7-DAY TREK THE UNKNOWN ANDEAN TRAIL ALTAR VOLCANO

7-DAY TREK THE UNKNOWN ANDEAN TRAIL ALTAR VOLCANO

7 DAYS

FROM $1,989

Trip type

Lorem Ipsum
Unique

Activity Level

Lorem Ipsum
Moderade to challenging

Service Level

Lorem Ipsum
Standard

Small Group Departure

Max. 16 / Av. 10
Or call +001 305 2805599

TRIP OVERVIEW

By joining this expedition, you will be off the bitten path to 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 by looking at magical nights full of stars while learning the ancient tales of the Andes. Dare yourself to reach 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 lifetime exploring the most remote and unexplored volcano in the Andes “ Altar Volcano”.

TRIP ACTIVITIES

Culture
Hiking
Trekking
Wildlife

By joining this expedition, you will be off the bitten path to 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 by looking at magical nights full of stars while learning the ancient tales of the Andes. Dare yourself to reach 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 lifetime exploring the most remote and unexplored volcano in the Andes “ Altar Volcano”.
Culture
Hiking
Trekking
Wildlife

Welcome to Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city of America was declared a 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.
Depending on your arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the town of Quito and the surrounding area. Adventure Journeys can help you to organize a day trip.
In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an informational and acclimation day.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.

Meals included: none.

Today we have a 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, potatoes and the grain of gods “Quinua”.

About noon we will trek for about 5 hours to reach our campsite.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today is the longest and most fantastic trek of this expedition. We will be gone for several hours trekking along these unique trails in the Paramo ecosystem, known for being so high in elevation as well as the thin oxygen that exists here. 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 for a fantastic dinner.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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.
In the afternoon we go back to the campsite.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today we will return to the Hacienda Releche and drive to Cotopaxi Province and spend the night in a Colonial Hacienda.

Accommodation: Colonial Hacienda

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

 

After breakfast, we will take a car ride to The Illinizas 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.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

 

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.

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.
Please select listing to show.

ITINERARY

Welcome to Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city of America was declared a 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.
Depending on your arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the town of Quito and the surrounding area. Adventure Journeys can help you to organize a day trip.
In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an informational and acclimation day.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.

Meals included: none.

Today we have a 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, potatoes and the grain of gods “Quinua”.

About noon we will trek for about 5 hours to reach our campsite.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today is the longest and most fantastic trek of this expedition. We will be gone for several hours trekking along these unique trails in the Paramo ecosystem, known for being so high in elevation as well as the thin oxygen that exists here. 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 for a fantastic dinner.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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.
In the afternoon we go back to the campsite.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today we will return to the Hacienda Releche and drive to Cotopaxi Province and spend the night in a Colonial Hacienda.

Accommodation: Colonial Hacienda

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

 

After breakfast, we will take a car ride to The Illinizas 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.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

 

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.

PHOTOS FROM OUR GALLERY

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.

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About YOUR ADVENTURE

TRIP DETAILS

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER: It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.

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).

Maximum 4556m (15000 ft).

AVG. TEMP.: Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF

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.

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.

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