Ecuador Andes Trekking Tours

Trekking in the Cotopaxi & Illinizas National Park - 5 Day Tour

Most of the highest peaks of the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes will be viewed within the next five days. This is a relatively easy going and scenery trek; it helps as training and acclimatization for all of the classic climbs such as Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo among others.

The possibility to reach the summit of the Illiniza North is considered. Condors, deer, wolves and other small animals are frequently found as well as tiny Indian settlements and evergreen valleys.

important information

Departure Day: upon request
Price for 5 days: USD 850.-
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Overview Itinerary
Day 01:	Quito - Pasochoa
Day 02:	Pasochoa – Limpiopungo
Day 03:	Climbing Rumiñahui
Day 04:	Cotopaxi National Park – Illiniza Ecological Reserve
Day 05:	Climbing Illiniza North or Corazón - return to Quito

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Quito - Pasochoa
You depart from Quito in the direction of the Volcano Pasochoa, where your trekking begins. As you walk up hill towards it summit (4.200m) you will enjoy the views of the neighbours peaks such as Antisana, Rumiñahui and Cotopaxi. You will head south on a easy going trail along the crater edge of this extinct volcano, Condors and other birds of pray are often seen before you descend in a green valley. From there you will drive to a typical hacienda near the Cotopaxi National park where you will have dinner and overnight. –/L/D

Day 02: Pasochoa – Limpiopungo, at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano
Today you will explore the Paramo of the Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will visit the Pre-Inca ruins of El Salitre while enjoying magnificent views of Cotopaxi Glaciers. Afterwards you will continue to Limpiopungo valley and lake. A short time later you will arrive at the refugee in the middle of Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui volcanoes. Dinner and overnight. B/L/D

Day 03: Climbing Rumiñahui
Today is the longest day of your trekking tour. You will walk along a trail, up and down following the flanks of Rumiñahui peak observing birds of prey and in the horizon the mighty Chimborazo, and Illinizas until you return to the refuge. Dinner and overnight. B/L/D

Day 04: Cotopaxi National Park – Illiniza Ecological Reserve
After breakfast you will leave the Cotopaxi Park near the old Rail Road Station. Following to the west you will traverse some crops and farms as well as forests, observing the locals at their farm duties, until you reach a nice old Hacienda. Overnight at the Hacienda. B/L/D

Trekking In the Cotopaxi & Illinizas National Park

Day 05: Climbing Illiniza North or Corazón - return to Quito
Today you can either drive to the parking place of the Illiniza and walk up hill to the settle of Illinizas and summit the north peak which is rather easy and recommended as training for those who will attempt Cotopaxi, or continue your trek up hills in west direction along the slopes of Corazón peak. Somewhere in highlands, your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Quito. B/L

B= Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner

Price 2010:
USD 745. - per person with minimum 4 people
USD 850. - per person with minimum 2 people
USD 1,530.- with one person

Included in the price:
Private transportation, meals as mentioned in the program, accommodation in double rooms. For climbing: mountain boots, ice axe, crampons, harness, rope; horses or donkeys during the trek and all features according to the program are included.

Not included in the price:
International flight, accommodation and food supply in Quito, personal equipment, tips, and travel insurance

What you need: Acceptable physical condition, sleeping bags and pad, personal warm and rain clothing, headlamp, sun fee.

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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