Off-the-beaten-trails across the Andes mountains!
FERNANDO’S WORD OVER THIS TOUR
For the hike and trek enthusiasts, this challenging tour is the perfect opportunity to discover the most breathtaking landscapes and trails across emblematic natural reserves in the Ecuadorian Andes, spanning 11 days. The expedition will take you across the Quilotoa Lake, Cotopaxi, Antisana & Chimborazo reserves, making it an adventure par excellence.
“Highland expedition 1” is actually the first part of this adventure, which takes place in the charming Quilotoa lake and the sublime Chimborazo reserve. Also referred to as the “Vicuñas Trek”, the program entails a 360º hike around the Chimborazo volcano colossus. Although challenging, this fascinating adventure is highly rewarding and provides an opportunity to connect with nature -by staying in refuges, hotels, or camping-in completely-isolated places, while enjoying the omnipresent view of the highest volcano in Ecuador, whose summit is indeed the closest point to the sun!
You have the option to start with either the first or second part of this integral adventure across the Andes, or you may choose to do only one of them. Regardless of your decision, both the Highlands expedition 1 & 2 are truly magnificent!
Indicative route :
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Quito > Zumbahua (market) > Quilotoa Loop (day 1) | Quilotoa Loop (day 2) > Riobamba | Riobamba > Chimborazo: Vicuñas Trek (day 1) |
| Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 |
| Chimborazo: Vicuñas Trek (day 2) | Chimborazo: Vicuñas Trek (day 3) | Chimborazo: Vicuñas Trek (day 4) > Quito |
Tour highlights :
– Completely private tour in Ecuador, in the Andes, with your English-speaking guide.– 6 days of discovery -in an exceptional natural setting-.– Chimborazo Reserve & volcano discovery– The challenging yet rewarding Vicuñas trek – Hike around the magical Quilotoa lake
Rates/per person:
| 2 People | 4 People |
|---|---|
| $2394 | $1930 |
– The rate decreases/increases according to the group size. The prices provided are based on the “Comfort” 2/3*** category. Let us know if you would like this program in the “Superior” 3/4**** or “Luxe” 4/5***** category. The final cost of this trip depends on the way we personalize it specially for you. The exact price will be provided in your personalized quote when you BOOK THIS TRIP.
Rate Includes
– All transfers, vehicles, drivers and their costs and fees.
– Accommodation
– National-licensed guides as indicated in the “Guides & Drivers” part.
– Meals (5 breakfasts / 6 Lunches / 5 Dinners).
– Entrances to sites, museums and national parks specified in the program.
– Licenses (ITK travel agency and our guides and drivers).
Rate Doesn’t include
– International flights
– Visits indicated as “Optional” or “at an additional cost”.
– Drinks in bars, hotels, restaurants or villages.
– Not indicated meals
– Tips
Explore in more detail :
Hike times are approximate and indicate the maximum time for the trekking day.
Day 1 : Quito > Zumbahua (Market) > Quilotoa Loop (Day 1)
After an early departure you will head southbound to one of the most authentic indigenous markets in Ecuador. The you will start your trek adventure from the Quilotoa Lake 3914m/12840ft to the Chugchilán Village.
Meal
L (Picnic) D
Visit
0h00
Hike
from 3h30 to 4h30
transport
3h30
Day 2 : Quilotoa Loop (Day 2)
This morning you will discover the isolated Isinliví village. Passing by the fantastic Toachi canyon you will get to this quiet and still place, lost in time!
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
from 4h00 to 5h00
transport
2h30
Day 3 : Vicuñas Trek-day 1
First day of the most spectacular trek you will take part in during your trekking holiday in Ecuador. This trek will take you around the colossus of Ecuador, the Chimborazo 6,310m/20548ft.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
6h00
transport
0h30
Day 4 : Vicuñas Trek-day 2
You will continue your vicuñas trek passing to the other side of Chimborazo in the drier part. You will see your first vicuñas. You will sleep in a simple refuge or a tent during this night.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
7h00
transport
0h00
Day 5 : Vicuñas Trek-day 3
You will continue your magnificent vicuñas trek. This day will be the hardest but also the most beautiful. You will be in a high desert plateau surrounded by vicuñas. You will arrive at the Hermanos Carrel refuge where you will spend the night at an altitude of 4,800m/15748ft.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
8h00
transport
0h00
Day 6 : Vicuñas Trek-day 4 > Quito
You will end your trek with an easier day. Then you will be transferred to your charming hotel in Quito to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Meal
b/l
Visit
0h00
Hike
5h30
transport
3h00
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
«Comfort » category : charming and comfortable accommodation 2/3*** category. Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service.
« Superior » category : charming accommodation 3/4**** category. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service. Spacious and tasteful rooms.
« Luxe » category: top of the range accommodations 4/5***** categoryoffering an irreproachable quality of service. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. .
* Andes:
=> Private Guide/Driver (From Day 1 to 6) : private transfers, activities, and excursions accompanied by your local English-speaking guide with his own vehicle. (Vehicle type: Kia Sportage or Hyundai H1).
Notes :
– For groups of 4+ people you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide + a Spanish-speaking driver.
– Vicuñas Trek (Days 3, 4, 5 and 6): Muleteers and mules during the trek in addition to the English-speaking guide.
– Toachi trek (Days 1 and 2): For groups of 4 people or more, your English-speaking guide will accompany you during this trek. For 2-3 people groups, a Spanish-speaking guide will accompany you, while your guide take your belongings to your hotel.
– Physical: this trekking tour requires good physical condition. There will be fairly long walks (up to 8 hours). We recommend that travelers wishing to take part in this trekking trip take a stress test before their arrival. This will limit the risks during physical exertion at altitudes around 4000m / 13000ft (in particular preventing coronary and vascular problems).
– Technical: no technical level is necessary. You will not have climbing or ice climbing. We recommend trekking poles and good walking shoes.
Clothing :
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 breathable warm jacket(type softshell)
-1 waterproof jacket (type gore-tex)
– light t-shirts
– hike shoes
– casual shoes
-1 pair of gloves for high altitude walks
-1 warm hat for high altitude walks
– cap
Additional :
-1 water bottle – sunglasses
– solar cream
– hiking bag (between 25 to 45L)
– hike sticks
– camera
– binoculars
– duvet between 0C et -15C (when nights in a refuge or tent are planned)
– headlamp (for nights in a tent or in a refuge)
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– Foresee between $ 5 and $ 30 per meal not included, per person.
– Tips: we recommend between $ 10 and $ 20 per worked day for a guide, and between $ 5 and $ 10 per worked day for a driver.
– Have a look at our USEFUL INFORMATION page to better prepare your adventure!