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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!
| 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 |
| # OF PASSENGERS | 2012 PRICE |
| 2 | $420 Regular / $475 Comfort |
| 3 | $365 Regular / $425 Comfort |
| 4 | $335 Regular / $385 Comfort |
| 5 | $315 Regular / $355 Comfort |
| 6 or more | $295 Regular / $340 Comfort |
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
