The Andes mountain range from north to south!
*10-day Vulcanology tour, from $— per person [on a base of two people].
Antoine feeling about this tour
This 10-day tour, dedicated to vulcanology enthusiasts, will allow you to discover the most striking sites of Ecuador, the land of volcanoes par excellence.
You will be accompanied by a local English-speaking vulcanologist for your visits to the Cotopaxi (5897m) and Pululahua (3356m) volcanoes. Your guide will be happy to pass on his Andes Cordillera exceptional knowledge to you, and you will have plenty of time to discuss this fascinating world with him.
In addition to these two iconic volcanoes, you will also set off to meet the majestic “Taita” (the father in Kichwa language) Chimborazo (6268m).
I suggest you live and experience a colorful in-Ecuador stay dedicated to the in-depth discovery of the country’s most magical peaks, around a pleasant and accessible course, in the company of your guide and a local specialist vulcanologist.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer-in to Quito | Quito visit | Quito > Pululahuacrater (with volcanologist) > Otavalo | Otavalo (market) > Cuicocha lake > Cotopaxi |
| Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 |
| Cotopaxi National Park (with volcanologist) > Patate | Patate | Patate > Chimborazo reserve | Chimborazo > Ingapirca > Cuenca |
| Day 9 | Day 10 | ||
| Visit de Cuenca | Cuenca > Cajas National Park > Guayaquil > International flight (departuretransfer) |
Tour highlights :
– Private tour in charming accommodation.
– Meeting and discussion with a local English-speaking vulcanologist.
– Extraordinary natural sites: Cotopaxi volcano, Chimborazo reserve, Pululahua crater, Cuicocha lake
– Visit the colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca.
Explore in more detail :
– The rate decreases as the group size increases proportionally. The estimated price of this adventure is from $— to $—. 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.
Day 1 : Transfer-in to Quito
Arrival transfer to Quito . First night in Ecuador.
Meal
No
Visit
No
Hike
No
transport
1h00
Day 2 : Quito visit
Visit Quito on your own. We recommend Churches, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, El Panecillo, and museums.
Meal
b
Visit
6h00
Hike
0h00
transport
1h00
Day 3 : Quito > Pululahua crater > Otavalo
In the morning, you will reach the Pululahua crater, on Quito outskirts, accompanied by a local English-speaking vulcanologist. You will discover with him how the Ecuadorian people protect themselves against the risks associated with this land in constant motion. After this beautiful meeting and a walk in the heart of the crater, you will reach the Mitad del Mundo north of Quito, then join the northern region near Otavalo where you will spend the night.
Meal
b/l
Visit
1h00
Hike
4h00
transport
3h00
Day 4 : Otavalo (market) > Cuicocha lake> Cotopaxi National Park
In the morning, you will go to Otavalo city heart to enjoy its famous Indian market. Next, you will travel to the stunning Cuicocha Lake, overlooked by the Cotacachi volcano. After lunch, you will head south towards Cotopaxi National Park, where you will spend the night, in a beautiful and warm hacienda with this magnificent volcano view.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
1h30
Hike
from 1h00 to 4h00
transport
4h30
Day 5 : Cotopaxi National Park (with volcanologist) > Patate
In the morning, you will go to Otavalo city heart to enjoy its famous Indian market. Next, you will travel to the stunning Cuicocha Lake, overlooked by the Cotacachi volcano. After lunch, you will head south towards Cotopaxi National Park, where you will spend the night, in a beautiful and warm hacienda with this magnificent volcano view.
Meal
b/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
4h00
transport
3h30
Day 6 : Patate
Today, you will go on a magnificent 5-hour trek on the Patate heights. A magnificent walk that will take you through several vegetation and ecosystems (Andean páramo and tropical forest). Numerous birds are usually present, and you may be lucky enough to observe Spectacled Bears, present in this area. After the walk, you will discover local tropical fruit plantations (very tasty). You will then reach your magnificent hacienda for a new night in the region.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
1h30
Hike
5h00
transport
45 minutes
Day 7 : Patate > Chimborazo reserve
This morning, you will reach the Chimborazo Volcano Reserve, and visit this unique place through a 15-km trek, in search of vicuñas that inhabit the heights. You will reach the Hermanos Carrel refuge (4800m). Night in a lovely hacienda located at the foot of Chimborazo.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
6h00
transport
3h00
Day 8 : Chimborazo > Ingapirca > Cuenca
Today you will continue your Volcanoes Alley descent, towards Cuenca. On the way, you will visit the Ingapirca Inca site and its ruins steeped in history. Depending on the day, you will also visit the beautiful Guamote Indian market. Arrive in Cuenca and overnight in a beautiful hotel located in the center of this colonial city, classified as Quito as a UNESCO heritage site.
Meal
b/l
Visit
de 2h00 à 4h00
Hike
0h00
transport
5h00
Day 9 : Visit de Cuenca
This day will be dedicated to the visit of the lovely Cuenca, built in the 16th century by the Spaniards, on the grandiose Tomebamba Inca city remains. Discover the city heart, beautiful local museums as well as a traditional Panama hat factory. Night in Cuenca.
Meal
b
Visit
6h00
Hike
0h00
transport
30 minutes
Day 10 : Cuenca > Cajas national park > Guayaquil (international flight)
Visit the magnificent and often overlooked Cajas National Park through a short walk. You will then go to Guayaquil to catch your international return flight.
Meal
b/l
Visit
0h00
Hike
1h30
transport
3h30
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
Rate Includes
– All transfers, vehicles, drivers and their costs and fees.
– Accommodation
– National-licensed vulcanologist guide as indicated in the guidance part.
– Meals as indicated in the program.
– Entrances to sites, museums and national parks specified in the program.
– Licenses (ITK travel agency and our guides and drivers).
– Vulcanologist on day 5.
Rate Doesn’t include
– International flights
– Individual equipment
– Visits indicated as “Optional” or “at an additional cost.
– Drinks in bars, hotels, restaurants or villages.
– Not indicated meals
– Tips
«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:
--> (2/3 pers.) ) You will be with your private English-speaking guide. He will also be your driver during this stay (4 × 2 vehicle). During your visits to the Pululahua and Cotopaxi volcanoes, you will be accompanied by a local English-speaking vulcanologist.
--> (4 people and more) You will be with a private English-speaking guide and a Spanish-speaking driver. (Hyundai H1 type vehicle, mini-bus, or bus depending on the number of people). During your visits to the Pululahua and Cotopaxi volcanoes, you will be accompanied by a local English-speaking vulcanologist.
– Physical: : the Tour being composed of sometimes long walks and intermediate level, a good physical condition will be necessary. We recommend that you visit your doctor to prevent any physical problems due to the altitude.
– Technical: no technical level is necessary. You will not have climbing or ice climbing. We recommend walking shoes.
Clothing :
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 warm breathable jacket (Softshell type)
-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
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– For every not included meal, foresee between $5 -popular- and $40 -gourmet- per person.