
On this 10-day itinerary we offer you an exciting program for one of the best trekking program in Ecuador: The Condor’s Trek, an absolutely beautiful, authentic and remote area which is rarely visited by other tourists or mountaineers. We provide excellent professional guides, equipment, good accommodation, transportation, food, etc.
Also, we recommend that you take a look at our extension trips. These will add to your adventure and show you some of the natural wealth and variety a small country like Ecuador has to offer.
Day 1 | Arrival in Quito |
Day 2 | Quito – City tour (2800 m) |
Day 3 | Climb: Guagua-Pichinca volcano (4794 m) |
Day 4 | Trekking: Laguna Volcan Campsite (3700 m) |
Day 5 | Trekking: Antisanilla Campsite (4200 m) |
Day 6 | Trekking: Taracocha lake Campsite (4200 m) |
Day 7 | Trekking: Rio Pita (3750 m) – End of trek |
Day 8 | Trekking: Cotopaxi’s glacier (5000 m) – Limpiopungo lake |
Day 9 | Trekking: Hacienda Santa Rita (3400 m) |
Day 10 | Departure |
Day 1 | Arrival in Quito 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 |
Day 2 | Quito: Full day City tour with “Mitad del Mundo” |
Day 3 | Summit: Guagua Pichincha volcano (4794 m) 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 there is a 3 hours drive across Los Chillos and Tumbaco valley and up over the Andes, down to Papallacta town (3300 m). Ascent: 644 m / Descent: 644 m / Highest altitude: 4794 m / Activity duration: 6 hours |
Day 4 | Trekking: Laguna Volcan Campsite (3642 m) |
Day 5 | Trekking: Antisanilla Campsite (4090 m) |
Day 6 | Trekking: Taracocha lake Campsite (4214 m) |
Day 7 | Trekking: Rio Pita (3750 m) – End of trek | Day 8 | Trekking: Cotopaxi’s Glacier – Limpiopungo’s lake (5000 m) |
Day 9 | Trekking: Hacienda Santa Rita (3400 m) |
Day 10 | Departure |
INCLUDED
- Local mountain guide during the entire program
- Assistant mountain guide during the mountain itinerary in a ratio 1:5
- City guide for Quito’s city tour
- Private transportation throughout the entire program
- 3 nights in shared double rooms in hotels in the city of Quito
- 1 night in shared double room in hotel in the town of Papallacta
- 2 nights in shared dormitory at Cotopaxi National Park lower hut
- 3 nights in campsite
- Entry fee to the National parks and natural reserves
- Entry fees to museums and sights mentioned in the program
- Quality mountain tents – 2 people per tent during the trek
- Group common campsite equipment
- Porters and mule/horses for group campsite equipment and personal equipment
- Cook during the trek
- Meals as specified in the day to day itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic and international flights
- Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrival/departures
- Personal camping gear
- Insurance
- Tips
- Everything not mentioned in the “Included” list
QUITO: Hotel Ikala or similar
PAPALLACTA: Hotel Termas de Papallacta or similar
COTOPAXI: Tambo-Paxi Mountain Refuge or similar