Arrival in Quito
Ecuador, a country in South America, is renowned for its remarkable diversity and stunning landscapes. It is often referred to as “The Land of Volcanoes” due to its numerous active and dormant volcanoes that shape its terrain. These volcanoes, part of the Andean Volcanic Belt, contribute to Ecuador’s rich geological and ecological tapestry.

The country’s volcanoes offer not only spectacular scenery but also opportunities for adventure and exploration. From the towering Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, to the majestic Chimborazo, whose summit is the closest point on Earth to space, Ecuador’s volcanic peaks attract mountaineers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.

Beyond their physical beauty, Ecuador’s volcanoes hold cultural and historical significance. Indigenous communities have long revered these mountains, considering them sacred and integral to their identities. Many of Ecuador’s towns and cities are situated near volcanoes, adding to the country’s unique charm and character.

Overall, Ecuador’s volcanoes symbolize both the raw power of nature and the resilience of the people who call this diverse country home. They stand as iconic landmarks, inviting visitors to marvel at their grandeur and explore the breathtaking landscapes they shape.

Arrival in Quito and transfer to hotel.
Included meals: None

City Tour in Quito with Pichincha Volcano’s Cable-car
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city located high in the Andes Mountains. Renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, the city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring charming plazas, churches, and monasteries. Quito’s rich cultural scene includes numerous museums and art galleries, while its unique location near the equator offers stunning natural landscapes and panoramic views from the nearby Pichincha Volcano. With a blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty, Quito is a captivating destination for travelers.

The Quito Cable Car, or Teleférico, offers one of the most spectacular and scenic experiences in Ecuador’s capital. Located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, this cable car ride gives visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Quito and its surrounding valleys.
The ride begins at an altitude of 2950 meters at the base station and climbs up to Cruz Loma, a viewing platform at approximately 4050 meters. The entire ride lasts around 18 minutes, and during this ascent, travelers will be able to witness an incredible transformation in landscapes—from the bustling urban sprawl of Quito to the lush Andean highlands.

Start your exploration in Quito’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Plaza Grande, home to the Presidential Palace and the impressive Cathedral of Quito. Wander through the charming streets lined with colonial architecture, visiting landmarks like the La Compañía de Jesús Church with its stunning baroque interior.

Next, head to the San Francisco Church and Plaza, one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Quito.
Then, drive to El Panecillo, a hill topped with a statue of the Virgin of Quito, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. On clear days, we may observe several of the snow-capped volcanoes surrounding the capital. It is also a great opportunity to simply soak up the local atmosphere of this easygoing city.

La Mitad del Mundo, located just north of Quito, is a popular tourist attraction marking the equatorial line. Visitors can straddle the equator with one foot in each hemisphere at the monument. The site features a museum showcasing indigenous culture and scientific exhibits about the equator. At Intiñan Museum, the visitor can enjoy interactive demonstrations on the unique phenomena occurring at the equator. This visit provides a fun and educational experience, highlighting Ecuador’s geographical significance.

REMARK: The order of visits may vary depending on the weather, traffic, and factors beyond our control.

Included meals: Breakfast

Otavalo Indigenous Market and Visit to the Peguche Waterfall
We depart from Quiuto early in the morning for a trip of approximately two hours to Otavalo. The journey is fascinating, as we pass through relatively dry areas caused by the “rain shadow” of the volcanoes, where sediment layers suggesting the formation of this part of the Andes are easily observed. We cross the equator and soon enter the lush Otavalo region, where the Otavalo Indigenous people have preserved their traditions. This valley is stunning, surrounded by small volcanoes and lakes.

The Otavalo Market, located in the heart of the city of Otavalo in the province of Imbabura, is one of the most famous and colorful markets in Latin America. Renowned for its authenticity and cultural richness, the Otavalo Market is a living expression of the Kichwa Otavalo people, one of the most entrepreneurial and well-known Indigenous communities in the country.

