Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Quito. A single, timed group transfer from the airport is provided. KE group package services begin with a city tour and trip briefing. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: We drive north to Imbabura and take a walk around Cuicocha lake. Overnight at the charming hosteria Pantavi.
Day 3: After a short transfer we begin a 3 day trek through the Cotacochi-Cayapas nature reserve, today travelling as far as the village of San Francisco at 3070m. / 10,072ft. where we set up camp.
Day 4: We cross a pass at 3960m. / 12,992ft. Before descending we climb our second peak named Ollas Chico ( 4005m. / 13,140ft.) and camp beside Yanacocha lake at 3870m. / 12,697ft.
Day 5: Our final day of trekking through the Cotacochi-Cayapas passing several inca and pre inca ruins. We then head for the Chachimbito hot springs and after a hot bath we return to the hosteria Pantavi.
Day 6: An early departure today to climb volcan Imbabura (4616m. / 15,144ft.) This is a varied walk starting in cultivated fields and ending with some easy scrambling on the crater rim. Overnight in hostal.
Day 7: We drive toward Cayambe Ecuador's third highest peak. This afternoon we have glaciar school where we practice snow climbing techniques. Overnight at the refuge (4700m. / 15,420ft.)
Day 8: Ascent of Cayambe. We make an 'alpine' start to have the best of the snow conditions. We reach the summit at 5790m. / 19,000ft. and return to the refuge. In the afternoon drive to Quito. Hotel.
Day 9: A free day in Quito for rest and recuperation, doing the laundry or independent sightseeing.
Day 10: Drive on the Pan American Highway through the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' to Cotopaxi National Park, and on a dirt road to the Jose Rivas mountain refuge at 4800m. / 15,744ft. Overnight at the refuge.
Day 11: An early start for the ascent of Cotopaxi (5895m. / 19,340ft.). After the climb we descend to the refuge and transfer to a nearby hotel for hot showers and rest.
Day 12: After a relaxing morning we drive to Riobamba. En route we will make a stop to visit an 'Indiginos' market or Quilotoa lake. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 13: A free day in Riobamba for independant sightseeing or just relaxing. Hotel.
Day 14: Drive to Chimborazo. Another dirt road takes us within a short walk of the refuge Edward Whymper at 5000m. / 16,404ft. We overnight at the refuge.
Day 15: We have a midnight start for the climb of Chimborazo (6310m. / 20,702ft.), Ecuador's highest peak and the point on the earth's surface furthest from its centre. Afterwards we drive to Banos. Hotel.
Day 16: A spare day to allow for a second attempt on Chimborazzo. If not needed this will be a free day to relax in the spa town of Banos. Hotel.
Day 17: Free morning in Banos. In the afternoon drive to Quito. Hotel.
Day 18: We provide a group transfer to Quito airport where KE group package services end.
