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 T13 ANDES TREK This trekking expedition is put together in such a way that you enjoy the most beautiful Andean regions of the country. On this 2- week excursion we explore many regions from lower cloudforests to the high paramos reaching right up to the volcanoes. We get to know the rich flora and fauna of the Andes and an insight in the daily life of the rural indigenous population. This easy trekking adventure is put together in such a way that we will always stay in huts and refuges without the need of using tents. There are also always rest days in larger towns in between, where you find all the comfort you need. T13 : 2 days / 1 nights Day 1 We leave Quito early in the morning and drive northwest to the cloudforest reserve of Pahuma, where we start our trekking adventure by exploring the forest on trails. First we explore the trail along a small river, called Cock-of-the-Rock, as on the opposite rock face, female birds of this species put their nests. Afterwards we hike up the steeper trail leading to a second and larger waterfall. After lunch we leave and drive to Niebli, a small village just outside the Pululahua crater. There we explore the area around the steep gorge and afterwards drive to our Finca Colibri where we spend the next two nights. Day 2 Today we explore the huge caldera of this volcano by hiking around the lava dome. The trek takes us then out of the huge crater and into a beautiful mountain forest, where we are able to admire its lush vegetation and the views, it offers. On this hike of 6-7 hours we also learn about the life of the inhabitants of the crater. Day 3 Early in the morning we hike up Pondoņa, the lava dome in the middle of the crater. After lunch, you hike for one hour out of the crater to Ventanilla, where the jeep awaits you. Afterwards you have the option of visiting Mitad del Mundo, the famous Equatorial Line Monument and the Inca ruins at Rumicucho or Otavalo Indian market. Afterwards we drive to Cuicocha, a volcanic crater lake, where we stay the next two nights at around 3200m altitude. Day 4 Today we hike around this beautiful crater lake. This excursion takes 5 to 6 hours and gives us great views into the water filled caldera and on good weather to nearby Cotacachi, a 4900m peak, Mojanda and the Imbabura mountains. Day 5 We leave Cuicocha and drive up towards Mojanda, an old eroded volcano with peaks of 4500m. Midway we start our walk up to some small lagoons, which are actually water filled craters. After that short hike we drive back to Quito by way of Tabacundo and Guayllabamba. Day 6 Rest day in Quito to explore the city on your own. Day 7 We drive to Cotopaxi National Park by way of Machachi taking the northern entrance. Soon we stay at a rural hostel where we spend the next two nights. Later on we visit Limpiopungo, the lake at the foot of Rumiņahui. We hike around it observing the birds which make their home there. Day 8 The day is spent with longer hikes around this wonderful high paramo region with its great scenery and rich fauna and flora. We hike to a river canyon and El Salitre, an Inca site in the park and return then to the hostel. Day 9 We leave Cotopaxi and drive to Riobamba where we spend the night. Day 10 On today's program is the train ride to Devil's Nose scheduled or visit of an Indian market nearby. We spend another night in Riobamba. Day 11 After an early breakfast we drive to Hacienda Releche and start our hike up the narrow mountain valley of Collanes to the refuge of Capac Urco where we stay for the next 2 nights. The hike lasts 4 to 5 hours and on the trail we can admire the fauna and flora of this paramo region. Day 12 In the morning we hike up to the Laguna Amarilla, which is located at 4300m, right in the center of this extinct volcano, which is believed to have reached close to 7000m before its eruption. Nine majestic peaks with religious names are left in the remaining wall. Also at such close proximity we can admire the moraines and glacier of this massive. Afterwards we return to our campsite. The hike up to the lake and back to camp lasts around 6-7 hours. Day 13 In the morning we hike back to the Hacienda de Releche, where we arrive at noon. We leave then and explore the area around Tungurahua to watch the eruptions of this active volcano. Late afternoon we arrive in Quito. Day 14 On our last day we visit Pichincha volcano. This is one of the most interesting paramo area in the country. On our last day we also reach our highest point at around 4800m. early afternoon we return to Quito, where e end our excursion.
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