This 4 Day/3 Night trip is designed for active travelers seeking to explore the Cotopaxi region by foot & horseback. Travel through the most iconic places of Cotopaxi National Park and explore the Rumiñahui Volcano near the beautiful Hacienda El Porvenir Ecolodge!
You will leave Quito early in the morning (07:30 am) and reach Hacienda Santa Rita, a private ecological reserve. Located at 10,500 ft, you will hike for about three hours. After, you will walk towards the Condor Machay Waterfall (45 minutes - 1 hour hike): Seeing beautiful views of the waterfall & enjoying your scenery along the way, start on the La Letra trail for an afternoon of adventure! You will have amazing views of the volcanoes on your way back to Hacienda El Porvenir. The highlight of the day for many, you will learn how to high rope at the Cotopaxi course!
After a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast at the farm house, you will be given a brief lesson on how to ride horses! Once you're officially dressed as Ecuadorian cowboys, it's time for you to hop on a horse & explore the beautiful trails surrounding the lodge. A legendary chagra (Ecuadorian cowboy) will accompany the group to tell stories about the history of the region. In the afternoon, you will take a short hike to Bosque del Tentadero, a polylepis, or paper barked tree forest.
You begin your climb of Rumiñahui Volcano very early in the morning, crossing vast highlands swept by the
cold breath of the Andes. In one single picture, one can take in valleys, mountains and neighboring volcanoes. On a cloudless day, you will even have the opportunity to admire the Ilinizas peaks and Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped mountain of Ecuador. Hiking takes about 5 hours total round trip. To make your experience even better, you will trek along with a local guide that will share with you his knowledge about the mountains, the páramo and the local culture. You will take a packed lunch and then go back to Hacienda El Porvenir--a warm fireplace will be waiting for you.
Eat a traditional breakfast and get ready to visit Cotopaxi National Park! Climb up to the Refuge Jose Ribas hut, and take in the overwhelming views surrounding you. Once back in the vehicle, you will drive down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a wholesome box lunch will be served. If there is time, you will visit the Park Visitors Centre, which has interesting descriptions of the local flora and fauna, as well as details of the various eruptions of Cotopaxi. Crossing rocky valleys, you will continue until you reach the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress on the way to the Amazon basin.
After a trip of a lifetime, return to Quito.
Locally Owned
Tierra Del Volcan operates two haciendas in Ecuador: Hacienda El Porvenir & Hacienda El Tambo, located in the region surrounding the Cotopaxi Volcano. They each have their own charm, ecosystem and distinctive touch. A wide range of tours and activities availab