|
|
|
|
|
|
 T7 SUMACO This volcano at 3900m is located in the Amazon region and is part of the Sumaco / Galeras Nature Reserve. This uninhabited jungle region, where the mountain is located, is difficult to get to because of dense vegetation and a rough terrain with muddy trails leading through a primary tropical forest. It is a tough 4-day hiking excursion which requires very good physical condition and a tough attitude as rainy conditions often than not prevail. But on the other hand it rewards you with a beautiful untouched jungle forest, where often bands of monkeys and other animals can be seen and a rich tropical vegetation and at the end the amazing flora of the peak, which resembles the one of the high Andes. T 7 : 6 days / 5 nights Day 1 We leave Quito in the morning and drive east over the main pass road into the Amazon basin stopping in Baeza for lunch and arriving in Pacto Sumaco after 6 hours. In this small village we meet our native guides and get ready for tomorrow's trek. Day 2 In the morning we begin our 5-hour hike leaving the small settlement. First we hike on tree stumps through agricultural fields till we reach the national park limits. From now on it is mostly mostly muddy paths through the rainforest towards our first campsite, which is a clearing in the primary forest, close to a small river. Day 3 After breakfast we start out towards our second camp, which is located at a small lagoon at 2600m and where we have a great view of the volcano and the tropical lowlands. We arrive there after a 4-hour hike through primary forest where on our way we might see monkeys, wild pigs and many kinds of birds. The last two hours is then on steeper trails to reach the camp. Day 4 On this day we climb to the peak of Sumaco. We leave our equipment in the camp and only take food and water for the day. After a 2-hour hike along a ridge with denser growth of bamboo and other shrubs and smaller trees we cross a depression to reach the base of the volcanic cone. From there it is another hour climb through forests, crossing the last creeks to arrive at the end of the tree line. From now on we continue the climb through lower shrub vegetation to the summit where we arrive after another 2 - 3 hours. On top of Sumaco we can observe the whole of the Amazon basin, weather permitting. The hike back to base camp takes another 4 - 5 hours returning the same way so it is a long day after all. Day 5 On this day we hike straight back to Pacto Sumaco where we arrive after a 6- hour hike passing our first campsite, where we stop for lunch. Arriving at the small village, we load our equipment in the van and drive to Baeza, where we stay for the night in a hotel with hot showers, a well deserved treat after the hike through the jungle. Day 6 We drive to Papallacta, where we enjoy the Hot Springs, another well-deserving treat after our long and tiring hike. After lunch we head back to Quito where we arrive late afternoon.
|
PICTURES |
||
|
|
