Quito – Otavalo – Cotacachi – Cuicocha – La Banda Hacienda
AM: You will be picked up from your hotel in Quito at approximately 9 am and driven north for two and a half hours until reaching the famous market town of Otavalo. Here you will have a chance to do some shopping in the largest indigenous market in Ecuador. Later we will travel to the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather crafts, and then visit the nearby beautiful volcanic Cuicocha Lake. Afterwards, we will have lunch in a typical Ecuadorian restaurant in Atuntaqui. In the afternoon we will drive to Hacienda La Banda, where you will be allocated your room and have time to explore the hacienda. At dusk you can visit the hot springs in Chachimbiro. These hot springs are famous for their healing powers and you will have an opportunity to bathe here. After your swim, you will return to the hacienda for a welcome dinner and the night.
Timbuyacu – Magnet Waterfall
AM: After breakfast, you will start trekking on a former Inca trail towards Timbuyacu, where we will set up camp. After lunch you can visit and swim at the magnet waterfall, famous for its revitalizing strength. In the evening you will return to the campsite, and possible enjoy another swim in the thermal pools in front of the tents.
Pisangacho Village – Churuloma
AM: After breakfast, we will walk to the village of Churuloma, passing through another scenic called Pisangacho. On route you will see many plants and animals, and you'll also notice the climate and vegetation beginning to change dramatically. In the evening we will set up camp and your guides will tell you about the history of the area.
Polylepis Andean Forest – Yanacocha Indigenous Community
AM: Today, we will continue along path to Yanacocha Lake. During the trip we will pass and admire a high Andean forest populated by rare and endangered Polylepis trees. In Yanacocha, we will share the afternoon with the local indigenous community. You will be offered tea made from natural ingredients that are known for overcoming altitude sickness, and then rest at the camp – where you will also have dinner and spend the night.
Piñán Community and Lake
AM: Today you reach the objective of this trek: Piñán Lake. Here you will visit the local community and enjoy the magnificent scenery around this body of water, which is one of the largest, most beautiful, and remote lakes in Ecuador. On the road, you will have the opportunity to see a great variety of birds of prey and perhaps even some condors. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Chachimbiro Hot Springs – La Banda Hacienda
AM: After breakfast, we will return on horseback to the main facilities of Hacienda La Banda. On the way back, we will stop at the Chachimbiro hot springs, where you will have a chance to soak your weary muscles – a reward for all the work they’ve done. After dinner, as a farewell celebration, you will enjoy some great salsa and merengue music. Overnight at Hacienda La Banda.
La Banda Hacienda – Quito
AM: Today, after breakfast, you will check out of the hacienda and return to Quito.
Price per person
Tourist
USD$ 1897
Included in the price
- Private transportation
- English-speaking guide
- Meals, as indicated in the itinerary
- Refuge accommodations or collective camping equipment (1 or 2-person tents, foam pads, kitchen gear, pack animals, etc.)
- One-night of lodging at a hacienda
- Entrance fee to the national park
Not included in the price
- Personal equipment
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary