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Quito – Hacienda Releche
AM: We will leave Quito early in the morning and drive south along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" on the Pan-American Highway. From the town of Riobamba, we will head further southeast, leaving the highway and driving along a small country road into the Andean highlands, having lunch along the way. Eventually we will reach the Hacienda Releche guest house, located on the slopes of El Altar Volcano at an altitude of about 10,105 feet (3,080 m). You will have time to enjoy sitting by the cozy fireplace, savoring a delicious dinner, and then spending the night at this hacienda.
Hacienda Releche – Camping in the Collanes Valley
AM: After a hearty breakfast to prepare for our first major hike, we will head out from Hacienda Releche and start walking uphill towards El Altar. On the way, we will pass though different types of Andean paramo (mountain grasslands) vegetation until reaching Collanes Valley. If you're lucky and the weather is clear, you may see condors or hawks in flight. You will have dinner and spend the night at the Collanes Refuge (cabins).
Collanes Valley – Yellow Lagoon – Collanes Refuge
AM: Today we will continue our trek to the beautiful “Yellow Lagoon.” Afterwards we will climb to the end of the valley, which will give you an excellent opportunity to explore the Andean highlands, which is characterized by its polylepis and quishuar trees, varieties of bushes, and also its typical high-altitude flowers. During this hike, we will be walking up to an altitude of over 5,000 meters, where you will have a wonderful view into the extinct El Altar volcano. In the afternoon we will return to refuge for dinner.
Collanes – Northern Edge of El Altar’s Crater – Collanes
AM: Today, a cross-country trek will take us through Andean vegetation, into mountain highlands and past some rocky areas at the northern edge of the crater. From there you will have a striking view of the snow-covered peaks of the Chimborazo, Sangay, Cubillín, and the Quilimias volcanoes. Again, you may see condors if you're lucky, as they're native to this area. In the afternoon we will return to the refuge for dinner and the night.
Collanes – Hacienda Releche – Return to Quito
AM: Today we will start the trek back to Hacienda Releche, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to Quito. On the return journey to the capital city, you will again pass through the Andean towns of Riobamba, Ambato and Latacunga, and catch glimpses of several volcanoes as we make our way northwards along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes." After stopping for lunch en route, we should reach Quito sometime in the late afternoon.
Price per person
Tourist
USD$ 1344
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.)
- Entrance fee to the national park
- One night of lodging at the hacienda
Not included in the price
- Personal equipment
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
