Ecuador Andes Trekking Tours

The Route of the Condor - 2 Day Tour

Condor - Ecuador

Rising majestically from the eastern cordillera of the Andes, Cotopaxi is Ecuador's most famous volcano. Edward Whymper, the first to ascend Cotopaxi, claimed its 5.895 m symmetrical cone made it the most perfectly shaped mountain in the world. Climbing it has now become a prerequisite for any mountaineer aspiring to higher peaks. Technically it is not a difficult mountain but, due to its cloud-piercing height, it is essential that climbers are well acclimatised, as well as physically and mentally prepared. Ice- climbing gear is also required.

From its summit Cotopaxi offers a spectacular panorama; on a clear day all of Ecuador's other snow-capped peaks can be seen, as well the Amazon basin. The gas-emitting crater, almost 800 m in diameter, will certainly remind climbers that they are standing on an active volcano-one that is long overdue to erupt!

important information

Departure Day: upon request
Price for 2 days: USD 240.-
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Overview Itinerary
Day 01:	Quito - Cotopaxi National Park
Day 02:	Horseback Riding & Hiking

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Cotopaxi National Park
We pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive through the Pan-American Highway to the South. Upon arriving at the Cotopaxi National Park, you will visit the interpretation center where descriptions of the local flora and fauna as well as the history of the major eruptions of the world’s highest active volcano are provided. From the parking lot, you will begin by climbing up to the refuge (4,800 m). Back in the parking lot, you continue on to Limpiopungo Lake. During the exciting journey, you can admire streams and large rocks where volcanic remains are still evident. You pass the Inca ruins of Pucará del Salitre which were in former times a strategic military fortress of the Inca Empire. From here you have a great view of the surrounding mountains. The drive will then end at the farmhouse Hacienda El Porvenir, where a delicious dinner awaits you. -/L/D

Day 02.- Horseback riding and hiking
A brief lesson is given in the morning at Hacienda El Porvenir to teach you how to ride and get acquainted with the horses. Wearing the typical "Chagra" attire, you will begin a visit to the foothills of Rumiñahui volcano. The native guides will share their knowledge of medical plants. The ride takes about 4 hours. Afterwards a delicious lunch of local dishes awaits you at the farmhouse. In the afternoon you drive to Hacienda Santa Rita ecological reserve on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano where you hike through the native Andean forest. After the hike, you return to Quito, transfer to your hotel in Quito. B/L/-

Horseback riding and hiking

B= Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner

Price 2010:
Machai (shared bathroom):            USD 240.- with 2 people
Superior rooms:                              USD 260.- with 2 people
Suite:                                               USD 290.- with 2 people

Tour Includes

Lodging (based on selected double room)
4 meals
Described activities
Guides (bilingual and local depending on the activity)
Basic equipment for each activity (zamarro and poncho)
Transportation from and back to Quito (on tour days)

Tour Does Not Include

Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee (USD10 foreigners)
Bar and shop
Tips
Hotel in Quito

Note: Although this is a moderate trek, it could be very hard if you are not properly acclimatized. You need to be ready and prepared to walk on trails as well as on cross-country terrain, marsh and forests. Do not expect to find well-marked trails like in the Alps or the National Parks of the USA.

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