Day 1: Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Lasso
In the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel by the guide and driver for heading south to the Cotopaxi National Park; we’ll be brought to the entrance of the Park, pay a short visit to the natural museum to learn about its nature, geology, history and eruptions of the centerpiece of the park, the Cotopaxi volcano (5897m).
We continue our way into the park and stop at the Limpiopungo Lake (3800mts.). Here we will make an acclimatizing walk while observing semi-wild horses, a variety of ducks, llamas, hummingbirds and Andean gulls.
Afterwards we drive to the parking lot (4600mts.) it’s a long yet fabulous 45 minute walk up to the
José Ribas refuge (4800 mts.)
On clear days we have the most incredible views up here. Once we are above, we’ll enjoy a short break at the refuge and if we feel fit enough we’ll continue to the nearby glacier.
On the glacier we have some incredible picture opportunities and the spectacular scenery at the immense ice walls and deep crevasses. A delicious lunch will be served at local restaurant. After lunch we will drive to your hotel. Overnight at Cotopaxi area.
Day 2: Cotopaxi – Tigua Valley – Quilota Lake – Quito
We continue our adventure driving to Quilotoa area, on the way we will appreciate a majestic landscape with a countless Andean crops such as barley, wheat, potatoes and quinoa.
Later on we will make a stop in the community of Tigua well known for their artists who make colorful paints which are elaborated on sheepskin canvases; their paints represent Andean landscapes, people and daily life. Afterwards continue to Quilotoa Lake passing Zumbahua town to visit the local market available only on Saturdays.
We arrive to Quilotoa Lake and we it a good chance to take a picture of an impressive extinct volcano crater which hold a vivid green lake. The impressive Quilotoa crater has a diameter of 2 km and a depth of 500 m from the crater´s rim.
A typical food will be served as lunch at local hacienda, afterwards we drive approximately 3 ½ hours to back to Quito, we will drop you off at your choice hotel.
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