Description:
Your adrenaline will rush on this 15 day action-packed Ecuadorian adventure that has you mountain biking down Cotopaxi volcano, hiking ancient pathways to the Inca site of Ingapirca and rafting the thrilling rapids of the Quijos River. In between all the action, we still make time to enjoy a soak in the hot springs of Baños, to shop for handicrafts in the world famous Otavalo market and to absorb the sights, sounds and tastes of the Ecuadorian countryside.
Activites:
Hiking, Biking, Rafting ,Climbing, Sightseeing
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Biking Cotopaxi Volcano
Drive by jeep to Cotopaxi National Park which is home to the world’s highest active volcano. On a clear day enjoy stunning view of 8 different volcanoes. Starting at 14,500ft, (47,572m) we commence the spectacular down hill bike ride through volcanic ash, high altitude páramo, pine forests and lakes. Keep an eye out for condors! We then ascend by jeep in a northwest direction into the western Cordillera spending the night in a quaint mountain village.
Day 3: Biking Quilatoa Crater/ Urbina Mountain Refuge
Start with an early hike down to the deep jade coloured Quilatoa Crater Lake. We then descend on mountain bikes through rugged land formations resembling what you might imagine as terrain from another planet. A picnic lunch allows time to mingle with local Quechua people before we continue down a long and winding road to where the cycle trip ends. Spend the night relaxing by the fire of a cozy mountain refuge.
Day 4: Urbina Mountain Refuge
Standing at 6,310 m with the added advantage of the Equatorial bulge, Mt. Chimborazo is the highest point from the earth's center. Nestled at the base of this colossal mountain the Urbina Mountain Refuge, which is an old train station that has been converted into a mountain climbers hostel. Spend your day exploring the area, relax and enjoy the mountain views, or take an optional excursion to the Chimborazo Mountain refuge.
Day 5,6: Ingapirca Trek
An early morning start to the village of Achupallas which is the starting point of our three day hike along the old Inca road which over 500 years ago was an important commercial connection that the Incas used between Colombia and Peru, leading us to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca site. En route we pass through remote highlands, indigenous communities, beautiful lakes and enchanting mountain scenery.
Day 7,8: Baños
Today we arrive at the famous Ingapirca ruins where we receive a guided tour and explore this ancient archeological site. Next we head north along the Valley of Volcanoes to the lush green mountain town of Baños, known for its thermal hot springs. This is perfect place to relax a and enjoy the mountain scenery while soaking in the thermal baths, sitting in an outdoor café, or for the more adventurous, hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding.
Day 9: Tena
Today we travel by bus down to the Amazon basin. Watch the scenery change dramatically as you travel through towering green mountains, pass by waterfalls, and deep river valleys arriving in the jungle town of Tena.
Day 10,11: Quijos River Rafting Trip
We spend 3 challenging days on a white water rafting adventure. We raft down the wild Quijos River which gives one the feel of paddling high in the Andes and is filled with sections of mystical cloud forest and bird life all around. The cool water and air make the Quijos an excellent alternative to the hot, tropical climate of the Amazon.
Day 12: Papallacta Hot Springs
On the final day of our rafting adventure, we finish with a relaxing visit to the hot mineral springs of Papallacta. Enjoy stunning views of the snowcapped Antisana mountain and spend the night relaxing with a glass of wine.
Day 13,14: Otavalo / Quito
Next we visit the beautiful area of Otavalo and it’s world famous handicrafts market. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits and vegetables. We return to Quito for our farewell evening.