8-DAY ECUADOR TREKKING THE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES
Trek in the Ecuadorian Andes while you discover an incredible world of stunning landscapes, hidden communities, indigenous cultures and massive volcanoes. These features and more come together to shape the famous Avenue of Volcanoes in the Ecuadorian highlands. This trekking adventure through the narrow trails used by the local mountain people will take you deep into the heart of the Andean culture and their lifestyle.
Unique Experiences:
- Explore the mythical Llanganates National Park and search for the Inca hidden treasure
- Admire the stunning glacier of the highest summit measured from the centre of the world
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DepartureQuito / Ecuador
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IncludedActivitiesLand TransportationFees and entrances to parks and museumsMeals detailed in the itinerary
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Not IncludedDomestic flightsAirport tranfer in & outInternational flight
FROM OUR GALLERY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN QUITO CITY
Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm.
Accommodation: Hotel Dann Carlton Quito or similar.
Meals included: none.
DAY 2: TREKKING IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
Accommodation: Llullu Llama Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 3: TREKKING THROUGH THE TOACHI CANYON TO CHUGCHILAN
The charming Andean mountain landscapes will inspire us today on a trek along the Toachi canyon for 13.5 km (8.4 mi). Experience stunning views of small villages and indigenous people working in the fields. We will hike down to the canyon of the Toachi River and then back up to the main road that will take us to Chugchilán, a small town located on the middle of the Quilotoa loop. Here we will find our Eco-house accommodation, and in the afternoon we can explore the village with the great opportunity to gain a bit of cultural experience with the locals.
Accommodation: Hostal Mama Hilda or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 4: TREKKING TO QUILOTOA
arly in the morning after breakfast we will start our hiking adventure for 11 km (6.9 miles) on small trails blazed by the mountain people and still used by locals to transport products and to travel across the canyons to reach neighboring communities. While trekking on this trail, it is common to see the traditional custom of exchanging goods with one another, bartering is still being utilized today. We will venture down into impressive canyons to later climb back up to the top of the crater rim, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Quilotoa Lake. The majesty of this place will take your breath away.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 5: TREK TO CHIMBORAZO BASECAMP
Early in the morning, we will drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador with an elevation of 6310 m (20702 ft) above sea level; whose summit is the furthest point from the center of the earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers. Visiting this spectacular national park includes a short hike for 0.9 km (0.57 mi) to reach the elevation of 5000 m (16404 ft) where the glacier begins. On the hike, we will try to spot a few of the animals that inhabit this volcanic climate such as the Andean condor, cara-cara, hummingbirds, and the timid wild Vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, they were reintroduced into the wild and are now protected; this beautiful animal is related to the alpacas and llamas. A delicious picnic will be organized at the base camp before we leave.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 6: TREK IN THE LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK
Trek in Llanganates National Park for 6 hours, famous for its amazing landscapes and storied mystery. Legend has it that the Inca General Ruminahui has a large sum of gold hidden somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range. Start the hike at 3,200m (10,498 ft) above sea level and travel upwards to 3,600m (12,024 ft). See a variety of changes in vegetation while trekking to higher elevations. Expect stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Sangay Volcano (if visibility is good). After this beautiful trek return to Banos to spend the lasts night in this magical town.
DAY 7: HIKE TO THE ROAD OF WATERFALLS AND RETURN TO QUITO
Baños is a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano and is an excellent place for outdoor activities including: horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and rafting. It is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country, you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look to this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Bride´s Veil waterfall, where we will take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then, we will hike down for one hour to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador. After a day full of adventures in the cloud forest, you will enjoy the scenic ride returning us to Quito City.Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "buen viaje"!
Meals included: Breakfast.
WRITE A REVIEW
What's Included?
- Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.
- Accommodation based in double occupancy: 3+ star hotel in Quito, 3 or 4-stars eco-hotel in Isinlivi, hostel in Chugchilan, hostel in Quilotoa, 5-star Andean lodge in Chimborazo, 3 or 4-star hotel in Baños.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Activities: Trekking in Isinlivi, 3-day trekking to Chugchilan and Quilotoa, hiking to the glaciers of Chimborazo highest volcano in Ecuador, watch vicuñas (camel similar to llama or alpaca), trek the Llanganates National Park, hiking the road of waterfall in Baños, soak in volcanic hot springs, cable-car ride in Baños, hike to Pailon del Diablo waterfall, salsa lesson, cultural experience with the local people, indigenous authentic market.
- Gear: Hiking sticks.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.
What is not included?
- My Own Room supplement: USD $415.
- Airport transfer (international flights).
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Meals not described in the itinerary - estimated budget USD $120 USD.
- Tips for guides and drivers - estimated budget USD $120 USD.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
DRIVING TIME: On Day 2, 5, 6 and 7 from 2 to 3 hours a day. / On Day 3 and 4 no driving.
SEASON: All year
PROVINCE: Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Tungurahua, Chimborazo.
TERRITORY: All Inter-Andean Valleys and Andes mountains, cloud forest in Sangay and Llanganates National Park and canyons.
TREKKING TIME: 3 to 6 hours a day
ALTITUDE: From 5100 to 1600 m (16,732 to 5,249 ft)
AVG. TEMP.: Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to challenge. This program will run from the high Andean Mountains to the tropical cloud forest of the Amazon, which involves trekking for 4 to 5 hours a day along canyons and volcanoes.
ADVENTURE GEAR: Hiking sticks.
ACCOMODATION: All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
MEALS: Traveling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
Vegetarians, Vegans and Gluten Free people are very welcome in our trip, our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals for them, as Ecuador is very well known for its great diversity of gastronomy.YOUR TRIP LEADERS AND GUIDES: All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation.
In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM: Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon rain forest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
HEALTH INFORMATION: Please inform AJ of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.