Cotopaxi Adventure Tour – Gay Travel Ecuador

Day 1: Welcome to Quito!

Upon arrival in Quito, we’ll be transferred to our stylish and modern hotel. Due to late flight arrivals for many, we’ll have the evening on our own to settle in and rest from traveling. Group activities begin the next morning.

Day 2: Quito City Tour and The Hacienda

Today begins with a visit to Quito’s colonial area. Quito is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the Americas best-preserved historic cities. The group will partake in an urban walk down the brick-laden streets of the city while discovering many of its legends, mysteries and hidden treasures. We will make our way to “Plaza de la Independencia”, La Compañía de Jesús, and the Museo de Arte Colonial. After a full day of meandering down the streets of Quito, we will enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant and afterward make our way to the hacienda, located on the rich slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano in the privileged Valley of El Pedregal.

Day 3: Horseback Riding and Cooking Class

After we’ve enjoyed a delicious traditional Hacienda breakfast we will journey out for a spectacular horseback ride to the heights of majestic Rumiñahui. Here you will become acquainted with your horse and you are welcome to trot or canter on the high plateau of Rumiñahui. The men in chaps are real cowboys! Once we reach the base of the Central Summit, there will be an opportunity to spy on soaring Andean birds, view herds of wild bravo cattle and wild horses. Rest assured, beginners and experienced riders alike will find what a superb adventure it is to be immersed in the local Chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys) culture. Jump at the opportunity to take your ride “off-road” down ancient wild horse tracks. On clear days you will be impressed to view a spectacular landscape dotted with more than 12 volcanoes. A delicious lunch of local dishes awaits us at the Hacienda once we’ve had our fill of the rugged cowboy way of life.

In the afternoon we will learn how to milk a cow by hand and later enjoy a cooking class, Cooking in the Clouds, focusing on traditional Ecuadorian cooking methods.

Day 4: Quilotoa Crater

We will start our morning with a drive to Quilotoa, a long-extinct volcano crater full of emerald green water. The drive to Laguna Quilotoa displays a beautiful view of the regal Andean mountains, passing through many indigenous towns and farmlands and the ancient canyon of Zumbahua. The trip through these quaint villages of this area provides a fantastic glimpse into one of the most authentic parts of the country. We will hike down into the crater onto the lake-shore (45 min), with an optional mule ride out if you feel too tired to make the trek back up. After this short excursion, we will have a tasty packed lunch. In the afternoon we will return to the hacienda for dinner and a relaxing evening around the wood-burning fireplace.

Day 5: Rumiñahui Trekking 

Today will be another amazing day! We will depart early this morning and head to Rumiñahui Volcano, crossing vast highlands surrounded by the fabulous Andres. Endless views of valleys, mountains, and neighboring volcanoes will have you on the edge of your seat. If it happens to be a cloudless day, we will have a view of the Ilinizas peaks and Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped mountain in Ecuador. The trek today will take all day at a moderate pace and difficulty level. Tonight will be a warm delicious meal at the hacienda.

Day 6: High Rope Course and Red Trail Hike

After a hearty breakfast, we will experience an adventure program, a High Ropes Course that serves up the opportunity to participate in a series of activities in a safe environment involving physical, mental and emotional challenges. The activity lasts about an hour and a half; depending on the group size. A full lunch will be served at the Hacienda house. This afternoon we will hike to the Red Trail. Here we will learn about the highland ecology and conservation challenges. Hiking time is roughly 2 hours.

Day 7: Full Day of Volcano(Mountain) Biking and Hasta Luego!

How many of you can say you have mountain biked down the side of a volcano? After Cotopaxi erupted in 2015, the area had limited access, but it is open once again. Today we head out towards Cotopaxi National Park. From the parking lot at 14,400 feet, we will start our descent of 3200 feet to the valley. Our route will depend on your comfort levels, the local guides are professionals at the sport and will make sure you are comfortable. We will stop along the way for a packed lunch at Limpiopungo Lake, a wetland brimming with relevance for birdlife conservation. If time allows, we will pass by the ruins of an ancient Inca fortress, Pucará del Salitre.

After this exhilarating journey, we will make our way to Quito, with a stop for our farewell dinner before heading to the airport for our departure.

As of Feb. 2018, all guest traveling to Ecuador must be able to show proof of public or private insurance.