4 Day Trekking and Horseback Riding Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and Isinlivi

One of the hidden gems of Ecuador, the Quilotoa and Cotopaxi Volcanoes are the Highlights of the Andes. Quilotoa is a remote and isolated area located in the Western Andes Mountains. The surrounding area is renowned for its tiny traditional highland villages such as Chugchilan & Isinlivi and they are an important center for arts and crafts especially the town of Tigua, whose inhabitants produce colorful paintings of Andean life in sheepskin canvasses. 

On top of that, the landscapes from start to finish are simply breath-taking making this a must-see region of the country.  Great trekking and horse-riding opportunities you will enjoy it.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park

Stop At: Cotopaxi Volcano, Tanicuchi Ecuador
Meet your guide and board a vehicle heading south of Quito and towards Cotopaxi National Park. On the way, you will enjoy the beautiful views of the Andes mountain range and gorgeous natural scenery. Once you reach the National Park, you will visit the Interpretation Center and Limpiopungo lagoon. Take a short hike in the surrounding of Limpiopungo valley before driving ever-higher into this sky-high region, stopping at the 15,800-foot (4830-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge. Depending on your physical condition, you will get the Glacier (5050-meter) Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant that offers typical Ecuadorian meals.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in LLullu Llama in Isinlivi

Day 2: Isinlivi - Chugchilan Hike

Stop At: Isinlivi, Isinlivi, Cotopaxi Province
Breakfast in the hotel. Hike from Chugchilan to Isinlivi follows the Toachi canyon and great part along the river. It passes through small highland villages and you will have the opportunity to have a glimpse into the traditional life of rural communities located at the very heart of the Sierra. The hike ranges around 4 hours and is moderately challenging.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Hosteria Mama Hilda in Chugchilan

Day 3: Horseback Ride in Chugchilan

Stop At: Chugchilan, Chugchilan, Cotopaxi Province
Breakfast in the hotel. Horseback ride in the Chugchiland surroundings
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Hosteria Mama Hilda in Chugchilan

Day 4: Quilotoa Loop Hike

Stop At: Quilotoa, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi Province
Travel through the Avenue of the Volcanoes and pass through the Pujilí small town. Visit an indigenous local house from the “Paramos” to learn about their traditions and way of life. Continue up to the Quilotoa volcano, where we start hiking from Laguna Quilotoa to Chugchilán, on the way we have beautiful views of the Toachi River Canyon. Walking along the crater edge with impressive views of the lagoon inside, then descend to the plateau of the small indigenous village Huayama. As we descend the switchback trails down to the Toachi River Gorge, the climate and scenery change dramatically.
The hike ranges around 5 hours and is moderately challenging. We will be staying at Mama Hilda Lodge in Chugchilan. This small village is a well-known destination for hikers and a typical mountain region village in Ecuador. Return to Quito
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.