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MiniAdventures in Ecuador

 Valley of the Volcanoes

This minitour is always a real favourite with our clients and provides an excellent introduction to Ecuador’s stunning Valley of the volcanoes.

At the Cotopaxi National Park you can trek to the refuge of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, as well as visiting the mountain glaciers and enjoying splendid views of the surrounding parkland and other peaks.

The Quilotoa crater-lake is one of the best kept Andean secrets and will literally take your breath away! The more adventurous can trek into the crater to the lake shore, and there is usually a selection of locally-made paintings and handicrafts on sale in the village at the crater rim.

A fantastic introduction to the Ecuadorian Andes!
 
 PAST CLIENTS FEEDBACK
"Coming from such a flat country this is the first time I have ever seen a volcano! Both Cotopaxi and Quilotoa were breath-taking and have left me with an appetite to see much more. All together this was an excellent package and good value for money – recommended!" (Marloes Van Roosmalen, Holland)

“A thoroughly enjoyable trip. Thankyou Milton for taking such good care of us!” (The Roberts family, USA)
ITINERARY
Day
Activities
Meals
1
Cotopaxi National Park - our driver will pick you up at your Quito hotel in the morning to transfer you south to the Cotopaxi National Park (approx 2 hours journey). First we visit the park museum and the surrounding parkland including the the pictoresque Limpiopungo Lake. Afterwards we go up to the snowline volcano refuge and visit the glaciers. Overnight at La Cienega, one of the oldest and most elegant colonial haciendas in the country.
L
2
Quilotoa crater lake – Quilotoa is a real highlight of the tour that will literally take your breath away! An emerald green laguna inside the crater of an extinct volcano with steep jagged cliffs and views straight down the entire valley of volcanoes. It is possible to trek into the crater to the lake shore (with optional mule ride out for those with tired limbs), and there are also many other fine trekking opportunities in the local area sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Ecuador, as well as a chance to buy local handicrafts. Overnight in a simple hostal in the local village of Chugchilan.
BD
3
Quilotoa surroundings & return to Quito – The journey back to Quito is flexible – you could spend the morning exploring the surrounding scenery of Chugchilan via a trekking route or leave town early to visit the local indigenous markets of Saquisili (Thursdays) or Zumbahua (Saturdays). Return to Quito later in the afternoon with lots of photo opportunites on route.
B

We recommend at least 2 days of acclimatisation at Quito altitude (2800m above sea level) or higher before attempting this minitour in order to ensure that you are well prepared for the treks involved.
Contact us to book this tour


PRICES 2008 (per person)

# OF PASSENGERS
PRICE
2
$395
3
$350
4
$315
5
$275
6 or more
$250

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation in double rooms. Triple rooms are also available should a group of odd-numbered passengers wish to avoid paying a single supplement.
  • Transport with local driver throughout tour
  • Meals as listed in itinerary
  • Activities as listed in itinerary
  • English-speaking guide at Cotopaxi

Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Meals not listed as part of itinerary
  • Local entry fees
  • Single supplement $25 (single supplement applies for a single room for somebody travelling within a group, not for a group of only 1 passenger. The minimum group size for this tour is 2 passengers).

 
 
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