The Ecuador Andes – South America

Groups arrive in the city of Quito (2850 m), the capital of Ecuador. We will wait for you at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Then we transfer you to the hotel. After settling in, we meet to review mountain equipment and provide detailed information about the expeditions and tours in the Ecuadorian Andes.

After breakfast, we depart from the hotel by transport via the Pan-American Highway South to Latacunga, continuing the journey to the town of Quilotoa. From here, we will start the hike to viewpoints such as the Toachi River Canyon. We continue the hiking activity until reaching the Quilotoa lagoon to enjoy the view and walk down to the shore, where kayaking is possible. Then we ascend back to the town for lunch (optional) and return to the starting point where the transport waits to transfer us back to the hotel in Quito. The day's activity will take approximately 6 hours. DESCRIPTION: The Quilotoa lake of volcanic origin is one of the most impressive lakes in the Ecuadorian Andes, located in the province of Cotopaxi at an altitude of 3900m. It features bright emerald green waters that fill the crater of a volcano that collapsed centuries ago. It can be easily visited on a day trip from Latacunga (1.5 hours by bus), and you can hike around the perimeter of the crater as well as go kayaking.

Departing from the hotel at 6:00 am, we travel by transport for about 40 minutes to Otavalo, where we have breakfast. We then continue the journey to the Cotacachi-Cayapas National Park. The hike begins by passing through the gate to pay entry fees before reaching the lagoon. Once we arrive, we will have time to walk through the lagoon's viewpoints; it is even possible to hike around the crater. After taking photos and videos, we return to the hotel in Quito. DESCRIPTION: The Cuicocha lagoon is one of the most beautiful lakes in Ecuador, considered sacred by the local indigenous peoples. Located at the foot of the Cotacachi volcano, it is characterized by its two inner islets, Teodoro Wolf and Yerovi. At over 3000 meters in altitude and over 200 meters deep, it is considered the 'Lake of the Gods' by locals. Many residents use it for purification baths.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart on a 1:30-hour drive toward Tabacundo, where we start the hike. On the way, we make a small stop to enjoy a view of the city and the Cayambe volcano. We continue the hike until reaching the lagoon, where we will enjoy an outdoor picnic. Afterward, we take a short walk around the lagoon to capture memories with photos and videos of the unique landscapes before descending to the starting point to return to the hotel in Quito. DESCRIPTION: The Mojanda lakes are a complex of three lakes (Caricocha, Huarmicocha, Yanacocha) with stunning views, ideal for an excursion or training for the ascent of Mount Fuya Fuya. Located half an hour by car south of Otavalo, this set of three lakes offers an impressive landscape at an altitude of 4263 meters. Hiking in this area is highly recommended for preparation and for undertaking other ascents, lasting approximately 4 hours.

From Quito, there are two ways to access the Rucu Pichincha volcano. The most popular is taking the Quito Teleférico; the journey to the top can take less than three hours. The alternative is to climb from the base of the cable car via the Cruz Loma route, a more physically demanding option. Rucu Pichincha offers the perfect challenge for training and acclimatization. The ascent is done in a single day. FRANPISCO ADVENTURE offers logistics services with certified ASEGUIM/UIAGM guides (one guide per four participants). After enjoying the summit, we return to the hotel in Quito. DESCRIPTION: Ascend one of Quito's most iconic peaks. Rucu Pichincha volcano stands at 4696 m and is located west of the city. Due to its proximity, it is a very popular mountain, perfect for starting in the world of mountaineering and acclimatizing before attempting more demanding summits like the Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Chimborazo. During the ascent, we will enjoy diverse landscapes and panoramic views of Quito. The rocky peak offers two main routes: 'Paso de la Muerte' (ideal for those with some experience) and the 'Arenal' (a simpler option for beginners).