The main market, known as the Plaza de los Ponchos, comes to life especially on Saturdays, although it is open every day. There, hundreds of artisans offer an impressive variety of handmade products: ponchos, scarves, tapestries, bags, necklaces, musical instruments, wood carvings, and more. The textiles, made on traditional looms, stand out for their vibrant colors and ancestral Andean designs.

More than a commercial space, the market is a cultural meeting point. Visitors can observe traditional bartering practices, hear the Kichwa language, and experience an authentic encounter with the Andean worldview.

Afterwards, we’ll take a short excursion to the Peguche Waterfall. The waterfall is very important to the Kichwa Indigenous culture and is used for a purification ritual during Inti Raymi, the Inca solstice celebration, and the summer solstice.

Finally, we will head back to Otavalo.

REMARK: The order of activities may vary due to logistical reasons.

Included meals: Breakfast

Hiking: Cuicocha Lagoon (3400 m) – Machachi
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the volcanic Cuicocha Lagoon (1.5 hours). Upon arrival at the entrance, we begin our hike along the well-marked trail that skirts the crater, offering panoramic views of the shimmering lake and the two islets at its center. The path winds through páramo vegetation and provides an excellent opportunity to observe unique high-Andean flora, including orchids, bromeliads, and characteristic shrubs of this ecosystem. On clear days, we will also enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, such as the Cotacachi and Imbabura volcanoes.

We will walk nearly the entire perimeter of the lake, covering approximately 10 kilometers, although we will skip the final stretch that follows a dirt road. At the end of the hike, our vehicle will pick us up for a short stop at the visitor center by the lagoon, where we will enjoy a well-deserved snack.

Transfer to Machachi’s area, North from Quito.

Ascent: 401 m / Descent: 401 m / Maximum altitude: 3471 m / Distance: 11.9 km / Activity duration: 4–5 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Summit: Guagua Pichincha volcano (4794 m)
The Pichinchas are three summits located on the western range just above Quito. The Guagua Pichincha is the highest and youngest of the summits; the other two are the Rucu Pichincha and the Padre Encantado (Enchanted Father), and both of them are lower. Guagua is also where the last eruption took place in 1999, but it is considered safe to climb by geologists. The Guagua and the Rucu are very popular ascents due to their location on the outskirts of the capital and their convenient access.

Pick-up at the hotel in Quito and transfer (2 hours) to the trailhead at a parking place at 4150 m. From the parking place, the hike ascends through a “paramo” area, finding its way through changing vegetation up to the moraine. The ascent is very straightforward, but the distance to cover is considerable. There is a significant gain in altitude during the hike, which works great as preparation for higher summits. The trail back is the same as the ascent. From the parking place, there is a 2-hour drive along the beautiful “Volcano Avenue” to the accommodation close to the towns of Machachi and El Chaupi (2930 m).

Ascent: 644 m / Descent: 644 m / Highest altitude: 4794 m / Activity duration: 6 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Quilotoa’s crater lake (3900 m) to the Village of Chugchilán (3198 m)
The Quilotoa Lake is one of the most stunning and photogenic natural landscapes in Ecuador. Located in the Cotopaxi province at approximately 3900 meters above sea level, this volcanic lagoon was formed in the crater of an ancient volcano that collapsed following an eruption over 800 years ago.

What makes Quilotoa unique is the color of its waters, which shift between emerald and turquoise hues depending on the sunlight and the mineral content of the water. About 3 kilometers in diameter, the lagoon is surrounded by cliffs that offer breathtaking panoramic views, creating a landscape that blends the dramatic with the serene.

Early in the morning, a 2.5-hour transfer will take you to Quilotoa Lagoon (3900 m). The hike begins by circling about one third of the crater along a spectacular trail that follows the rim, reaching a height of 4020 meters. On clear days, the views are incredible, extending to the distant Cotopaxi and Illinizas volcanoes, the lake at the bottom of the crater, the western valley, and the village of Guayama.

From the crater, the trail descends into the Guayama valley, following a series of paths and dirt roads until reaching the gorge of the Toachi River (2995 m). This final section is quite steep, tracing an old trail to the river crossing, where a short walk will lead to the village of Chugchilán (3198 m). Here, transportation will be waiting to take you back to Machachi via a different route.

