On the Equatorial Ridges: 7 Days of Trekking in the Andes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAmerica / Ecuador
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AgeFrom 8 - 80 years
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COβ-Emissions57.59 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
Embark on a 7-day trekking adventure in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes ποΈ, between wild highlands , hidden valleys , and Andean villages nestled on mountainsides ποΈ. This trek takes you along less-traveled trails, at the pace of changing altitudes and spectacular panoramas that unfold as far as the eye can see π.
Each stage is an immersion in the authentic Ecuadorian culture πͺπ¨, between encounters with local communities π€, nights spent in mountain huts or with local families π, and discoveries of landscapes of raw beauty. You will climb high mountain passes, walk alongside high-altitude lagoons π§, and hike at the foot of majestic volcanoes π, in an atmosphere that is both stark and lush πΏ.
This trip combines physical exertion πͺ, contemplation π§ and a deep connection with nature π. Ideal for lovers of wide open spaces and unspoiled landscapes , this tour offers a unique experience, at the crossroads of adventure and discovery β¨.
The highlights
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A total immersion in spectacular Andean landscapes
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Guaranteed sporting adventure and connection with nature
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Departures available year-round with an experienced French-speaking local guide.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 843 m
- Average daily descent: 493 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
Spanish
Program
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Cusin Volcano Trek
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 20km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 530 m
- Negative elevation 530 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A proverb says, " Travel leaves you speechless at first , before transforming you into a storyteller . "
So let yourself be swept away on the adventure of this Extraordinary Journey to the land at the center of the world.
Chulla vida!
Accompaniment by private transport.
Cusin Volcano Trek:
On this first day of this acclimatization week, the Cusin Volcano will be your playground.
Accompanied by your guide, you will discover paramo landscapes while gently raising your heart rate.
You will then return to the lodge, where you will have dinner and sleep.
Difficulty: Moderate trek: Be in good shape, no technical level required!
Estimated duration : 3 hours. - Elevation gain : +530m. - Maximum altitude : 4000m. - Distance: 9km.
Day 1 -
Imbabura Volcano Trek
- Transportation Car - 02h - 53km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 1197 m
- Negative elevation 1197 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Imbabura Volcano Trek:
After your breakfast, your guide will take you to the Imbabura Volcano, located 1 hour's drive from the lodge.
This second day of acclimatization will increase the intensity of your efforts in a new natural setting, in the heart of one of the renowned peaks of the Avenue of Volcanoes.
You will then return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Difficulty: Moderate trek: Be in good physical condition, moderate technical level (with one exposed section requiring exposure to vertigo)
Estimated duration : 6 hours. - Elevation gain : +1197 m . - Maximum altitude : 4557 m . - Distance: 8.2 km.
Day 2 -
Angureal Summit Trek
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 16km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1230 m
- Negative elevation 1230 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Angureal Summit Trek:
Day three of this acclimatization week for a full route to continue your physical preparation. This is the day you will cover the greatest distance.
Return to the lodge where you will have dinner and rest.
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult trek: Be in very good shape, moderate technical level.
Estimated duration : 8 hours. - Elevation gain : +1230m. - Maximum altitude : 4848m . - Distance: 17-18km.
Day 3 -
Relaxation at Chimba
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day will be dedicated to rest after these three days of trekking and before resuming your journey towards the last stage of this week of acclimatization.
You can relax at the Las Golondrinas thermal baths and enjoy their tranquil setting. Ideal for recharging your batteries.
You will have lunch, dinner and sleep at the lodge.
Day 4 -
First steps towards the heights of Cayambe
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Start of the acclimatization hike with two nights in a tent at 4500m :
Departure around 11am to begin these three new days of trekking in Cayambe Park.
After a few hours of walking in high mountain landscapes, you will set up camp at 4500m for your first night in a tent.
Difficulty: Moderate trek: Be in good shape, no technical level required!
Estimated duration : 4-5 hours. - Elevation gain : +900m. - Maximum altitude : 4500m . - Distance: 7km
Day 5 -
Second day of the acclimatization walk
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Second day of the acclimatization walk :
Wake up surrounded by the Andean wilderness and continue your journey after breakfast and breaking camp. You'll spend a few hours exploring Cayambe National Park before setting up your tents and equipment again for another night at altitude.
Sleeping in the high mountains allows you to continue the acclimatization process and connect with your surrounding environment.
Difficulty: Moderate trek: Be in good shape, no technical level required!
Estimated duration : 6-7 hours. - Elevation gain : +1200m. - Maximum altitude : 5000m . - Distance: 12km
Day 6 -
Third day of acclimatization walking and return
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 6 km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Third day of acclimatization walking and return:
Last wake-up call in the tent announcing the end of this week of acclimatization in the high mountains with your guide.
You will dismantle your camp for the last time and descend back to the lodge in a walk of approximately 2 hours for a distance of 6km
You will leave the site where you have progressed over these seven days, prepared for the next part of your Andean adventures.
Accompaniment by private transport.
Day 7
Accommodation
An inn located at 3600m altitude on the slopes of the snow-capped Cayambe, in one of the areas designated for altitude acclimatization. In the community of "La Chimba", you will find cultural centers and opportunities for activities such as hiking, camping, trekking, birdwatching, agritourism, and much more.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
β’ All inclusive items (hotels, transport, guides, meals, entrance fees) mentioned for each day;
β’ Hotel and tourist service taxes;
β’ French-speaking assistance from our team 24/7 during your stay;
β’ Fees and taxes related to land, sea and air transport;
β’ Fees for guides and/or drivers.
The price does not include
β’ Round-trip international flight
β’ Domestic flights (unless otherwise specified in this proposal)
β’ Insurance (cancellation / repatriation / multi-risk / etc.). Please contact us for more information.
β’ Meals not mentioned
β’ Drinks
β’ Tips
β’ Personal expenses
β’ Potential visa fees and legal immigration procedures for traveling to Ecuador, depending on your nationality
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
βΉοΈ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Sunglasses with very good UV filtration
Sturdy backpack
Flashlight with spare battery(ies)
Gourd
Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings (clothes, cameras, etc.)
Adapter with American flat plugs for electrical appliances from Europe
Personal pharmacy
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Walking sticks (optional)
Snacks.
Clothing to bring
Warm clothing ( thermal base layer (like Oldo), windbreaker and fleece / hat / gloves / warm socks...)
K-Way type waterproof jacket
Thermal trousers and waterproof trousers
Hiking boots for treks
Closed sports shoes
Hat
Swimsuit
