Ecuador Multisport

In the morning, head south through the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes. If the skies are clear, you’ll see the peaks of several volcanoes from the road. Begin in the park with a hike around the Limpiopungo Glacier Lake at the base of Volcan Rumiñahui, home to a wealth of highland water fowl, local gulls, ducks and falcons. This area offers a great opportunity to learn about the park’s highland paramo ecosystem. After the hike, hop on bikes for an amazing mountain bike ride through this scenic landscape. Travel across the high plains and around the south side of Cotopaxi. The ride is mostly downhill with some flat stretches and a few short, easy climbs. As you ride across the paramo, keep an eye out for native wildlife and take in amazing views of Cotopaxi’s massive, glaciated cone looming above. End the ride at the Pucara Inca ruins and learn about Incan history in Ecuador. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing to a local hacienda for the night. (B,L,D)

Hike Details: Approx – 5 miles | Altitude: from 9,840 ft to 10,826 ft.

After breakfast, drive to the ancient farmlands of Hacienda Tilipulo, located in an inter-Andean valley surrounded by native vegetation and astounding views of the nearby volcanoes. The horseback riding adventure begins with a departure towards the western cordillera bound to the highlands of Atapulo where you will observe small farmlands called chacras, adobe houses, llamas, sheep and other livestock. The indigenous way of life, views of volcanoes Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Illiniza, Chimborazo and Altar will accompany you throughout this journey along spectacular trails and country roads. After the horseback ride, drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Leito Valley with beautiful views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Patate River. In the afternoon, reach a cozy Andean Hacienda and if time allows you will hike to a beautiful waterfall. Return to the hacienda to relax and dine. (B,L,D)

Horseback Riding Details: Approx – 21 miles; but depends on experience  | Altitude: from 9,180 ft to 10,170 ft.

Head east to the edge of Llanganates National Park, an area that extends from the high Andes down into the Amazon Basin. Gaining altitude, you come upon one of the best views of the often fuming Tungurahua Volcano for the start of today’s scenic mountain bike descent. Beginning as highland paramo, the picturesque route of wild orchids, waterfalls, high rock walls and deep canyons transitions into mountain cloud forest before becoming lowland rainforest. Ride through a dry basalt gorge, a hot spot for wild orchids, and the canyon widens and deepens as you reach the Pastaza River Gorge forming spectacular waterfalls. Stop to visit two of these waterfalls, Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride’s Veil). Then continue the drive down into the Amazon Basin to reach Puyo, an Amazon frontier town where you learn about balsa, bamboo and ceramic products. Continue through the Amazon highway until you reach your Amazon Lodge.  If time allows, visit a Kichwa indigenous community to learn about their way of life, culture, traditions, and customs of the Amazon. Enjoy dinner at your jungle lodge and a peaceful evening surrounded by rainforest sounds. (B,L,D)

Biking Details: Approx – 19 miles | Altitude: from 10,170 ft to 5,740 ft.

After breakfast at the lodge, drive into part of Llanganates National Park declared a Biosphere Zone by UNESCO. The water that collects here forms the Jatunyacu River and is considered the best one-day Ecuador whitewater rafting run. Before today’s adventure begins, you walk in the rainforest to some naturally-formed pools and have a safety briefing. Your rafting route of breathtaking landscapes, abundant birdlife and crystal clear water passes riverbank indigenous communities with small bamboo houses. The Jatunyacu is famed for its Class III and III+ rapids, big waves, fun holes and high volume of water. After an exhilarating day, enjoy some cold drinks back at your Amazon Rainforest accommodations in celebration. (B,L,D)

Rafting Details: Approx – 17 miles | Altitude: from 1,970 ft to 1,485 ft.

After breakfast, there is time for a morning jungle excursion before your departure. Keep your ears and eyes out for monkeys and birdlife that is active in the mornings. Next, drive back up into the Andes, climbing from an elevation of 1,500 feet to 10,000 feet to reach Papallacta Hot Springs Resort and Spa, nestled at the crossroads of the cloud forest and the high Andean paramo landscape. Here, you may hike or opt to relax in the therapeutic and picturesque alkaline-rich natural thermal waters of Papallacta. Walk around the grounds of the resort, admiring the gorgeous vegetation, hummingbirds, and the snowcapped Antisana volcano looming in the distance. Enjoy dinner and a restful night in your lodgings at Papallacta Hot Springs Resort. (B,L,D)

Hike Details: Approx – 3.1 miles | Altitude: from 1,970 ft.

In the early morning, hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve located on the shoulder of the Andes at the Continental Divide. The landscape in this reserve is a mix of endemic highland paramo with patches of cloud forest. Much water is retained in this sponge-like environment, forming the largest water system in the world. The reserve features many lakes where you may witness birdlife, deer, and if you are lucky, the elusive spectacle bear and the Andean Condor. Continue the drive north though Andean valleys until you reach Otavalo. The indigenous communities here have a rich cultural heritage made visible through their renowned markets, filled with colorful textiles and skilled handicrafts. Visit  local weavers who will share how their craft has been passed down through generations. Overnight in a charming hacienda. (B,L,D)

Hike Details: Approx – 5 miles | Altitude: from 10,820 ft to 11,810 ft.

Today’s destination is the gorgeous Cuicocha Crater Lake and nature reserve on the slopes of the larger Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha is surrounded by rim walls and derives its name (Lake of the Guinea Pigs) from the shape of its two center islets. This ecosystem is a combination of paramo and Andean forest where plant species such as pumamaqui, quishuar, chilca, bromarea, fuschia, lupin, calcelaria and other colorful Andean flowers grow. Today exemplifies some of the best Ecuador hiking as you travers the crater rim along what’s known as the Trail of the Orchids. Get your camera ready for stunning views of the lake and the Cotacachi, Mojanda and Imbabura volcanoes. Bird lovers can look for guans, hummingbirds, tanagers, wild turkeys, ducks, buzzard eagles and the elusive Andean condor. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Hike Details: Approx – 5.4 miles | Altitude: from 10,300 ft to 11,555 ft.

Transfer to the airport for your departure home. If your schedule permits, we can arrange Galápagos adventures, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito. (B)