Altar Volcano Trekking Expedition

We will start the day with a scenic drive through the Volcano Avenue, appreciating stunning views of the Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Ilinizas, and Tungurahua volcanos. In between these magnificent volcanos are rolling green fields of traditional Andean crops and the Andean mountains. The corn, quinoa and potato cultivations add a splash of colour to this magnificent landscape. After lunch, we will begin our trek, hiking for approximately 5 hours to reach our first campsite.

Today is our longest trekking day of the expedition, so a hearty breakfast is a must! We will hike along uniquely magnificent trails through the Paramo ecosystem, at high elevation with unique flora and fauna typical of the Andes. The spectacular Mandur lagoon is found at a whopping 4420 metres elevation. We will have lunch and a short rest before continuing back to the campsite where a delicious dinner, cooked by our chef, is the reward for this full day of trekking.

Today, we will trek to the impressive Altar Volcano, visiting its impressive, yellow crater lake, who’s colour is characterized by the high concentration of sulfur. In the afternoon, after lunch, we will head back to the campsite for the evening.

Today we will drop in elevation,  somewhat different to the higher elevation terrain. We will then drive to the Cotopaxi Province to spend a welcome afternoon relaxing in a Colonial Hacienda.

After a delicious breakfast at the hacienda, we will head out by car to The Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. We will stop along the way at the Toachi canyon to enjoy the spectacular views over the canyon and the surrounding countryside. We will then continue to the Quilotoa Volcano, where we will head out on a hike into its crater. This lake is considered as one of the most beautiful crater lakes on earth, and there is even the option to go kayaking in its crater! We will then either hike or ride a mule back up to the top and our car will be waiting to take us back to the city of Quito. 

Today is the final day of this spectacular Altar Volcano Expedition.  We will collect you from the hotel in Quito to head to the airport for your flight back home or to your next exciting destination!