Ascent: 203 m / Descent: 1025 m / Highest Altitude: 4020 m / Activity duration: 5 h
Included: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Insilivi town (3000 m) – Cotopaxi National Park
From Chugchilán, the landscape becomes progressively greener and more vibrant, with rolling hills covered in patchwork fields and dotted with tiny hamlets. Along the way, we will witness the daily life of local communities dedicated to small-scale farming, cultivating traditional crops such as potatoes, corn, beans, and quinoa. The lifestyle here remains deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, with residents—mainly peasants and descendants of Indigenous groups maintaining age-old customs and a close connection to the land.

Our hike takes us along scenic mountain trails that weave through dramatic valleys and gorges, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Andean highlands. The path is occasionally flanked by eucalyptus forests and crosses rustic wooden bridges over crystal-clear streams. One of the highlights of this trek is the stunning Toachi River, which carves its way through deep canyons, adding a sense of majesty to the journey.

As we approach Insiliví, the scenery softens, with more pastoral landscapes and terraced farmlands appearing along the way. Upon arrival in this charming and peaceful village, we will take a short rest before continuing our journey by vehicle. The drive (approximately 3 hours) toward Cotopaxi National Park is equally captivating, as we gradually ascend to higher altitudes. En route, we will be treated to panoramic vistas of the paramo, a unique ecosystem of high-altitude grasslands, and, weather permitting, the first glimpses of the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Our destination is the entrance to the national park, where new adventures amid breathtaking landscapes await.

Ascent: 150 m / Descent: 200 m / Highest Altitude: 3000 m / Activity duration: 5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Summit: Rumiñahui Volcano (4631 m)
The hike from Limpiopungo Lagoon to the central summit of Rumiñahui is a rewarding and scenic trek, ideal for those looking to experience Ecuador’s high-altitude landscapes. This route offers hikers breathtaking views of Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, and the surrounding Andean páramo.

The adventure begins at Tambopaxi lodge, located at around 3750 meters. From Tambopaxi, it’s a short and scenic 15-minute drive (approximately 4 km) to reach the Limpiopungo Lagoon trailhead. The drive itself offers wonderful early glimpses of Cotopaxi and the surrounding peaks, setting the tone for the day’s hike.

The trail starts at Limpiopungo Lagoon, at 3850 meters above sea level, within the Cotopaxi National Park. The lagoon is a picturesque spot, often mirroring the towering Cotopaxi on clear days. The hike begins gently, following a well-marked path through the páramo—a high-altitude ecosystem rich in grasses, shrubs, and unique wildlife. The first 3 kilometers are relatively easy, allowing hikers to acclimatize while soaking in expansive views and fresh mountain air.

As the route advances, the trail gradually steepens after reaching the base of the Rumiñahui massif. The last 1.5 kilometers before the summit are the most demanding, featuring loose volcanic rock and sandy slopes.

Rumiñahui itself is a fascinating mountain, rising to 4631 meters at its central summit. Named after the Inca warrior Rumiñahui, celebrated for his resistance against the Spanish conquest, the mountain’s rugged, jagged peaks resemble a natural fortress. Its volcanic origins are evident in the dramatic rock formations and earthy tones that color its slopes. Unlike Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui is extinct, and its eroded appearance tells of ancient volcanic activity.

At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views: Cotopaxi to the south, Sincholagua to the east, and, on clear days, Antisana and the vast Andean plateau in the distance. The full round-trip hike covers approximately 9 kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 781 meters, making it a challenging yet accessible for well-prepared trekkers.
After the activity, drive back to Quito (2 h).
Ascent: 781 m / Descent: 781 m / Highest Altitude: 4631 m / Distance: 9 Km. roundtrip / Activity duration: 7 h
Included: Breakfast, Picnic

Departure
Transfer from Baños to Quito’s airport (3 h).

End of services.

Included meals: Breakfast