Trekking Cotopaxi 3 Days

1.- QUITO – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK – HIKE IN LIMPIOPUNGO VALLEY – ACCLIMATIZATION CENTER. Depart from Quito (pick up from your hotel at 09:00am) and drive to the South by private transport until the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park. Continue to the acclimatization center located near to Limpiopungo lagoon at 3.800m / 12,464 ft. above sea level. This journey takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon short acclimatization hike around the Limpiopungo lagoon (2-3 hours) on a very easy practically flat terrain. Overnight in the acclimatization center and its comfortable accommodations 2.- RUMIÑAHUI – ACCLIMATIZATION CENTER. We have planned for today a full-day hike to the base of the Rumiñahui volcano. The hike starts after breakfast (around 8am), and takes us through the Andean "paramo" (high grasslands) towards the old extinct volcano called Rumiñahui (The Stone Face). We will walk through plains, hills and wet/swampy terrain for about 5 hours uphill, with the possibility to reach the altitude of 4.400 m / 14.432 ft. From here we will enjoy the beautiful panorama of the entire northern face of the Cotopaxi volcano, as well as Sincholagua and Antizana volcanoes. Also, far in the distance we will observe signs of Cotopaxi´s last big eruption in 1877 which is evident in the sand, stone and volcanic debris. Later we return to the acclimatization center. Free afternoon. Hike length: 6-7 miles or 6 hours. 3.- COTOPAXI REFUGE AND GLACIERS - QUITO. This morning, after breakfast, we will pack our belongings and leave the acclimatization center for a 40-minute drive to the Cotopaxi parking at 4.500 m / 14,760ft. From here we will have a 1-hour hike through a loose trail which leads to the Jose Ribas Climber’s Hut at 4.800m, the place where the mountaineers start their ascend to the summit of Cotopaxi. After visiting the hut we will head down to the parking and drive back to Quito. (Optionally: if time and weather allow we can visit the glacier situated roughly at 5.000 m / 16,400 ft. of altitude. This excursion will take us additionally about 2 hours). Arrive to your hotel in Quito around 17:00pm.

Easy hikes suitable for experienced and inexperienced hikers

Excellent comfort level, no tents or camping needed

Very beautiful landscapes surrounded by volcanoes

INCLUDED:

All ground transportation in private vehicles.

English-speaking Professional Guides.

Meals are included with the best available food as described in the program.

Special or vegetarian meals can be arranged in advance with no problem.

All accommodations in acclimatization centers based in double and/or shared occupancy.

All sightseeing tours and all the entrance fees to National Parks, museums, etc. on the schedule.

All support and assistance along the tour.

NOT INCLUDED:

Domestic and International flight

Transportation from/to the airport

Airport taxes in Ecuador when leaving the country

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Pre and post tour accommodations

Extra transportation for other activities

Excess baggage fees

All items of personal nature

Other personal expenses

Tours or other activities not indicated on the itinerary

Insurance (we strongly recommend you to get one)

Drinks

Tips/Gratuities

Physical Conditions

Technical Conditions

Minimal Requirements: Good physical condition, being able to walk at least 3 hours, some previous basic hiking experience.

What to expect: During the day temperatures from 5 Celsius up to 25 Celsius.

Recommended packing checklist:

Small backpack

Warm clothes for day walks and night (gloves, cap, polar, thermal clothing, etc)

Waterproof jacket and pants, and /or rain-poncho

Walking poles

Head lamp

Water bottle and/or thermos

Sun screen, sun glasses, lip balm

Personal medication and/or first aid kit

Trekking shoes

Departures

January