Volcano Multiadventure

We will pick you up at 7:30 am from Ibis Hotel in Quito, and we will have a 1.5-hour drive (approx) to our starting point on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,499 ft). Today’s hike will be guided by the Pita River. A river that is born from the Cotopaxi forming waterfalls and unique landscapes. We will trek on an out-and-back trail (3-4 hours round) with lush vegetation and waterfalls where you can also have a refreshing splash. Once back, our transportation will take us to have a recharging box lunch before starting the second part of this acclimatization day. We will trek for about 45 minutes through fields covered with high straw and, on a clear day, enjoy the magnificent view of the neighboring mountains covered with snow such as Antisana, and Cayambe. Our driver will pick us up to get to El Porvenir where we will be received with a hot canelazo by the warm fire. Hiking difficulty is low. Overnight at Hacienda El Porvenir. (Packed lunch).

Rise and shine! Today we will have an authentic experience with the local people and experience their life in the hacienda. The day begins early in the morning by greeting the animals from the ranch and moving the horses from the corral to the Hacienda’s house, we will learn how to saddle a horse together with the Chagras (Andean cowboys). We will have breakfast and get ready for the rest of the day. After a briefing on how to handle the horses, we start a ride of 2 hours through exclusive trails at the hacienda. The first portion of the ride we will get acquainted with our horses and ride on dirt roads. We will pass by the Tentadero, a bull ring where we test our bravo cattle. Then we will ride through open paramo where we can learn about the native flora and fauna of the area. We will reach 3,800 mts. (12,500 ft) at “El Mirador de los Guardianes del Volcán” where we will enjoy a magnificent view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, then we will start our descent towards the hacienda. The pace of the horses is mainly walking, but we have the opportunity to trot and canter on portions of the ride. Good possibilities of spotting Andean birds on this ride. Once we return to the hacienda we will have a short break and then learn how to lasso like an authentic Chagra (cowboy) of the region. Will you be able to bow the heads of bull? A delicious lunch will be served for us and a time to relax. In the afternoon we will have a cooking lesson to learn how our local chef prepares our famous cheese empanadas recipe, followed by the elaboration of ají or hot sauce. Ají is a very important part of Ecuadorian cuisine. We will also learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink that is commonly served on celebrations in the Highlands of Ecuador.

Have you ever wondered how it is to climb an active volcano? Would you like to discover why ancient explorers pointed out Cotopaxi as one of the most beautiful mountains in the World? This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a fantastic day trip of exploration to the Iconic Cotopaxi National Park. Home of the biggest flying bird in the world: the Andean Condors. Home of herds of wild- truly wild- horses. Where migratory birds stop by to get some rest on their way South. The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean geology, with Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi Volcano being the hosts.  On the visit, you will reach the car park below the Cotopaxi Refuge, where you begin a short hike up to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m (15,744 ft).  It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the Volcano on this short hike (about 1.5 miles round). Once back in the vehicle, you will continue the way, driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a wholesome box lunch will be served. After fuelling, the exploration will continue on a vast territory with ancient Inca military fortresses and plains full of volcanic rocks from past eruptions. Don’t forget to hydrate and bring your camera for this spectacle! (Breakfast/ Packed Lunch)