+44 (0) Highlights. Cross the equator & trek in the Pasochao rainforest

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1 +44 (0) To the south of Quito lie the Central Highlands of Ecuador, home to eight of the country s ten highest peaks. Christened the Avenue of the Volcanoes by the German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt in 1802, today this spectacular landscape provides a paradise for trekkers. Beginning in the Ecuador capital, your journey then takes you through the beautiful Pasochao Rainforest and into the volcanic landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, where you will have a chance to explore, by mountain bike and on horse back, the highest volcano in the world. Riding in the company of genuine Changas (Andean cowboys) and cycling through volcanic ash and Inca ruins, you ll take in the snow-capped Andean peaks, as well as the impressive cones of Cotopaxi and Chimorazo. Staying in the traditional Andean village of Guamote, you ll then walk to the furthest point from the centre of the earth, ride the historic Trans-Andean Railroad and hike the spectacular Quilotoa Loop, considered one of the best hikes in the country. Highlights Cross the equator & trek in the Pasochao rainforest Horse ride with the chagras in Cotopaxi national park & climb the volcano Mountain bike through spectacular mountain scenery and remote indigenous villages Hike the famous Quilatoa loop and descent the jaw dropping crater lake Ride the notorious Devil s nose train Tour Includes: 2 nights ranch accommodation, 2 nights guesthouse, 2 nights boutique hotel 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners Private vehicle Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

2 ITINERARY DAY 1: QUITO On arrival into Quito, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: QUITO - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK This morning you will be transferred to the Cotopaxi National Park. En-route you will cross hemispheres at the Equator monument, trek through the beautiful Pasochao Rainforest and end your journey in the spectacular volcanic region of Ecuador. There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way. (B, L, D) DAY 3: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK Horse-riding is a time honoured tradition in the Andean region and especially in the Altiplano of Cotopaxi National Park. Today you will ride with real chagras (Andean cowboys) heading out into the ruggedly beautiful Altiplano. (B, L, D) DAY 4: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - GUAMOTE This morning you be driven through the Paramo landscape to the highest point of Cotopaxi, where you will be able to enjoy views of the surrounding 8 volcanoes. You will cycle down the dirt roads through volcanic ash to the Inca ruin, which is located at 3700m where you will stop for a packed lunch before continuing from Lake Limpipungo through the pine forest. This afternoon you will be driven south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Guamote. The road is flanked by the majestic snow capped peaks of the Andes. Passing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, two of Ecuador's most impressive volcanoes, you arrive in the Andean village of Guamote where you will get an impression of the immense scale of this mountainous region. (B, L, D) DAY 5: GUAMOTE Morning to enjoy Guamote in your own time. This afternoon you will be met at your hotel by your guide and you will walk to Chimborazo Volcano, where you will be able to enjoy the sunset. The Chimborazo is the highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes and due to its close proximity to the equator it is also the furthest point from the centre of the earth. (B, L, D)

3 DAY 6: GUAMOTE - THE QUILOTOA LOOP After breakfast you will board the 'Nariz del Diablo' (Devil's Nose) train for a ride along the historic Trans-Andean Railroad. Travelling on the roof of the train from Guamote to Alausi, you pass through the most dramatic section of the railroad offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside. You will be driven the remainder of the journey to the town of Chugchilan in the Quilotoa region, famed for its spectacular beauty and great trekking opportunities. (B,D) DAY 7: THE QUILOTOA LOOP The Lake Quilotoa hike is considered one of the best hikes in Ecuador. You will be transferred to up to the lake, and then follow a mostly downhill course back to your lodge. This route takes about 4 to 6 hours, starting at an altitude of 3900 meters, traveling about a quarter of the rim around the lake and includes a visit to the dramatic Rio Sihui cliffs and an optional swim in the lake. (B, L, D) DAY 8: THE QUILOTOA LOOP - TIGUA - QUITO This morning you will be collected from your lodge for your journey back to Quito, stopping at the tiny town of Tigua along the way; an important centre for local arts and crafts. Here you can visit the local studios and see the artisans at work. You will then continue northwards to the capital where you will be transferred to the airport and your tour ends. (B)

4 ACCOMMODATION BANOS POSADA DEL ARTE This delightful, family run boutique property is conveniently located on a quiet street within walking distance of Baños' main attractions. The quirky Posada is a colourful showcase for Ecuadorian artists packed with over 50 works of art, and the welcoming staff and attractive decor make it one of the best midrange options available. All 15 rooms feature private bathrooms with 24 hour hot water and are decorated with original paintings. Guests can enjoy the attractive gardens and comfortable lounge to relax, read, listen to music, or enjoy a crackling fire. From among the plants beneath the third floor skylight can be heard the gentle rush of the waterfall, which tumbles from the mountains just a half block away. The comfortable restaurant serves a variety of cuisine, from excellent local fare to international favourites. COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK HACIENDA EL PORVENIR On the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, in a truly privileged position, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot from which to explore the Cotopaxi National Park and to get to know the Andean way of life at first hand. The lodge is just one and a half hours from Quito by car and just 4km from the northern entrance to the National Park. Located at 3,600m and surrounded by four volcanoes, guests can enjoy stunning views but must bear in mind that the altitude can make it cold throughout the year. With the capacity for just 42 guests, there is a personalised feel to the lodge and decor is traditional and simple. There are 9 rooms with en-suite bathrooms and the rest are shared so we would not use these. The farm house has a restaurant serving traditional home cooked meals and activities can be arranged from the lodge, such as trekking and horseback riding. GUAMOTE INTI SISA HOSTAL A wonderful yet simple lodge in Guamote, this hostal has just 8 rooms with private bathrooms (plus a dorm room). It is a community based project where all the proceeds go towards the education of the children of the village. Plus it is well located for some amazing activities and sightseeing. The vibe is homely and friendly with a great local kitchen serving up rustic and tasty local food. Welcoming staff help turn this simple lodge into a memorable stay. QUITO

5 SEBASTIAN HOTEL This well-located four star hotel offers tidy, well-maintained rooms, excellent service, and good value. All the rooms feature carpeting and 29-inch flatscreen televisions. The decor is almost stately, with gold bedspreads and subdued colours on the walls. Free Wi-Fi reaches just about every nook and cranny in the hotel. Rooms on the higher floors have great views, especially those on the south side, from which you can see Volcán Cotopaxi on a clear day. With its own filtering system, this is one of the few hotels in Quito, or in the country for that matter, to offer safe drinking water straight from the tap. THE QUILOTOA LOOP BLACK SHEEP INN Black Sheep Inn is an ecologically friendly hotel high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. This rural eco-lodge is a perfect place to discover centuries-old culture and diverse ecosystems in a spectacular setting. The Iliniza Ecological Reserve, the Rio Toachi Canyon, and Lake Quilotoa are all easy to hike from the front door. At over 10,400 feet in elevation, the accommodations offer all the comforts of home and there is gourmet vegetarian-only food served all day. There is also a yoga studio, hot tub and sauna, zipline and a plethora of great excursions. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com