Quilotoa Lagoon & Cotopaxi National Park

Quilotoa Lagoon & Cotopaxi National Park 5 days

The Quilotoa lagoon (3850m – 12631ft) is reached by one of the most beautiful routes connecting the highlands with the coast. This volcanic crater filled by a beautiful emerald lake.

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Travel program

Itinerary:

Day 1: Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) – Quilotoa Shalala (3500 m)

Day 2: Hike from Quilotoa to the Village of Chugchilán

Day 3: Walk around Chugchilán

Day 4: Hike from Village of Chucchilan to The Village Isinlivi

Day 5: Cotopaxi National Park – Quito

Detailed Program


Day 1: Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) – Quilotoa Shalala (3500 m)
We’ll leave from Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) in the morning and will drive the Quilotoa Lagoon; during the tour we will stop at an Indian hut. After we will visit the Tigua community to observe the leather crafts that people make in these place. The tour will take us about 4 hours later, we’ll arrive the viewpoint where you can observe the magnitude of the crater and its lagoon background.
We will descend along an irregular road; the walk will take us one hour until arrived bottom of the lagoon, there we will have taken photos and rest.
we’ll have a lunch at bottom of the lake. Lodging at Quilotoa shalala (D;B;LB)

Day 2: Hike from Quilotoa to the Village of Chugchilán
Hiking from Laguna Quilotoa to Chugchilán we will have beautiful views of the canyon of Toachi River. First we will walk by the crater edge with impressive views of the lagoon inside, until we descend to the plateau where lies the small indigenous village of Huayama. As we descend the switch back trails down to the Toachi River Gorge, the climate and scenery changes dramatically. Soon we will be surrounded by the canyon walls and hike along the river banks. The hike ranges from 4 to 5 hours and is moderately challenging.
We will be staying at Cloud Forest Hostal It is a basic, but friendly and clean hostel run by José Luis , Chugchilán is a well known destination for hikers. This little town is a typical village of a mountain region in Ecuador. It has a small plaza, a church and a school, and most of the people still use a horse or donkey as transport. Here we will feel like a few hundred years back in history.

Day 3: Walk around Chugchilán
There are a couple of options for half day hikes around Chugchilán that you can discuss with your guide; either visiting the local cheese factory, hiking towards the town of Sigchos or simply exploring the surroundings by yourself. Or if you prefer, you can enjoy the quietness and peacefulness of the village from the hammocks Cloud Forest Hostal. Dinner and lodging at Hostal

Day 4: Hike from Village of Chucchilan to The Village Isinlivi
Hike from Chugchilan to Isinlivi. This hike follows the Toachi canyon and you will hike a great part along the river and pass through small highland villages. The hike ranges from 4 to 5 hours and is moderately challenging. After lunch we drive back to the village of El Chaupi (Place of mountaineering) Where we will lodging at Andes alpes Hostal http://www.andesalpescafe.com

Day 5: Cotopaxi National Park – Quito
Cotopaxi National Park tour is an exciting day that begins with spectacular views of the unique Andean landscape in the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Inside the National Park we will first have time to take pictures and have explanations from you guide about this amazing volcano. Then you will realize a short trek around Limpiopungo Lagoon for about an hour and we continue in the car to the parking lot at 4500m height . From there we start walk approximately for one hour to the José Rivas Refuge 4864 m. Rest at the shelter with a hot té after we will back down to the parking lot . The journey finishes with a delicious lunch at the andes alpes cafe before to go back to Quito.

What's Included


Services included in the prices:
  • All transport by private vehicles during the program when needed.
  • All the food Writing in this program
  • Accommodation during the tour.
  • Permits and park fees.
  • Bilingual guide.

Not included:
  • International flights.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Accommodation and meals while in Quito.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Extras, laundry, tips.
  • Tips
  • Other non-specified expenses

Prices & Dates


Dates & Prices: To be determined / Contact us!
Country / Location: Ecuador
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

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