In the morning you drive from Quito to El Tambo, a small village near Papallacta at 3400 meters of altitude, where the horses will be waiting carry the equipment. After loading the horses, the journey begins. This day is mainly about muddy paths and it must be crossed some small rivers, so rubber boots are necessary. The first camp you build by a small lake, called “Laguna del Volcán”. The hike takes about six hours, depending on the weather and physical condition. Condortrek Ecuador

(Services: full board, private transport, English speaking guide, transfer, 2-person tent, kitchen and toilet tent, boiled water, crockery and cutlery, horses, rubber boots, entrance to the village of El Tambo)

After breakfast, the climb to the second camp begins, at the foot of Antisana at 4,100 meters. The first two hours lead over muddy terrain and through small woods until reaching the Paramo where there are no more trees but the typical Páramovegetation. From here the soil is much drier. Condortrek Ecuador

After another four hours hike, you will have a wonderful view of the glacier of the volcano Antisana. You will pass the Santa Lucía Lagoon and reach the second camp, in a valley crossed by a small stream. Condortrek Ecuador

(services: full board, English speaking guide, 2-person tent, kitchen and toilet tent, boiled water, crockery and cutlery, freight horses , Rubber boots)

Early in the morning leave your camp at the foot of the Antisana towards the glacier. The slope is moderate. During the ascent you can admire the beauty of Ecuadorian Paramos. With a bit of luck, observe condors,  caracara and Andean jackals (also known as Andean foxes). Condortrek Ecuador

Then you leave Paramo and continue on the moraine of the ancient glacier, with a wonderful view of the south and central peaks of Antisana, and in the distance the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Rumiñahui and Cayambe. Today’s camp is located at the foot of Sincholagua. 7-8 hours

(services: full board, English-speaking guide, professional mountain guide, 2-person tent, kitchen and toilet tent, boiled water, crockery and cutlery, freight horses, Rubber boots)

Even today it starts again early. Today’s trek will take you through different regions of the High Paramo, past cows, rabbits, deer and various birds. From the 4500 meter high pass you can see the Limpiopungo Valley and the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano. From here follows a long descent.You stay overnight in a Hostería at the foot of Cotopaxi.

(Services: full board, English speaking guide, professional mountain guide, overnight stay in a double room, boiled water, crockery and cutlery, horses, rubber boots)

From Tambopaxi you drive to the end of the gravel road and walk to the refuge “José Ribas” at 4,800 meters. Out of breath, but on the top, you will be rewarded with fantastic views and can warm up over tea or coffee before returning to Quito in the afternoon. (Services: breakfast, private transport, English speaking guide, boiled water, crockery and cutlery)

Services Ecuador round trip:

This trip includes all services listed in the itinerary.