Crossing the Avenue of Volcanoes

You will head up and along the southern flank of the Corazon volcano, reaching a height of just over 4,000 meters (13,123 ft). After 6 km (3,7 miles) the route heads southwest and then south along a ridge line through deep paramo depending slowly to 3,787 m (12,424 ft) at 14 km (8,6 miles). On a good day, wonderful views of Illiniza’s Volcano will be visible. Eventually, a very distinctive round hill (pimple) will be visible. From here the route connects with a track and farmers’ fields and depends further towards a bull ring! (Campsite) at 3,446m (11,305 ft). At the end of the day, we will settle in our camp with stunning mountain views next to a river and fresh mountain air.

Trek distance: 16 km (9,9 miles)

Elevation difference: + 800 meters (2,624 ft)

We will start our second trek, going at a lower altitude this time. The route heads east towards the ecological park of Boliche on the edges of the Cotopaxi NP, which is on the other side of the Pan American Highway. The team will need to go underneath the highway utilizing a short train tunnel. The train track is used for local tourist that runs a few times a day running very slowly so passengers can enjoy the scenery. Listen out for the train hooter! Heading out of the campsite farm the team head, using small roads, towards the village of El Chaupi.  There are a few shops in the town for treats or extra supplies.

The rest of the trek is a mix between no man’s land and crossing through little Indigenous communities. You will enjoy observing the daily life of the local people. After finding the tunnel and crossing into Boliche the teams will enter a fresh reserve and head towards the park entrance.

Trek distance: 20 km (12,4 miles)

Elevation difference: – 400 meters (1,312 ft)

After waking up, we will be able to appreciate the beautiful sunrise over the mountains. This is a long day but without any significant altitude gain. The highest point is 3,800 m (12,467 ft).

Leaving the campsite the team head initially north and then east out of the forest onto the paramo flanks of the Rumiñahui Volcano. The track is marked by small wooden posts. The route essentially traverses valley spurs to the campsite in Cotopaxi Park. Beautiful views of Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui as well as to the west of Illinizas and Corazon can be enjoyed on the route. After 20 km (12,4 miles) the small track becomes a vehicle track, which winds down towards the large camping grounds and park administrative buildings.

If we are lucky they may see some paramo deer in the area.

The campsite has access to toilets and a small restaurant.

Distance: 24 km (14,9 miles)

Elevation difference: – 600 m (1,968 ft)

After breakfast, the objective is to reach the Laguna Limpiopungo. The route will first take a flat track across easy terrain and then head to the left of a large canyon finding a path to the Lava valley. There are some really beautiful flowers and plants to see and amazing vistas of the whole of Cotopaxi park. From here a small path heads up to the Laguna. You will be able to observe a great reflection of the Volcano and a great Paramo sunset.

Trek distance: 18 km (11,1 miles)

Elevation difference: + 300 meters (984 ft)

From the Laguna, we will continue on the Paramo trail to Yanahurco (black mountain), a private reserve with Alpacas, deer, wild horses, and beautiful waterfalls. We will walk on an ancient Inca road, cross several rivers, an old lava canyon, and a grass paramo land.

Trek distance: 20 km (12,4 miles)

Elevation difference: – 500 m (1,640 ft)

Necessary Equipment Not Included

The rental of equipment should be confirmed in advance with your agent.

• All Gulliver cars come with advanced satellite tracking devices to control position and speed, or for extra safety in an unlikely case of an accident. Every car has full insurance. We always make sure to fulfill the highest security and safety standards for all our clients.

• You must have current travel insurance including personal medical insurance.

• Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

• Please note tips for our guides are not included in the price.