Ecuador Challenge for Shelter

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the Baroque school of Quito, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. Quito was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1978. Due to the beauty and history of colonial Quito, the main emphasis is given to the old city. In colonial Quito you will walk around the Independence Square, from where it is possible to see and photograph the House of the President, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the City Hall. There you will find the most striking churches in the city.

The Compañia de Jesus, the most impressive church in Ecuador, was built and finished about 350 years ago by Jesuits.

Another impressive site in the tour is the San Francisco Square, a cobblestone square one block in size, surrounded by whitewashed buildings with red tile roofs. You will have time for lunch at a restaurant in Colonial Quito and continue your visit towards the Equatorial Monument.

The Equatorial Monument is located at Latitude 00, the exact middle of the world. Here you will be able to stand with a foot in each hemisphere (North + South). There is an Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different native groups living in Ecuador, as well as a colonial-style town, with a main square, a church, cafeterias, restaurants, and gift shops. You will return to the Swissotel for an overnight stay. (B,L,D).

Accommodation: Hotel

Greet the dawn as you rise very early today to begin today’s acclimatization trek following a steep trail, gaining altitude with each step as the vegetation around you begins to change mainly to species of Ichu grass adapted to the harsh high-altitude environment. If you are lucky with the weather the vista will boast breath-taking views of Pichincha, Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi volcanoes as you press on towards the base of Pasochoa. Depending the energy levels, and the way the group are adjusting to the altitude, there will be the optional chance to trek to the summit of Pasochoa (4,200m). On your descent back to the campsite you will also have the chance to give back to the environment by participating in a worthy reforestation project. (6-8 hours walking approx.) (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Camping (approx. 3,200m)

Today you will feel the benefit of acclimatization as you gently gain more altitude, trekking into Cotopaxi National Park and traversing this highland plateau. This complex high-altitude moorland ecosystem supports wild horses, foxes and the iconic Cara Cara bird of prey, which if you are lucky, can be spotted among scrub and low shrubs of this enigmatic landscape. Along the route you will be introduced to the archaeological site of Incahuasi, the remains of an Inca tambo (rest house), we will then visit the Manantial natural spring before returning to the same campsite (approx. 6 -8 hours walking) (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Camping (approx. 3,630m)

Today is time to say Adios Ecuador! The flight home is the perfect opportunity to reflect on all you have achieved, before sharing your fantastic journey with friends, family and supporters. (B)