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Antisana-Cotopaxi Wilderness
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Papallacta Hot Springs

overview
Length: 10 days / 9 nights
Season: June - February
Rating: Grade III, Moderate / Strenuous

activities
Two fully supported hikes of 3 days each, averaging 5-6 miles per day at elevations up to 16,000'

accommodations
4 nights in hotels
3 in a mountain ecolodge
2 tent camping

departures
ON REQUEST
Contact us for availability

land cost
2012
$3,825 p.p.d. (4-6 participants)
$3,595 p.p.d. (7-12 participants)
$ 595 Single Supplement

p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy

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Highlands Full Moon Trek
Best Hiking Route in Ecuador
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"I really enjoyed everything. I had a great time and would definitely do it again."
Jan Simmons
(West Haven, CT)
Highlands Full Moon Trek
Best Hiking Route in Ecuador

Ecuador's Sierra, or highlands, is an ideal destination for a trekking adventure. The region is scattered with beautiful azure lakes, groves of quishuar trees and quaint Andean communities, all nestled beneath the icy summits of the country's highest volcanoes. Designed for active travelers, this trip provides a superb overview of the Ecuadorian highlands, highlighting the fascinating natural and cultural wonders of the northern Andes. Our hiking routes are the country’s best, leading us through lush Andean valleys and the treeless páramo highlands, whose unique vegetation is dwarfed by the extreme climatic conditions it has to endure. We explore Pre-Columbian ruins and soak in natural hot springs along the way, always watching for sightings of such unusual birds as the Andean condor. Our cultural exploration leads us to Indian markets and rural communities where we interact with indigenous peoples, living much as their ancestors did centuries ago.

In the Lake District we meet weavers and craftsmen at the famous Otavalo market before visiting Cuicocha Lake, where our walk helps us acclimate for the longer hikes to come. The picturesque route from Antisana to Cotopaxi skirts ancient lava fields, extinct volcanoes and gorgeous mountain lakes in a magnificent wilderness area. Our first-class trekking means a hot cup of tea brought to your tent door in the morning followed by breakfast prepared by our camp chef. After carrying only a daypack while hiking, you are greeted at camp by a 3-course meal featuring local cuisine. We finish our hike beneath the world’s highest active volcano. This exhilarating backcountry experience is followed by a hike to the glaciers of Cotopaxi National Park. Three nights at an ecolodge allow plenty of time to both relax and explore this amazing natural landscape. We end by driving back to Quito to tour the colonial sector and a local museum. Before going on to the next adventure or returning home, we say goodbye to new friends with a farewell dinner.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival to Quito (9,350').

Days 2-3 : See the Otavalo Market & explore nearby villages. Hike by Cuicocha Lake and then drive to Papallacta to enjoy the hot springs.

Days 4-6 : Trek along the southwestern flanks of Antisana to Micacocha Lake. Drive into Cotopaxi Park.

Days 7-8 : Hike to the Inca Tambo Pucara de Salitre and ascend toward Cotopaxi’s glaciers.

Day 9 : Hiking near Rumiñahui and Limpiopungo Lake. Return to Quito.

Day 10 : Fly home.
"Just wanted to let you know that the entire trip was amazing--the trek with wild horses, condors, and snow--as well as the penguins and boobies, and sea lions at sea. It was the trip I dreamed of."
Janice McIntyre (Kansas City, KS) - Private Trek with Galápagos Cruise
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Southwind Adventures, Inc
PO Box 621057 Littleton, CO 80162 USA, Toll Free: 800.377.9463 Tel: 303.972.0701
Fax: 303.972.0708 Email us
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