Product Description
Highlights
Marvel at mother nature as you weave through the great Avenue of Volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Sierra. Gaze out across the pristine lake at the base of the Quilotoa Crater. Relax in comfort at a lodge surrounded by volcanic peaks. Ascend the world’s highest active volcano of Cotopaxi with a local guide, and wander around the magnificent lagoon of Limpiopungo. If conditions permit, you may even adventure as high as base camp
Overview
This Ecuadorian adventure will bring you the best of this high-altitude region. Beginning and ending in Quito, you’ll explore the emerald and turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa, shop at artisanal indigenous markets and relax by the fire at a hacienda in the evening. Explore the peaks and natural surrounds of Cotopaxi National Park, keeping a keen eye out for birds and wildlife among the vegetation. This Ecuadorian adventure will be sure to leave you on a high.
Breakfast Included: 2 Lunches Included: Lunches Included: 1
Quito / Cotopaxi
Your adventure begins with a pick-up at 8 am from the hotel of your choice. Travel by private minivan through the Avenue of Volcanoes with your guide. If the trip starts on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday, you may have the opportunity to visit a local indigenous market. Afterwards, continue towards the Quilotoa Crater. This is where the Tigua community live, famous for their colourful paintings on sheepskin canvases. Take a walk to the base of the crater and admire the turquoise lake below.
Tonight stay at a lodge near Cotopaxi Volcano. The high altitude of the accommodation should help you to acclimatise before tomorrow’s hike.
Note: Please contact us if you require assistance arranging accommodation in Quito. If you book your own accommodation, please ensure that your booking agent has been informed of your hotel address at least 15 days prior to the start of this trip.
Cotopaxi / Quito
After a solid breakfast, head to Cotopaxi National Park. With a summit that is 5,897 metres above sea level, Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. The excursion to Cotopaxi National Park includes a hike around Laguna Limpiopungo, where you can observe unique species of birds living at high altitudes in the surrounding vegetation. If time and weather conditions permit, continue upwards by 4WD and then on foot to Cotopaxi base camp, located at an elevation of 4,800 metres above sea level.
After the adventure on Cotopaxi, return to Quito for the night.
Quito
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. You’re free to leave the accommodation at any time and departing flights can be booked for a time that suits you.
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