Mixing the thrill of exploring an active volcano with a unique volunteering experience, this 3-day adventure has it all! Admire the stunning landscapes of the Cotopaxi surrounding areas during a hike through the hacienda trails, enjoy a 4 hours horseback riding adventure across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui with the company of an authentic chagra (Ecuadorian cowboy), that will share his deep knowledge of the country life.
Highlights
Visit a local school for a service project and cross-cultural experience
Ride out across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Transfer from Quito to local School. Meet the teachers and students and get familiar with the work and materials. Today’s tasks will include some of the following: fixing school facilities, painting walls, painting educative signs, fixing chairs and other furniture. Lunch at Hacienda El Porvenir. In the afternoon we will hike through the hacienda trails. A delicious traditional dinner will be served in our dining room with candlelight. Overnight at Hacienda El Porvenir.
Note: Itinerary subject to change according to school classes.
After breakfast, we will receive 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 get ready for our high rope course adventure. This is a high adventure activity with low environmental impact, letting people with little or no knowledge of climbing techniques have an unforgettable experience. Guests traverse ladders, nets, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, and more fun surprises at 20 ft from the ground (6m). Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Cotopaxi National Park
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast we leave the Hacienda and drive to Cotopaxi National Park. This is a very interesting drive through ancient lava flows from Cotopaxi’s past eruptions. The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean Geology. On our visit we reach the car park below the Cotopaxi’s Refuge, where we 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 the Volcano on this short hike. Once back in the vehicle, we continue on our way driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a wholesome box lunch will be served. This is an interesting site that is ideal for descriptions of the local flora and fauna, as well as details of the history and environmental conservation of the Park. We will also visit Pucará del Salitre. Return to Quito.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
My travel consultant went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly, everything from the flight reservations to the final booking.
johnw
4 months ago
We have told everyone we know about Adventure Life. What a great company to work with and no detail is missed. Call them for your next adventure!!
Paul Rupert
5 months ago
Clara was great to work with. She presented lots of options and always responded promptly. And she found excellent options within our price range.
Colorado Traveler
8 months ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
8 months ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.
