Chimborazo Volcano and Ozogoche Lakes

Rates include: 1 night Swissotel or LeParc in Quito and 2 nights at local hacienda

5 star accommodation: $761 per person (min 2 guests)

Departure Days: Wednesday only

Program Description:

Day 1: Chimborazo Volcano and Reserve
Travel through the "Avenue of Volcanoes" to the snow covered slopes of Chimborazo, an extinct volcano and the highest peak in Ecuador (6,310m / 20,703 ft), view the flora and fauna of the Andean paramo. En route we will pass by some of the most outstanding and least traveled routes of the highlands passing by agricultural fields, tiny indigenous communities with straw-braided huts, llama and sheep herds. Our aim is to reach Carrel Refuge at 4,800 m / 15,749 ft by car and from there a 30 min. walk to Whymper Refuge at 5,000 m / 16,405 ft, if you do it you may brag with your friends about climbing Chimborazo, one of the highest peaks on the planet (6,310 m / 20,703 ft). If you are affected by high altitude we would go down immediately and you may still brag!! We will have lunch en route and arrive at Riobamba late in the afternoon. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Overnight at Hosteria Abraspungo or similar

Day 2: Guamote Market and Ozogoche Lakes
After a relaxed breakfast we will aim to discover charming tiny Indian communities and the indigenous market of Guamote which takes over a whole town with different plazas offering live animals and forage, potatoes, vegetables, cereals, poultry, guinea pigs, prepared food, traditional attires, all this hidden under the red ponchos of sellers and buyers. We continue to Ozogoche or Atillo lakes ( 4,000 m / 13,000 ft above sea level) with its mysterious and impressive surroundings. Return to Riobamba early in the afternoon for our second treat of the mysterious Altar volcano with its enticing peaks like “Bishop”, “Nun” , “Canon” and “Friar”, a perfect canvas for the small colonial city. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Overnight at Hosteria Abraspungo or similar

Day 3: Devil's Nose Train
Today we have a very early start to get on the roof of the 100 year old train and travel across the highlands, at low speed, with full view of Chimborazo, Altar and Carihuairazo snow covered volcanoes. Passing by agricultural fields, our aim is to reach the "Devil's Nose" going back and forth until we get to the bottom of the gorge and then up the same way. After a late lunch we return to Quito by car. (breakfast and lunch included)
Overnight at Swissotel or LeParc