Guagua Pichincha Volcano Hiking, 1 Day

Level: Moderate
ATG-01

The Guagua Pichincha Volcano standing at 4,874 meters is a spectacular place to hike. Easily accessible from the city it offers excellent views to both the coastal cloud forest and the Inter-Andean volcano valleys. Explore this dramatic paramo (highland) ecosystem on lookout for bird life and the opportunity to witness living geological history.

We drive over a ridge in southern Quito to reach Lloa, a traditional colonial town on the edge of the Mindo cloud forest reserve, one of the most diverse birding sites in the world. From Lloa we gain altitude through scenic roads with incredible vistas until we reach the paramo vegetation line at the 3,600 meter level. We continue climbing through dramatic canyons and ravines until we reach the end of the road. We hike to explore this unique ecosystem near and around the edge of the active Guagua (baby) Pichincha Volcano. We walk over the 4,000 meter level all the way to the volcano rim. We learn about the paramo ecosystem and birdlife, as well as the natural history of this life giving volcano. A healthy and appetizing picnic lunch will be served by your guide. We return to Quito in the afternoon.

INCLUDES: Professional naturalist guide, private transportation, lunch and drinks.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

• TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour each way
• TREKKING TIME: 3 to 4 hours
• SEASON: All year
• ALTITUDE: 3600 m to 4800 m
• SUGGESTED: Layered clothing, rain shell, sun block, gloves, trekking boots, binoculars