Ecuador Multi-Sport: Detailed Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. The itinerary is subject to change as it is dependent on lodge availability, weather National Park notices and participants’ ability.  The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

Day Zero: ARRIVE QUITO, ECUADOR

Today you will fly to Quito and take a taxi to your hotel.  A taxi will cost you less than $10 US including a tip, but be sure to negotiate the price before you get in.  Check into your room and plan to rendezvous in the lobby at 7pm for a trip orientation and dinner.  If your flights arrive later, we will be meeting in the lobby at 7am the next morning’s departure.

Day One: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK – Hiking & Horseback Riding

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most scenic volcanic scenarios of the Ecuadorian highlands where glacial lakes, Inca ruins, rivers and plateaus speckled with lava rocks that tell us about the recent eruptions of the highest active volcano in the world (19,460 ft).  This ecosystem, called Paramo, is vitally important. Unlike other places in the world that are perpetually covered in snow, Ecuador reveals a whole spectrum of diversity and wonder.  The Paramo provides the lower Andean regions with water in the form of rivers and springs, and it is the home of unique plant and animal life.  Soon we reach Hacienda El Porvenir, a 3000-hectare, family-owned hacienda rich in history and representative of the Chagra (Ecuadorian cowboy) culture.  El Porvenir has been in the same family for 7 generations, and was the first hacienda in Ecuador to raise fighting bulls. After a traditional welcome tea, we gear up Chagra style, and don ponchos, chaps, and cowboy hats to explore the expansive grounds of the hacienda on horseback (hiking is optional). The hacienda produces potatoes, lima beans, quinoa, and other crops that grow at altitudes over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), all with a backdrop of spectacular volcano scenery.  Our Chagra guide accompanies us to care after our horses, share his knowledge of local plants, birds, and fauna, and help us to admire the brave fighting bulls.  We ride up the slopes of the Ruminahui Volcano – where, if we´re lucky, we´ll spot the magnificent Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world.  After lunch we continue to Cotopaxi National Park for a soft hike and by the end of the day spend a relaxing evening at the historical La Cienega, a 16th century baronial mansion or experience the warm hospitality of Hato Verde, a historic family-run hacienda. (L,D)

Day Two:  TUNGURAHUA & BAÑOS – Biking & Hiking

After a delicious breakfast, we continue our trip to the Tungurahua province where we explore Baños, a small town nestled on the foothills of Tungurahua Volcano, and within in the Pastaza river valley.  Unlimited mountain trails are the scenario for mountain biking or hiking.  We will encounter waterfalls and stunning views of the mighty Pastaza river gorge, which is the main gateway to the Amazon Basin.  We also discover small villages, farmland, lush mountain scenery and the simple way of life enjoyed by the local people.  These exciting and challenging trails along with the fresh trade winds make for an unforgettable day.  You will have time to explore the town of Baños in the afternoon. Tonight we will stay in some quaint cabins overlooking the valley.

Day Three: DOWN TO THE AMAZON – Jungle Trekking

We start our morning with a lovely breakfast, before driving down to the Amazon Basin following the Pastaza river gorge, surrounding ourselves by splendid views of the Valley.  We make a couple of stops along the way.  The first stop is for those who dare to try the cable car ride on the Bride’s Veil Waterfall, and the second is for a small hike on the hanging bridge over the Devil’s Pail, an impressive waterfall feeding the Pastaza River.  As we continue our journey, we feel a change in temperature and humidity which tells us we have arrived to Kichwa territory. This is the main Indian tribe that populates the Arajuno and Napo river valleys.  Lunch is served in a rainforest hut.  We enjoy our afternoon hiking through the rainforest where an indigenous guide will teach us the tricks of the trade, show us the most important medicinal plants used by the kichwas, as well as an explanation of the exotic ecosystem surrounding us, exotic flowers and lush vegetation.  The highlight tonight is the torch lit, Cotococha Amazon Lodge.  Our rustic riverside cabanas complete with private showers and balcony are nestled by the the Napo River and will immerse you in the sounds of the jungle.

Day Four: JATUNYACU RIVER – Jungle River Rafting

We start the day with an easy hike in the Llanganates National Park.  This is a mysterious and  fascinating region of Ecuador - famous for hiding the secrets of the legendary gold treasure of the last Inca Ruler, Atahualpa.  This path leads us to some pristine natural pools where we can enjoy a swim and a natural massage in the stream.  The Jatunyacu river is famed for its big waves and calm pools.  We have a day filled with class III+ rapids, rainforest, and local Indian tribes.  Tonight we will return to the jungle sounds and rhythyms at Cotococha Lodge.

Day Five: EASTERN ANDES - Hotsprings

The afternoon finds us traveling towards up the Andes to 3,000 m in elevation and our destination at Papallacta Hot Springs.  This oasis features beautiful hotsprings and a spa nestled in the middle of fantastic cloudforest.  Fine dining and a night of relaxation will rejuvenate and invigorate your tired muscles.

Day Six: OTAVALO AND THE PROVINCE OF THE LAKES – Mountain Biking

Today we’ll shuttle to Imbabura Province, land of the Imbayas which are some of the proudest Indian tribes of the northern valleys.  The Imbayas are known for their music, culture and handicrafts, which are sold in markets around the world.  We’ll bike through this cultural area, winding our way through indigenous villages, lakes and volcanos.  A brief stop at Peguche holy waterfalls, the town of Peguche known for its weaved handicrafts, Iluman, village of the shamans, and the town of San Antonio where wood carving and handicrafts are the highlights.  Dirt roads, old cobblestones and single track lead us through this imposing valley between the volcanoes of Imbabura (father) and Cotacachi (mother).  In the afternoon, we will spend time at Otavalo Indian Market.  By day’s end, we’ll transfer to our comfortable traditional Hacienda were we can soak our tired muscles in a hot tub.

Day Seven: MOJANDA LAKES – Mountain Biking

Travelling down from 4,000 m. we will experience a variety of unique geological formations.  This region has several peaks with lakes between them making for great hiking and mountain bike riding.  On a clear day, we can see all the snowcapped volcanoes of the Eastern Cordillera (Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Antisana, Chimborazo) as well as the western cordillera (Pichincha, Atacazo, etc.)  This is an excellent site for condors, and other highland birds and animals. From this point we will bike down a dirt road to the valley below, so be prepared for some adrenaline!  On our way back to Quito we will stop at Guallabamba valley for a traditional lunch before checking into our hotel in Quito and organizing our farewell dinner.

Day Eight : TRANSFERS TO THE AIRPORT

Catch flights home