We leave Quito early in the morning (07h30 am) and reach Hacienda Santa Rita, a Private Ecological Reserve, located at 3200 meters (10,500 ft),  where we will hike for about three hours.

Condor Machay Waterfall (45 minutes - 1 hour hike): The entire path has wooden stairs and railing where necessary. We will hike down on a dirt trail where we can observe Pita river going on petrified lahars until we get to a beautiful view of the Condor Machay Waterfall.  

La Letra Trail (2 hours):  This hike has different paths between grassland and pastures and also crosses bridges over the river. Throughout the tour you can see birds such as turkeys, ducks, hummingbirds.  In addition, there is a great variety of paramo plants and trees lining the trails. We will have nice views of Cotopaxi, Sincholagua and Rumiñahui. Return on our vehicle for a drive back to Hacienda El Porvenir to enjoy lunch. During this afternoon we can participate on the Cotopaxi High Ropes Course. This is a high adventure activity with a low environmental impact, letting people with little or no knowledge of climbing techniques have a unique experience. Overnight stay.

In the morning we will have a delicious farm breakfast followed by a brief riding lesson from our guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), we ride out across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts for approximately 4 hours. Back in the farmhouse, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival. In the afternoon we go on a short walk to Bosque del Tentadero, a polylepis or paper barked tree forest. Overnight stay.

We begin our climb of Rumiñahui Volcano very early in the morning, crossing vast highlands swept by the cold breath of the Andes. In one single picture one can take in valleys, mountains and neighboring volcanoes. On a cloudless day, we will even have the opportunity to admire in the distance Ilinizas peaks and Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped mountain of Ecuador. Hiking takes about 5 hours total round trip. Hiking difficulty is middle. We will trek along with a local guide that will share with us his knowledge about the mountains, the páramo and the local culture. We will take a packed lunch and then you will go back to Hacienda El Porvenir, a warm fireplace will be waiting for you. Overnight stay.

Traditional breakfast and then we get ready to visit Cotopaxi National Park. We set off for the Park and eventually reach the car park below the refuge.  From there we will begin our short hike up to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m. (15,744 ft). It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of this volcano during the hike. Once back in the vehicle, we continue on our way, driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a wholesome box lunch will be served.
If there is time, we will visit the Park Visitors Centre, which has interesting descriptions of the local flora and fauna as well as details of the various eruptions of Cotopaxi.  We will then continue, crossing rocky valleys, until we reach the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress on the way to the Amazon basin.
Return to Quito.