Ecuador

Cotopaxi Lodge to Lodge Hike - 6 Days

A superb combination of trekking and comfort in the Cotopaxi Volcano area staying in comfortable Haciendas and lodges of the region.

Cotopaxi Lodge to Lodge Hike - 6 Days

A superb combination of trekking and comfort in the Cotopaxi Volcano area staying in comfortable Haciendas and lodges of the region.

Experience the Ecuador Andes on this stunning multi day hike through the highlands. This trip is a superb combination of trekking and comfort in the Cotopaxi Volcano area staying in comfortable Haciendas and lodges of the region. This itinerary will take us through valleys and Andean communities, private conservation areas, Cotopaxi National Park, archaeological sites through exclusive trails and properties.

Brief Itinerary 6D/5N:

Day 1: Transfer in from Quito.Trekking Pasochoa Volcano in Santa Rita Ecological Reserve.

Day 2: Trekking form Cotopaxipungo to Hacienda El Porvenir

Day 3: Trekking Rumiñahui Volcano + SPA

Day 4: Trekking El Porvenir to Tambopaxi Lodge

Day 5: Trekking Tambopaxi to Cotopaxi Volcano

Day 6: Horseback riding Hacienda El Porvenir (or alternative activity)

Departures: This trip can be booked year round, on demand.

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Trip ITINERARY

Day 1: Trekking Pasochoa Volcano

Private transportation and bilingual guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Quito, and drive to Santa Rita Ecological Reserve (Approx. 2 hr). Our hike will begin at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,826 ft), from which we will begin climbing Pasochoa Volcano. The route crosses patches of native Andean forest and “páramos” a type of moorlands. We will trek through fields covered with high straw and will enjoy the magnificent view of the neighboring mountains covered with snow such as Antisana, Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Sincholagua watch over us during this climb. We will have a box lunch in the middle of the day. Hiking time is about 7 hours total round trip. Hiking difficulty is low. Dinner and overnight at Cotopaxipungo Hotel. (Packed lunch/Dinner).

Distance: 4.5miles (7 km)

Minimum Altitude: 10,660ft / 3,250 m

Max Altitude: 11,730ft / 3,576 m

Day 2: Trekking Cotopaxipungo to Hacienda El Porvenir

After breakfast, we start the hike towards Hacienda El Porvenir. The hike starts on native forest trails and will take us through a Chagra (Andean Cowboy) community, where we can appreciate the peasant lifestyle. We will hike through trails, canyons and gravel roads and portions of cobalt stone roads. On our way, we will pass by one of the local schools and learn about the challenges and strategies local people are using to improve their education standards and learn about the current projects we are supporting at the communities. On our arrival at Hacienda El Porvenir, we will visit Manto Blanco Waterfall before we reach the house where a wholesome meal awaits us and we will be given an enlightening talk on the local history, geology, scenery, flora, fauna, and culture. Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. Trekking time 6 hours approx. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Distance: 8 miles (13 km)

Minimum Altitude: 10,660ft / 3250 m

Max Altitude: 11,810ft / 3600 m

Day 3: Trekking Hacienda El Porvenir

After breakfast, we start the hike through Hacienda El Porvenir exclusive trails. A circuit of several km through our habitat restoration program with native trees is the perfect scenery to learn about the environmental challenges and lessons. Traditional Andean lunch at the Hacienda. During the afternoon the guests can enjoy APU mountain Spa, or rest and recover. Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. Trekking time 3H hours approx. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Distance: 4.5 miles (7 km)

Minimum Altitude: 10,660ft / 3250 m

Max Altitude: 11,810ft / 3600 m

Day 4: Trekking El Porvenir to Tambopaxi Lodge

After a delicious breakfast on Hacienda El Porvenir, we head towards the green trail passing through the native forest. we reach the paramo and the Mirador de Los Guardianes del Volcán, a fantastic viewpoint with wooden sculptures that resemble the cosmovision of the ancient cultures and their relation with the volcanoes in the Andes. We continue heading towards Cotopaxi’s cone and we head down to Tambopaxi Lodge. Dinner and overnight stay at Tambopaxi. Trekking time 7 hours approximately. (Breakfast/Packed lunch/Dinner).

Distance: 8 miles (13 km)

Minimum Altitude: 11,810ft / 3600 m

Max Altitude: 13,780ft / 4200 m

Day 5: Trekking Tambopaxi to Cotopaxi Volcano

We get ready early in the morning for the final assault: reaching 4,800m. The walk takes us 5 or 6 hours today, culminating at the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at the Cotopaxi Volcano, where we can feel the sheer power of the immense volcano at close quarters. A vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Hacienda El Porvenir, where we will be served a well-earned tasty lunch to round off this great trek before setting off back to Quito. Today’s walk is basically a long steep climb. The average altitude is 4,200m, with an ascent of 1,067m. from the camp to the refuge. The walk covers 9km (5.3 miles). Transfer back to Hacienda El Porvenir. Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner).

Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km)

Minimum Altitude: 11,810ft / 3600 m

Max Altitude: 15,750ft / 4800 m

Day 6: Horseback Ride Rumiñahui Volcano

In the morning, after breakfast, we will receive a brief riding lesson from our guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra, we ride out across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Back in the farmhouse, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival.  After lunch we drive back to Quito.

Other Activities can be arranged on request if you prefer an alternative to Horseback Riding.

Additional Trip Info

  • Accommodation (based on double occupancy). Cotopaxipungo, Hacienda El Porvenir, Tambopaxi.
  • Described meals with one soft drink per meal
  • Described activities
  • Licensed English speaking guide
  • Transport from and to Quito and safety vehicle support on daily hikes
  • Entrance to APU Mountain SPA wet area at El Porvenir
  • Entrance fee to Santa Rita Ecological Reserve
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • International airfare to Quito
  • Anything else not described on the tour

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