Ecuador Hike, Bike & Raft

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.Located 2850m (9348 feet) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring like climate, despite its location only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. It is in a valley flanked by mountains, and on a clear day, several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the capital. As well as being in a beautiful location, it is rich in history and much of the old colonial town is well preserved. In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a world heritage site, and any new development in Quito's Old Town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns. There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the Old and the New Towns. The Old City is full of interesting historical buildings, including many churches. Among the most interesting are the Catedral de Quito, which is located on the Plaza de la Independencia, was built between 1550 and 1562 and is one of the first neoclassical works in Quito, and La Compañía de Jésus Church, considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). The small, rounded hill which dominates the Old Town is called El Panecillo, or 'the Little Bread Loaf', and is a major Quito landmark. Marvellous panoramic views of the entire city, as well as views of the surrounding volcanoes stretch out at your feet. You can take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab to the Old Town from the New Town. Quito has a large population of foreigners and is a popular destination for travelers, resulting in a varied and vibrant nightlife, where salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can. These are great places for meeting locals and dancing as well as enjoying local cooking.

Day 2 Biking Cotopaxi Volcano (L,D)

Drive by jeep to Cotopaxi National Park. Just a couple of hours south of Quito, the park is home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. 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 northwest by jeep into the western Cordillera, spending the night in a quaint mountain village.Approximate Distance: 85kmEstimated Travel Time: 2 hours

Day 3 Biking Chimborazo Mountain/ Urbina Mountain Refuge (B,L,D)

Start with a ride through the town of Guano known for their artisan carpet making industry. From there we descend on mountain bikes through rugged terrain and expansive corn plantations. A picnic lunch allows time to mingle with local Quichua 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.Approximate Distance: 73kmEstimated Travel Time: 2 hours

Day 4 Riobamba (B, L, D)

“Standing at 6,310 m with the added advantage of the Equatorial bulge, Mt. Chimborazo is the highest point from the earth's centre.” Nestled at the base of this colossal mountain is the Urbina Mountain Refuge. Located in high altitude páramo at 3618 m (11,870ft) this historic building, built in 1905, once served as a train station and has since been converted into a cozy mountain hostel. Spend your day exploring the area, relax and enjoy the mountain views, or take an optional excursion to the Chimborazo Mountain refuge.On a clear day stunning views will be had of the majestic Mt. Chimborazo (6310m/20,702ft) and Carihuairazo (5020m/16,470ft) towering behind it. Chimborazo has two climbing refuges. The lower refuge is Refugio Hermanos Carrel at 4860m (15,945ft) from where you can hike to the higher refuge Refugio Whymper at 5000m (16,404ft). There is also the option to relax by the fire, or go for a stroll along an ancient Inca trail to a nearby indigenous village in the valley below. Approximate Distance: 26kmEstimated Travel Time: 45 minutes

Day 5-6 Ingapirca Trek (2d/2n Hiking/Camping) (2B,2L,2D)

We get an early morning start to the village of Achupallas, the starting point of our hike along the old Inca road. Over 500 years ago this was an important commercial connection between Colombia and Peru for the Inca. The trail leads us to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca site. En route we pass through remote highlands, indigenous communities, beautiful lakes and enchanting mountain scenery.Although information about the historical importance of Ingapirca varies, many believe that it served as a fortress. Archaeologists believe that the main structure was considered to be the Temple of the Sun, which may have been used for ceremonial purposes. While exploring the site you will see the mortarless stonework and trapezoidal doorways that are characteristic of Inca construction. Also found at the site are buildings believed to have been storehouses, and rest places for ‘chasquis’, runners that carried messages from one end of the Inca Empire to the other. Unfortunately much of the site has suffered from looting, but today the importance of the site is recognized and the site is officially protected.

Day 7-8 Baños (B, L)

Today we arrive at the famous Ingapirca ruins where we receive a guided tour of the 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.Baños is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country and you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn sun creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.

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.Approximate Distance: 140kmEstimated Travel Time: 4 hours

Day 10-11 Jondachi and Quijos River Rafting Trip (2d/2n Rafting) (1B, 2L, 2D)

Spend several challenging days on a white water rafting adventure. We raft down the wild Jondachi 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 Jondachi an excellent alternative to the hot, tropical climate of the Amazon.The small town of Baeza, once an old Spanish missionary and trading post, is the starting point of our three day rafting adventure along the Jondachi and Quijos River. The Quijos River is formed by the Papallacta and Cosanga rivers, which receive flows from the Antisana volcano and high altitude páramo valleys.

Day 12 Papallacta Hot Springs (B, L)

We finish our final day of rafting adventure 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.Papallacta is a village 60 km (37 miles) southeast of Quito, over the Andes and on the outer rim of the Amazon Basin. This small village, surrounded by cloud forest on the road between the highlands and the Oriente, has arguably the best thermal springs in all of Ecuador. It is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening soaking in the mineral hot springs, while enjoying the great natural beauty of the area.

Day 13-14 Otavalo / Quito

Next we visit the beautiful area of Otavalo and its 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.Otavalo is justly famous for its friendly people and Saturday market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people. There are three main market plazas in town, with the overflow spilling out onto the streets linking them. The Plaza de Ponchos is where you will find most handicraft items. You will find colourful woollen goods such as ponchos, gloves, hats, blankets, scarves and sweaters, as well as fine tapestries and a variety of embroidered blouses and shirts, shawls, string bags, and rope sandals. This market gets underway at dawn and continues until early afternoon. Remember, bargaining is expected for every purchase! If you're good you should be able to get at least 20% off of the starting price. The food market sells produce and household goods for the locals, and there is an animal market beginning in the predawn hours on the outskirts of town. Although these are not designed for visitors, they are cultural experiences to see and are definitely worth a visit. One of the most evident features of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life.Approximate Distance: 88kmEstimated Travel Time: 2 hours