Go Back

Tour Itinerary

Day One:
8am pick up from Quito and drive northwest to the impressive crater of the extinct volcano Pululahua, with its maze of gullies and crags, forested with lush mountain vegetation and networks of fields and settlements. Drive to Calacalí, a typical rural Andean town which claims to be the true 'centre of the world' and has its own monument. Drive to Yunguilla village for lunch followed by an introduction to this mountain community and its conservation projects including a tour of its organic cheese and jam-making production and organic gardens. Spend the night in Tahuallullo hostal or with a local family.

Day Two:
BBreakfast followed by a drive along a beautiful mountain track to Ali Mountain where you will set off on this eight hour hike through primary forest. On a clear day you will have views of Volcanoes Pichincha and Cotacachi.  This hike is mainly downhill but it is challenging and the trail can be muddy and slippery. The trail begins at an altitude of 2,600 metres and descends to 1,900 metres. Along the way are many species of birds, including toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds and raptors; tropical plants, especially orchids; and with luck you will see the tracks of pumas or wild pigs. Have lunch along the way, arriving at Santa Lucia ecolodge for dinner.
*Your additional luggage not needed for your trip will be taken ahead by car to Santa Lucia.

Day Three:
Options include:

• early morning hike to the Andean Cock of The Rock lek (mating ritual) leaving at 4am returning to lodge at 9.30am
• hike through primary forest to three mountain waterfalls (three hour round trip)
• circular hike (90 minutes) taking in the orchid garden, giant tree swing and explanation of Santa Lucía's treeplanting and agroforestry projects
• hike to panela (sugar) making workshop (not always in production) - 90 minutes
• relaxing in the hammocks and enjoying the spectacular panoramic views.
• night walk to see and hear the sounds of nocturnal animals and birds of prey

Day Four:
After breakfast hike down through the forest passing through the banana plantation with shade grown coffee trees, to the Umachaca River where you can walk upstream to a wonderful waterfall which cascades into a beautiful pool (seasonal option depending on the flow of the river.) A good spot for your box lunch. Then take the pre-Inca trail which was used by the Yumbo people as a trade route, through an area of pristine primary forest, passing by two more waterfalls and an area of gorgeous tree ferns ( helechos gigantes ). Much of the trail is in the form of a deep trench called a "culunco,'' made by the Yumbo people. Look out for the tracks of wild pigs or and the elusive Puma. The trail opens out into lush meadow with fantastic views of the river below. A car will be waiting for you at 2pm to take you back to Quito.