TREK THE UNKNOWN ANDEAN TRAIL ALTAR VOLCANO
Joining this expedition, you will be of the bitten path exploring the most remote mountains and crater lakes of the Andes of Ecuador. Enjoy trekking the hidden trails used by multiple Indian groups including the Incas to reach the most sacred volcano in the region Altar, amazed yourself looking at magical nights full of stars while learning the ancient tales of the Andes. Dare yourself to reach to the horizon and beyond with the company of passionate and experimented guides.
Unique Experiences:
- Trek hidden trails only known by experienced local guides and discover the real adventure of a life time exploring the most remote and unexplored volcano in the Andes “ Altar Volcano”.
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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: COTOPAXI FIRST TREK
Today we have an scenery drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes, on the way depending on the weather you may be able to see Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Ilinizas, and Tungurahua volcanoes, driving down the Panamerican highway will make you enjoy the views of the colorful fields on the mountains, as the main activity is the agriculture we will easily recognize the plantations of corn, potatos and the grain of gods quinua.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 3: TREKKING TO MANDUR LAGOON
Today is the longest and most fantastic trek of this expedition, we will be gone for several hours trekking along this unique trails in the Paramo ecosystem, known for being so high in elevation as well as the thin oxygen that here exists. We will learn from our guides about the flora and the fauna of this area. The Mandur lagoon (4420 meters) is so amazing and we will spend some time admiring its beauty. In the afternoon we will return to the campsite where our chef will be waiting with a fantastic dinner.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 4: TREKKING TO THE YELLOW CRATER LAKE OF THE ALTAR VOLCANO
Today after a very healthy breakfast we will continue our adventure with a trek as amazing as the one yesterday but shorter in distance. We will head to the most impressive crater lake (4250 meters) , which is yellow because of the high concentration of sulfur.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 5: RELAX DAY ON COLONIAL HACIENDA
Today we will return to the Hacienda Releche and drive to Cotopaxi Province and spend the night in a Colonial Hacienda.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 6: QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE
After breakfast we will take a car ride to The Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. After 2 hours we will have a quick stop at the Toachi canyon to enjoy the amazing view of this place, later we continue 10 minutes to the Quilotoa Volcano and get hiking into its crater. This lake is considered as one of the most beautiful crater lakes on earth, it is optional to kayak here, later we will hike or ride a mule back up and then drive back to Quito.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 7: 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: 5* hotel in Quito, 3 nights in comfortable camping in the Andes, 1 night in a Colonial Hacienda.
- Meals: 6 Breakfast, 5 Lunches and 3 Dinners.
- Activities: Trekking.
- Out-door gear: Trekking stick, Dry bags, Eureka tents, air mattresses, bathroom tent, portable toilet, social kitchen.
- Staff: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.
What is not included?
- My Own Room & Tent supplement $340.
- International flights.
- Airport transfers to/from Quito airport.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Meals not described in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses & Tips.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
DRIVING TIME: 4 hours driving each way from Quito to the reserve.
SEASON: All year.
PROVINCE: Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua.
TERRITORY: Sangay National Park, Ilinizas Ecological Reserve.
ALTITUDE:
Campsite 3843m (13000 ft).
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to Challenging. This program is located in very remote areas of the Andes, the trekking is long and the terrain can be muddy and wet depending on the weather conditions. The altitude is also a challenge, the elevation gain will be around 1000 ft for each trek.
ADVENTURE GEAR: Dry bags, tents (EUREKA & HANNAN) air mattresses, portable bathroom and social kitchen tent.
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 EPL 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.
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.