the Inca Trail up to “Tres Cruces Lagoon,” where we will set up our second campsite. Picnic lunch during the hike. Beautiful Andean landscapes. Dinner. Overnight in tents.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 9 Inca Trail
After breakfast, hike to Culebrillas Lake, with spectacular remains of the Inca Trail, especially upon arrival at Espíndola. Stop at the Paredones ruins. Picnic lunch during the hike. Third campsite.
Overnight in tents.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 10 Inca Trail – Ingapirca – Baños
After breakfast, hike to Ingapirca, where we will visit the site of the same name, an important religious center in Inca history. Picnic lunch during the hike. Departure to Baños, a thermal town known for its hot springs and located near the impressive active Tungurahua volcano (5,016 m). Overnight in a hotel in Baños.
B – L (picnic)

Day 11 Baños
After breakfast, visit Baños, a thermal town famous for its hot springs and proximity to the active Tungurahua volcano (5,016 m). Baños is a small paradise where time seems to stand still. In the morning, discover the waterfall route: Manto de la Novia and Pailón del Diablo. In the afternoon, visit the town center, the cathedral, and workshops for balsa and tagua (vegetable ivory). Option to enjoy the town’s thermal baths, spa, and pools. Overnight in a hotel in Baños.
B

Day 12 Baños – Cotopaxi National Park – Quito
Departure to Cotopaxi volcano. Excursion in Cotopaxi National Park. Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon. Ascent to José Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters altitude, offering magnificent views of the páramo. Return to Quito. Overnight in a hotel in Quito.
B – L (picnic)