Pasochoa Volcano (4,200 m.a.s.l.) – Chuquiragua Lodge
AM: Our adventure begins with a trip to the Pasochoa Volcano, which is situated just 30 km (18 miles) south of Quito, between the western and eastern Andean mountain ranges. Traveling by vehicle, we will reach an altitude of 3,000 meters. From here we will start a trek for about 3 to 4 hours, up to the highest peak at 4,200 meters. From that vantage point, a native and endemic Andean forest can be seen in the crater of the volcano. Due to the difficulty of accessing this forest, it has managed to remain intact and now is home to several native Andean species of wildlife; some of these are endangered, like the Andean mountain lion and the Paramo wolf.
PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the parking area and then drive to your lodge located near the town of El Chaupi.
North Illiniza Volcano – Chuquiragua Lodge
AM: We will have breakfast early and then head north to Jambelí Bridge; from there, we will go to El Chaupi, pass the El Refugio Hacienda, and drive on to a parking area known as “La Virgen,” at an altitude of 3,900 meters. From here we start our acclimatization walk and, after three hours, reach the Nuevos Horizontes base camp, located at 4,675 meters above sea level. After a short break, we will continue for another 3 hours to the north peak of Illiniza. With good weather, the view is spectacular, especially if you can see the Cotopaxi Volcano. In the afternoon we will begin the descent to our vehicle, reaching it in about 3 hours.
PM: Finally, we will return to the lodge for dinner and a well-deserved good night of sleep.
Laguna Quilotoa – Chuquiragua Lodge
AM: After yesterday’s long journey, we recommend a more relaxing day so as to regain your strength. For this, we will have a scenic tour that will take about 6 hours by car. This trip will give you a chance to view the most impressive landscapes of the central Andes. Starting near the village of Pujilí, we will drive to the Zumbahua Valley, passing through the Tigua area, where you can see the famous brilliantly colored Tigua paintings of this area. Close to the town of Zumbahua, you can view the Toachi River, which continues through a dry and arid canyon.
PM: Our tour will then take us to an ancient volcano, where you will discover the Quilotoa Crater Lake and its sulfurous waters. We will walk down to the lake, followed by an almost 200-meter ascent (which is also possible to do this by mule if you choose). In the late afternoon, we will return to our acclimation center to enjoy a delicious meal and to relax in comfort.
Antisana Ecological Reserve – Base Camp
AM: This morning we will head out to the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Driving up to our camp area by 4WD vehicle, we will set up our tents while enjoying the astounding view of the surrounding the Antisana, Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, and Antisanillas mountains.
PM: Later, we will cross valleys and rivers to come into contact with the typical flora and fauna of the Andean highlands, such as Puya Puya or Stipa Ichu. Later, we will return to our camp area at an altitude of 4,100 meters above sea level, where we will go to bed early for the day ahead.
Ascent to the Antisana’s Summit
AM: We will get up at midnight for a light breakfast and to prepare our equipment. We will then begin the journey to the summit, always climbing glacier along a 30- to 60-degree slope, crossing fissures, exposed ice edges, and snowfields of unique beauty. This expedition will take between 7 and 8 hours if the conditions are favorable. From the summit, you will witness spectacular scenery and the indescribable emotions as you are surrounded by the purest of nature on top of this less visited mountain.
PM: The descent will take between 3 and 4 hours back to our camp, where on board our vehicle and start the journey back to Quito in the afternoon.
Price per person
Tourist
USD$ 1422
Included in the price
- Private transportation
- English-speaking guide
- Meals, as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodations at the basecamp or collective camping equipment (1 or 2-person tents, foam pads, kitchen gear, pack animals, etc.)
- Entrance fee to the national park
Not included in the price
- Personal equipment
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
