CONDOR TREK FROM PAPALLACTA TO COTOPAXI

In this trek, we will start in Papallacta's area, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. We will hike paths surrounded by mountains and vast vegetation enjoying beautiful surroundings, we may be able to see wolves, wild horses, condors, and llamas. The hike will start at 3600mts – 4200mts. The trails will take us through pristine Polylepis forests, lava fields, lake beds, and rivers.

We will cover great extensions of highland heading towards Antisana volcano admiring its wonderful glacier while crossing Mount Sincholagua until we reach the base of Cotopaxi volcano. On our way, we will pass wild cattle and horses as well as llama herds. Each night we will camp in areas of astounding natural beauty.

Day 1. – Quito – El Tambo – Volcano Lagoon
After breakfast, we depart from Quito to El Tambo by jeep. On the way, we cross the high Andean pass of Papallacta (4050mts). From El Tambo, we set off on foot with our gear strapped on horseback. We hike through a huge Polylepis forest a unique little ecosystem within the Andes that hosts its own endemic flora and fauna. We make camp at a volcano lake 3.600mts. (Tents/BL/D)

Day 2. – Volcano Lagoon - Antisanilla Valley
We will trek uphill in order to reach the high plateau of Antisana, a wild and rugged area, steeped in millennia of geological history. We will have a chance to admire the varied flora of the Andes and marvel at its resilience to such dramatic climatic conditions. We camp at 4250m.  (Tents/BL/D)

Day 3. – Antisanilla – Cullurima River
Walk (4-5 hours) along the huge plateau, and if we are lucky we may catch glimpses of the largest bird in the world, the Andean condor, as well as other scavengers. The Andean fox may also be lurking, hunting small game. Campsite by the Cullurima River 3900m, overnight. (Tents/BL/D)

Day 4. – Cullurima River - Sincholagua
Today we will head toward the Sincholagua volcano (4-5 hours walk). The trail will take us through Andean paramo grass, and have us ford cold, pristine glacial rivers. Campsite at Sincholagua base 4000m, overnight. (Tents/BL/D)

Day 5. - Sincholagua – Cotopaxi National Park – Quito
We make an early start and walk toward Sincholagua 4380m and Cerro Chico then we will descend to the shores of Pita River enjoying the impressive snowcapped Cotopaxi volcano. We start our descent toward the Cotopaxi plateau at around 3900m. We will have lunch before driving back to Quito for a well-earned rest.

Includes
Private transportation from Quito to Quito, Campsite equipment 2-person tents, mules, cook, support personnel, first-aid kit, bilingual guides (English and French), mountain meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, BL=Box lunch, D=Dinner), Park entrance permits.

Not included
Personal equipment, travel, and health insurance, tips, personal expenses, beverages, Personal equipment (hiking/trekking clothing, plastic boots), Not specified meals and beverages.

What to bring
Rainwear, torch, sun cream, sunglasses, and hat with a brim, warm clothing, small pack, canteen, and camera (film 100 ASA)

Next departures: Jul.12-16–2021 / Ago.03–07–2021/ Ago. 17–21–2021