Trekking in Ecuador

The Cajas Nacional Parque in Ecuador, South America covers a wilderness area of over 28544 hectares of Andean plateau filled with lakes.

This entire region is rich in bio diversity and one can spot condors, pumas, foxes, Andean toucans, deer, mountain wolves and many different species of birds in the water bodies.

The trail is always over 3000 meters and at the highest point is a little over 4100 meters.

The climate varies from humid to cold and it’s common to have rain.

Local horsemen and mules can be used to offload your main backpacks.

Stay is in tents.

Day 0:
Arrive in Ecuador either at Quito or Guayaquil
Pick up from airport by hotel shuttle. Night stay at hotel
(Not included in price)

Day 1:
Option 1:
Transfer to Cuenca from Quito. Cuenca City tour, short hike nearby view point, lunch. Afternoon free to chill and enjoy city. Dinner then hotel.

Option 2:
If you arrive in Guayaquil, pick up at hotel. Drive to Cuenca 4 hours. Lunch on the way and City tour.

Day 2: Cuenca
Pick up at hotel.
Aclimatization Hike, nice loop around Cojitambo Mountain, Inca ruins, local villages.
Starts at 2850 meters highest point 3100 meters
Total distance: 3.6 km total
Packed lunch
Dinner and briefing about hike.
Night at hotel.

Day 3:
Pick up from hotel. Hike starts in small horsemen village on the west slope of the Cajas at 3650 meters.
Distance: 9 km
Altitude gain: 500 meters
Camp site at 3850 meters
Camping at Lake Mangacocha.
All meals provided.

Day 4:
Hike distance: 7km
Altitude gain: 500 meters
Camp site at Lagartococha 4000meters
Optional Hike to a peak nearby to enjoy an Andes sunset.
2km round trip with Altitude gain of 300 meters

Day 5:
Hike distance: 10km
Altitude gain: 300 meters
Camp at River Chico Soldados
3500 meters

Day 6:
Hike: 7 km
Descend to 3100 meters
Camp site next to hot springs

Day 7:
Drive to Cuenca. Lunch and afternoon free to explore the beautiful city and shopping.
Farewell dinner at hotel.

Day 8:
Transfer out