The Andes, North to South

QUITO
Arrival in Quito, the starting point of your journey.
Meeting with your guide, briefing on your trip.
Night at a 4**** hotel, with breakfast

YANACOCHA
Departure with your guide to the Yanacocha reserve, a private reserve belonging to an Ecuadorian foundation.
Located on the northwestern slopes of the active Pichincha volcano, this is a prime spot for observing hummingbirds, including the black-breasted puffleg.
Hike along the (easy) trails of the primary forest.
Night at a hacienda in Cayambe, full board.

CAYAMBE – PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
The next day, early departure toward the foot of Cayambe volcano, located on the western cordillera.
Crossing of glacial valleys to observe the Andean condor, the Peruvian deer and, with a bit of luck, the rare spectacled bear.
Route toward the eastern cordillera to the Papallacta hot springs.
Night at the Papallacta thermal complex to enjoy the baths and waters of thermo-volcanic origin.

ANTISANA VOLCANO – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
Departure for Antisana volcano national park, in search of the Andean condor.
Walk along La Mica lagoon to observe waterbirds.
Magnificent panorama of Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano with a perfect cone.
2-night stay at a hacienda on the edge of Cotopaxi National Park.

During your stay, you will take an excursion into Cotopaxi National Park: wild horses, high-altitude vegetation, lagoon, volcanic relief and Andean condor sightings.
Climb up to a refuge at 4,800 m altitude, with the option of climbing further to the volcano’s glaciers.

QUILOTOA LAGOON – CHIMBORAZO VOLCANO
Departure toward the western cordillera along a mountain road to the community of Quilotoa and its emerald lagoon.
You can choose to walk along the shores of the lagoon, on the crater slopes on foot or by kayak, and ride back up by mule.
Descent into the inter-Andean valley to Riobamba.
2-night stay at a hosteria.

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore the Chimborazo wildlife reserve: vicuñas, Andean condors, high-altitude hummingbirds and foxes.
You will climb the slopes of Chimborazo volcano up to 4,800 m altitude.
Discovery of the Chimbo Andean communities.

GUAMOTE MARKET – QUITO
Guamote market is without doubt the most authentic in the Ecuadorian Andes. Here, every Thursday, highland communities come to sell and barter their harvests and goods.
A fair-like atmosphere, full of color, scents and typical scenes.
Livestock market before heading to Quito.

Visit of Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage district, and visit of the colonial churches.
Night in Quito before your flight the next day.
2-night stay at the Patio Andaluz hotel.