8 – DAY ECUADOR COTOPAXI CAMPING AND RELAX ADVENTURE
The adventure of life is to learn – Camp in the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano, bike the hidden trails of the Incas, soak in volcanic hot springs surrounded by natural habitats, hike looking for toucans in the magical cloud forest and enjoy photographing Andean Condors by horse riding at luxury haciendas. One amazing adventure to enjoy with your family and friends by the expertise of our AJ guides.
Unique Experiences:
- Camp in the heart of the Andes in Cotopaxi national park with the best view of Cotopaxi volcano.
- Take a picture of Andean Condors the biggest symbol animal of Ecuador and explore its natural habitat at Zuleta hacienda.
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DepartureQuito / Ecuador
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IncludedActivitiesLand TransportationFees and entrances to parks and museumsMeals detailed in the itinerary
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Not IncludedDomestic flightsAirport tranfer in & outInternational flight
FROM OUR GALLERY
DAY 1: QUITO ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city of America was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire.
Meals included: none.
DAY 2: ZULETA
In the morning we will drive north of Quito into the dry valley of Guayllabamba, this area is full of plantations of avocados and chirimoya; a delicious fruit, we will have the chance to taste. Later we will continue and stop at the look out of Mira Lago, from here we will appreciate an amazing view of the San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura Volcano. After a few minutes, we finally will arrive at the Otavalo Indigenous market, which very well-known for its Andean native people and the handicrafts they make from alpaca and sheep wool. In this town they also manufacture music instruments, and local men will be happy to share one or two songs with you! After enjoying a tradition lunch we will continue going to the nearby small village of Peguche so we can see and learn how the indigenous people use their skills for making the amazing tapestries and embroideries.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 3: ZULETA
Today we will explore the beautiful property of the Hacienda. Our local guide will lead us to the cheese factory, and later we will go for short walk trying to spot a condor. This is one of the largest birds on earth and also Ecuador’s National bird, here the hacienda has been working for a long time to protect this endanger species.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 4: PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
In the morning, after a breakfast and taking the last pics of this beautiful hacienda, we will drive for 1 hour to the Equator line. Here you can stand on both hemispheres at the same time, this is a very interested outdoor museum, where you will learn about the relationship between the Equator with the old Andean civilizations.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 5: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
This is a fantastic morning beacause we will go to the nearby cloud forest reserve to view the most amazing hummingbird species while drinking a hot chocolate. Later we will continue driving through the avenue of volcanoes till we will get to Cotopaxi National Park; in the park we will hike for 2 hours around the Limpiopungo lagoon to spot wild horses and bulls, some little birds and with some luck the majestic condor.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 6: MOUTAIN BIKING IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
In the morning we will enjoy breakfast with an amazing view of Cotopaxi Volcano. With over than 19.000 feet it is considered as the highest active volcano on earth. Later we will get on our mountain bikes and ride on flat terrain on a road and a single track, for about 15 km. You will have the most amazing landscape of the Andes and the ride will end in a very charming Hacienda where we will spend this night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 7: QUITO
After a very healthy breakfast we will drive to Santa Rita Cloud Forest reserve and hike to the first line of the canopy. Here we will learn from our guide about the flora and fauna that exists in this area while enjoying the zip line adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "buen viaje"!
Meals included: Breakfast.
WRITE A REVIEW
What's Included?
- Transportation: Comfortable land transportation.
- Accommodation based in double occupancy: 2 nights in 5* hotel in Quito, 1 night camping, 1 night at spa resort 3 nights in colonial haciendas.
- Meals: 7 Breakfast, 5 Lunches and 4 Dinners.
- Activities: Short hikes, easy biking, 2 hours horse-riding, camping.
- Out-door gear: Trekking stick, Dry bags, Eureka tents, air mattresses, bathroom tent, portable toilet, social kitchen.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.
What is not included?
- My Own Room & Tent supplement - estimated budget $820.
- International flights.
- Airport transfers to/from Quito airport.
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals not described in the itinerary - Estimated budget $50
- Personal expenses & Tips.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
DRIVING TIME: 2 to 3 hours driving in a couple of days.
SEASON: All year.
PROVINCE: Pichincha, Cotopaxi, imbabura.
TERRITORY: Cotopaxi nacional Park, Antisana ecológica Reserve, Zuleta valley.
ALTITUDE:
From Campsite 3843m (13000 ft).
To hacienda 2700m (88000 ft)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to moderate. This program goes in the beautiful areas of the Andes to the green valleys and tropical cloud forest easy where we will do easy walk along national parks, biking in mostly flat wide trails in Cotopaxi park and with commercial horse riding by open roads and fields
ADVENTURE GEAR: Mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, tents (EUREKA & HANNAN) air mattresses, portable bathroom and social kitchen tent, hiking sticks.
ACCOMODATION: All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single tent or room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
MEALS: We bring the majority of our food, including drinking water, from the city of Quito. Our staff freshly prepares gourmet meals for you. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, yogurt, granola, fresh fruits, cereal, bread, marmalade, butter and fresh coffee or tea. Picnic includes ham and chesses sandwiches, tuna sandwiches, fresh and fruits and vegetables, fresh fruits, soda and juices. Dinner includes fresh salads and soups, pop-corn, pasta, beef, chicken, fish, rice, potatoes, yucca, beans, vegetables, to drink soda, soda, juice, beer, water, and wine.
YOUR TRIP LEADERS AND GUIDES: All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips.
In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM: Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
HEALTH INFORMATION: Please inform AJ of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.