Duration : 1 day
Included : Box-lunch
Activitites / Highlights : Andean birds, paramo (highland) vegetarion, highest snow capped volcano
Code : NA-01

Itinerary :

Travel South 60km to the base of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano at 5.897m, home to the Turry Hummingbird, the Ecuadorian Hillstar endemic to Ecuador and the giant Andean Condor, with its 3m wingspan.  Observe the low growing vegetation and typical plants of the Paramo .  Depending on weather conditions and group interests, hike up to the snow line at  approximately 5.000 m. Picnic lunch  served in park area - Return to Quito in the late afternoon.

Duration : 1 day
Included : Box-lunch
Activitites / Highlights : Crater lake, remote and isolated Andean terrain, occasional shepherd
Code : NA-02   

We leave Quito and drive South along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, enjoying the wonderful Andean scenery, until we reach the town of Latacunga.  There we head to the Southwest up the Western Cordillera to the village of Zumbahua.  The route we follow takes us through really desolate Andean terrain, with its patchwork fields, the occasional shepherd and oxen at work.  From Zumbahua we take a dusty road to Quilotoa.  This is a volcanic crater filled by a dazzling aquarmarine lake.  From its rim the view of the surrounding volcanoes is fantastic.  Also, for the adventurous, the hike down the steep winding trail to the lake is really worthwhile.

Duration : 2 days, 1 night
Included : All meals and accommodation
Activitites / Highlights : Andean bird species and endemic bird species, cloud forest, orchids
Code : NA-06

The Tandayapa  valley extends for 6 km along the old Nono-Mindo road, from 1650m to  2350m above sea level, in the midst of the mid-altitude cloud forest.  It is an excellent area to experience the marvel of the Andean mixed species feeding flocks, as well as to observe species that are endemic to this area.  The lodging is comfortable and neat, and the food is very good.  For the serious birdwatcher, the lodges are strategically located as a base camp to explore the incredible diversity of the entire surrounding area.

Itinerary :

Day 1.  Early departure from Quito.  Slow drive along the old Nono-Mindo Road until we reach the lodge.  Lunch at the lodge.  Afternoon free to explore the area. Evening hike  after dinner. Overnight at the bird lodge.

Day 2.  Morning hike.  Return to Quito after lunch.  The exact itinerary for the hikes is agreed upon there, depending  on the specific interests of the client.

Optional. The tour may be extended to up to four days for the serious birdwatchers interested in exploring the entire surrounding area.

Duration : 1 day
Included : Lunch
Activitites / Highlights : Tulipe ruins and interpretation centre
Code : NA-12

Tulipe was built by the Yumbo people, who inhabited the north and northwestern valleys and mountains around Quito from around 800 to 1660 AD. It’s thought that the Yumbo people migrated to the Amazon after a great eruption of the Pichincha Volcano in 1660, and this theory is currently being investigated.

Although disregarded by the Spanish chroniclers and subsequent historians, the site at Tulipe, as well as the 2,000 pyramids and mounds now unearthed, point to an important nation. It’s thought that it controlled this crucial trade route between the Pacific coast, the Andes and the Amazon to the east. The remains at Tulipe suggests it was the civilisation’s main ceremonial site. It is made up of eight structures, one of which is of Incan construction, since the conquering Incas built their temple on top of the existing one. Water played a primordial role at Tulipe, with many pools reflecting its ceremonial importance.

The “Yumbo People Interpretation Centre” was inaugurated in 2007. It houses didactic information on the site and the Yumbos, and is the starting point for the future investigation of the geometric mounds, paths, cemeteries, petroglyphs and swimming pools which abound in the area.

We offer additional Adventure Tours, please contact us for more information.