9 Day Active Andes Expedition

Tour Summary

This Andes hiking expedition tour was designed for travelers who would like to explore and witness the Ecuadorian-Andean culture by hiking, biking, and more. You will discover the magical Andes mountains and the amazing towns located close to them. This Andes expedition is based on hiking and biking, but you will also be able to go rafting in Baños and explore the beautiful architecture, cuisine, and culture of Cuenca.

Gallery

Highlights

Cotopaxi VolcanoOne of the highest active volcanoes in the world, covered with ice on its peak.
Quilotoa LakeOne of the most beautiful lagoons in South America with great sights and turquoise waters.
BañosDangle your feet at the Swing at the End of the World or hike up to one of the most powerful waterfalls of Ecuador at Pailon del Diablo.
Ilinizas NorteVisit the Ilinizas, two mountains that used to form one big crater.

Itinerary

DAY 1 COTOPAXI – RUMINAHUI
Today, your Andes Expedition starts and you will be taken to Cotopaxi National Park. This park is home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Here, you will enjoy a day of hiking and biking in the area of Cotopaxi. You will go hiking around the Rumiñahui volcano, to admire its beauty. When you go mountain biking, you will have a beautiful view of all the volcanoes located in this same park. The hike around Ruminahui mountain will take approximately 2-3 hours, and the biking time is about one hour.
- Activity:Biking, Exploring, Hiking.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Lunch.
- Accommodation:Papagayo Sur or Similar.
DAY 2 QUILOTOA
Today, you will walk the Quilotoa loop. On your way, you will see beautiful nature, local markets, and communities that still keep their traditions alive, and, of course, the beautiful Quilotoa lagoon, which the locals believe has no bottom. The whole hike will take approximately 5 hours and our guide will guide you along the way. After you hike down the lake, you can rent optional mules on the way back up.
- Activity:Exploring, Hiking, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accommodation:Papagayo Sur or similar.
DAY 3 ILINIZAS NORTE
Today you will visit Ilinizas Norte, a great mountain for hiking. In the past, it formed one big crater together with the Ilinizas Sur, but as time has passed, they have separated. The total altitude of the Ilinizas Norte is 5,126, and its peak is covered with a small amount of snow. After having hiked up and down this mountain, you will return to your hotel and relax the rest of the day. The total hiking time will be around 7 hours today.
- Activity:Climbing, Exploring, Hiking.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accommodation:Papagayo Sur or similar.
DAY 4 COTOPAXI CLIMBING
After a large breakfast, you will have to time to rest and prepare yourself for tonight where you will climb the Cotopaxi volcano. You will go to the refuge in the afternoon where you will sleep until midnight. Then you start the big climb (about 6 hours up and about 3 hours down).
- Activity:Climbing, Exploring, Hiking.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Cotopaxi Volcano Refuge.
DAY 5 COTOPAXI CLIMBING – TRANSFER TO BAÑOS
When you have caught the sunrise, you will descend and return to your hotel, where you can have an optional celebration lunch. Here you’ll have enough time to relax and take a shower. Later, you will be picked up by your guide to go to Baños, and once you arrive, you can stroll around the town and have a drink.
- Activity:Hiking, Relaxing, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Alisamay or similar.
DAY 6 BAÑOS
The official name of this town is Baños de Agua Santa, in allusion to the thermal baths, but it is more commonly known simply as Baños. Located in the Tungurahua province, Baños offers nice tropical weather and a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. After breakfast, you can either hire mountain bikes and go on the Ruta de las Cascadas or do any other optional activity around Baños. After lunch, you will have a free afternoon to explore the town and do any other optional activities offered.
- Activity:Exploring, Rafting, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Alisamay or similar.
DAY 7 ALAUSÍ - CHIMBORAZO - CUENCA
Today you will visit the small Andean town of Alausi. Straddled alongside a scenic river valley, the town has been named one of Ecuador’s “pueblos mágicos,” or magic villages. It is particularly well-known across Ecuador for its railway heritage and rich cultural community. From Alausi, you can also take the day to experience a breathtaking hike to see where the Devil’s Nose train once operated. The trail offers incredible views of the river valley and a bird’s eye view of the inoperative tracks. Finally, you’ll arrive in Cuenca where you can relax for the rest of the day.
- Activity:Exploring, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car, Train.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.
DAY 8 CUENCA - QUITO
Today, you will have a free day in Cuenca, so you can explore this beautiful city by yourself. In the afternoon, you will have a flight back to Quito. Once you arrive at the airport in Quito, you will be brought to your hotel located close to the airport.
- Activity:Exploring, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Airplane, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Ilatoa Lodge or similar.
DAY 9 TRANSFER OUT
This is the last day of your Andes Expedition, you will have a transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. Please make sure you have your flight in the afternoon or evening in case there is any delay from your flight from Cuenca the night before. Rebecca Adventure Travel won’t take any responsibility for missed (international) flights.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.

Map

9 Day Andes Active Expedition Map

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Price Based on Number of Guests:

2 - 3 guests	$ 1926 p.p.
4 or more guests	$ 1569 p.p.

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Inclusions

Meals as described in the itinerary.
Accommodation in a double or triple room.
One way flight from Cuenca to Quito.
Airport pick-ups and drop-offs at Quito and Cuenca Airports at your arrival/departure times.
Private transportation with Spanish speaking driver.
English speaking guide during the activities.
Specialized climbing guides for the mountain activities.
Climbing equipment.
All activities as described in the itinerary.
24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
Exclusions

+ Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
+ Personal travel & health insurance.
+ Optional tips for the guide.

Additional information

Prices for 2024 and 2025 are subject to change.
For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
Rebecca Adventure Travel cannot take any responsibility for any illnesses or missed meals & tours due to an illness.
It is important to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
Important things to bring: Warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing, appropriate shoes or boots, water, sunblock, sunglasses, pocket money, and passport.