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El Ángel Nature Reserve & Cerro Golondrinas 6 Day Trek
The Cerro Golondrinas Cloud forest Conservation Project, in the western slopes of the Andes Mountains, is working to create a 25,000 hectare reserve in which the natural environment can be respected while providing a sustainable living for local people.
In this six-day trek, the “campesinos” and managers of this project hope to share with you a rare journey across this land and into their lives. Led through ecosystems ranging from the almost “Lunar” high Páramo to the mist-shrouded cloud forest, you will experience a magical taste of the contrast and variety that the Nature here has to offer.
As all profits from this trek go directly to support the aims of the Conservation Project, this trip offers you the opportunity to build lifelong memories, discover timeless lessons, and contribute to preserving the landscape, which was their inspiration.
The Cerro Golondrinas Cloud forest is part of Chocó endemic centre. The trek traverses three major ecosystems at different altitudes:
Páramo (4200 - 3800m), Temperate Forest (3800 - 1500m), and Subtropical Forest (1500 - 900 m).
Bird families such as Condors, Toucans, Tanagers, Parrots, and Hummingbirds can be admired along the way. In addition, you may see mammals such as fox, deer, peccaries, coatis, sloth’s, sometimes a puma, and if you are lucky, groups of monkeys. Great opportunity to watch birds. Ecuador has more than 20,000 species of plants, many of them are found in the cloud forest of the Golondrinas region, for example:
Dracula (Orchidaceae), Cinnamomum (Lauraceae), Mahogany (Meliaceae), Balsa (Bombacaceae), and abundance of exotic fruit such as Maracuya, Granadilla (Passifloraceae), and Naranjilla (Solanum) grown by the farmers.
| Overview Itinerary |
| Day 01: |
Quito – Hostería el Angel |
| Day 02: |
Trekking to Morán |
| Day 03: |
Horseback Ride to la Cortadera |
| Day 04: |
La Cortadera – El Pailo – El Corazon – Santa Rosa |
| Day 05: |
Bospas Botanical Garden |
| Day 06: |
Drive back to Quito |
Itinerary:
Day 01: Quito – Hostería el Angel
Leaving Quito this morning you travel north along the Pan-American Highway for approximately 2 hours before a short stop in the well known town of Otavalo. Continuing through the valley “Valle del Chota”, a fascinating mix of fruit plantations and desert like elements, will bring you to the National Park “Reserva Ecological el Angel”. The many lagoons in this mountain landscape are a beautiful compliment to the several meter high plants “Frailejones Gigantes” that cover area. Dinner and accommodation at the Hostería el Angel. -/L/D
Day 02: Trekking to Morán
After an early breakfast you will be transported by pick-up truck into the highlands of this area also known as Páramo situated above the town of El Angel (highest point El Mirador at about 4040 m). From there, you hike several hours along an old smugglers’ route - el Sendero de los Cascarilleros which is lined with the unique Frailejone plants. Lunch will be taken with great views overlooking the lower hills of the Andes. On a clear day it is possible to observe condors. After lunch you set off into the Valley of the Agua Blanca River, crossing the river several times and ending the second day in the little village of Morán at an altitude of 2,900 meters. This hike is for those accustomed to more difficult trails. Dinner and the night will be spent in Morán at a small lodge called Las Orquídeas, run by local guide Carlos Castro. Dinner with the Castro family. B/L/D
Day 03: Horseback Ride to la Cortadera
Breakfast this morning will be served at Carlos Castro’s lodge Las Orquídeas. Ride on horseback from Morán to the isolated village of La Cortadera, over La Cotinga ridge where you can observe some amazing panoramic views. En route you will visit the archaeological remains of la Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City), where once existed a pre-Colombian culture. Dinner and night in family homes in La Cortadera. B/L/D
Note: the horses are quiet and have excellent saddles, which makes the ride suitable even for inexperienced horse back riders.
Day 04: La Cortadera – El Pailo – El Corazon – Santa Rosa
Breakfast will be in La Cortadera. By horseback, ride to a beautiful spot with a waterfall called El Pailon. Then on foot to El Corazón and an impressive view of the Cerro Golondrinas peak. Lunch in the area. Descend to Santa Rosa, where you can swim in the Golondrinas River. A pick up truck will await your arrival at Las Juntas (approx. 4:30 pm) to take you to Bospas. During these 3 days in the cloud forest you will have a chance to observe toucans, wild turkeys and the famous cock-of-the-rock. Dinner and night at Bospas. B/L/D
Note: the hike on day 4 is the most demanding with approximately 6 hours walking, mainly downhill. You descend from about 2500 m to 1000 m above sea level.
Day 05: Bospas Botanical Garden
Today will be a fairly relaxing day at Bosque de Paz. After breakfast take a short hike to explore the varied flora and fauna of the farm’s botanical garden, tasting the fruit of your choice along the way. Relax in the swimming pool.
Optional: hike in the afternoon along the old railway line next to the Rio Mira. The track goes through two tunnels full of interesting insects and bats.
Lunch, dinner and last night at Bospas. B/L/D
Day 06: Drive back to Quito
After Breakfast we drive back to Quito, where this wonderful experience ends. B/L/-
B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner
| Prices per Person for 2012 |
| Minimum 4 people |
USD 956.- |
| Minimum 2 people |
USD 1,131.- |
| 1 person |
USD 2,035.- |
Tour Includes: Private Transportation, sightseeing and round trips according to program, meals as mentioned above (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch (box), D: Dinner), entrance fee for national parks, bilingual guide (Spanish/English), first aid, rubber boots.
Tour does not include: Accommodation and meals in Quito, personal equipment, drinks, personal expenses, tips, travel insurance or anything not mentioned in the above program.
What to bring: rain clothing, flashlight, sun cream, binoculars, hat or a cap as sun protection, warm clothing, backpack for during the day, water bottle, camera, sun glasses.
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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