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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 lodge
2 tent camping

departures
Jul 11 - 20, 2008
Aug 15 - 24, 2008
Sep 12 - 21, 2008
Oct 10 - 19, 2008
Nov 7 - 16, 2008

land cost
2008
$3,075 p.p.d. (4-5 participants)
$2,875 p.p.d. (6-9 participants)
$2,675 p.p.d. (10-12 participants)
$ 435 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 volcanos. 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 volcanos and gorgeous mountain lakes in a magnificent wilderness area. We finish our hiking beneath the glaciers of the world’s highest active volcano. Leaving Cotopaxi National Park, we drive back to Quito to tour the colonial sector. 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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PO Box 621057 Littleton, CO 80162 Toll Free: 800.377.9463 Tel: 303.972.0701
Fax: 303.972.0708 info@southwindadventures.com
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