This Cotopaxi service project supports conservation initiatives in the Cotopaxi National Park and on private preserves within the Condor Biosphere (a 5.4 million acre conservation project consisting of public and private land). This Ecuador tour combines adventure such as horseback riding and mountain biking with conservation projects focusing on trail maintenance and native tree reforestation in the Ecuador highlands on the paramo (Andean grasslands).
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Depart in the morning from Quito and drive towards the towering Cotopaxi Volcano and arrive to the Hacienda Santa Rita Ecological Reserve to explore the forest canopy by. This system was originally used by scientists who were doing research in the forest. The area provides a great opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the scenery and is an adrenaline rush as you soar above the trees. After a pack lunch, the group will be lead by the reserve's park rangers to perform trail maintenance and rehabilitation.
In the evening, drive to El Porvenir, a fully-functioning hacienda and our base for the next two nights, set high in the Andean paramo with spectacular views of Cotopaxi. Enjoy a nice traditional dinner and relax by the fireplace.
Click here to watch Youtube video to learn more about El Porvenir and the Tierra del Volcan's area near Cotopaxi.
A brief orientation is given in the morning to get acquainted with the horses. Head out on horseback in the spirit of the Chagras (Ecuadorian highland cowboys) to visit the foothills of Rumiñahui Volcano, riding side by side with herds of wild horses and bulls. As you cross the paramo, enjoy the bird and wildlife, and the native guides will share their knowledge of medicinal plants. Afterwards a delicious lunch of local dishes awaits us upon our return to the farmhouse.
During the afternoon, participate in a forest reforestation initiative to plant trees in Hacienda El Porvenir to regenerate forests that were adversely affected by wildfire and outdated practices of clearcutting. This program has planted over 400,000 trees to date with a goal of one million trees, and the forests provide crucial habitat for wildlife and protects the soil for productive agricultural use and the watershed that supplies the water to Quito. The group will participate in tending to saplings in the nursery, planting, weeding existing areas, and preparing land for next season's planting. Return to El Porvenir for dinner.
Day 3: Cotopaxi National Park Trail Maintenance
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After enjoying the views of the volcano over the last two days, drive for 45 minutes into the Cotopaxi National Park. An hour hike takes us to the climbing hut (refugio) and a nearby glacier at 4,800 meters (14,760 ft) above sea level.
Continue by vehicle to visit Laguna de Limpiopungo, a shallow Andean lake that is a great bird habitat, and have lunch. You will work with Cotopaxi's rangers to perform maintenance on the self-guided trail around this lake. In the late afternoon, 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 was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
My travel consultant went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly, everything from the flight reservations to the final booking.
johnw
5 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
9 months ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
9 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.
