Cotopaxi Lodge to Lodge Hike - 6 Days – Ecuador – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

Experience the Ecuador Andes on this stunning multi day hike through the highlands. This trip is a superb combination of trekking and comfort in the Cotopaxi Volcano area staying in comfortable Haciendas and lodges of the region. This itinerary will take us through valleys and Andean communities, private conservation areas, Cotopaxi National Park, archaeological sites through exclusive trails and properties.

Brief Itinerary 6D/5N:

‍Day 1: The Route of the Waterfalls

‍Day 2: Cotopaxipungo to Hacienda El Porvenir – Chagra’s Life

‍Day 3: Hacienda El Porvenir to Tambopaxi

‍Day 4: Tambopaxi to Hacienda El Tambo

‍Day 5: Hacienda El Tambo to Santo Domingo Lagoon

‍Day 6: Limpiopungo Lagoon to José Rivas Refuge

Departures: This trip can be booked year round, on demand.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: The Route of the Waterfalls

Today marks the start of your six-day trekking adventure through the stunning Avenue of the Volcanoes. This region, one of the most beautiful in the Andes, remains surprisingly off the beaten path.

Experience a perfect combination of breathtaking scenery, majestic volcanoes, and herds of wild horses in the Cotopaxi area.

Your day begins with a 7:30 AM pick-up from the Ibis Hotel in Quito for a 1.5-hour drive (approximately) to our starting point on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,499 ft).

The morning hike follows the Pita River, whose source is the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. This out-and-back trail (3–4 hours round trip) leads through lush vegetation and features picturesque waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing splash.

After returning, you’ll enjoy a recharging boxed lunch before continuing the second part of this acclimatization day. A 45-minute trek takes you through fields of high straw grass, offering clear-day views of snow-covered mountains like Antisana and Cayambe.

You’ll then have the option to hike to Cotopaxipungo (approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes) or opt for transportation.

Hiking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours total
Difficulty Level: Low
Overnight: Cotopaxipungo Hotel
Meals Included: Packed lunch

Day 2: Cotopaxipungo to Hacienda El Porvenir – Chagra’s Life

Rise and shine! After a hearty breakfast, the day begins with a hike toward Hacienda El Porvenir, a journey that immerses you in the culture and natural beauty of the Andes.

The trek starts on native forest trails, leading through a Chagra (Andean Cowboy) community, where you’ll gain insights into their traditional peasant lifestyle. Along the way, you’ll pass by a local school and learn about the challenges faced by the community and their collaborative efforts to improve education through social projects.

The trail varies, taking you across forest paths, canyons, gravel roads, and portions of ancient cobblestone roads. As you approach Hacienda El Porvenir, you’ll visit the serene Manto Blanco Waterfall, a beautiful highlight before reaching your destination.

Upon arrival at the hacienda, you’ll be treated to a wholesome meal followed by an enlightening session covering the region’s history, geology, flora, fauna, and local culture.

Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours
Overnight: Hacienda El Porvenir
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch included

Day 3: Hacienda El Porvenir to Tambopaxi

Start your day with a recharging breakfast before setting out on the exclusive trails of Hacienda El Porvenir. The trek begins with an ascent through a native forest, part of a vital conservation project, and continues until you reach the paramo – a high-altitude grassland ecosystem.

The highlight of the day is arriving at the Mirador de Los Guardianes del Volcán, a stunning viewpoint adorned with wooden sculptures that reflect the ancient cosmovision and deep connection between Andean cultures and the majestic volcanoes surrounding them.

From this remarkable vantage point, the trail descends toward Tambopaxi Lodge, located within Cotopaxi National Park. Surrounded by the dramatic Andean landscape, this lodge offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

Trekking Time: Approximately 7 hours
Overnight: Tambopaxi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch included

Day 4: Tambopaxi to Hacienda El Tambo

Gear up for an incredible day as you trek toward Hacienda El Tambo, situated on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The journey takes you through rolling hills and valleys watched over by the majestic Quilindaña, a rarely seen peak from the Central Andean Valley, often likened to the Matterhorn when viewed from its Italian side.

Today’s trek maintains an average altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 ft), with a climb reaching as high as 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) at a mountain pass. The trail offers a mix of flat terrain and a few challenging climbs.

The destination, Hacienda El Tambo, holds historical significance as it once served as an Inca refuge for travelers heading to the Amazon. The hacienda is built on original Inca stones, adding to the sense of history and adventure.

Today’s trek covers approximately 32 km (20 miles) and lasts about 7 hours, making it one of the most rewarding days of the journey.

Overnight: Hacienda El Tambo (Machai twin rooms with shared bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included

Day 5: Hacienda El Tambo to Santo Domingo Lagoon

An early start sets the pace for today’s westward trek toward the stunning Santo Domingo Lagoon. The trail is relatively flat and accessible, offering breathtaking views of glacial valleys and expansive panoramas that showcase the grandeur of the Andes.

After approximately 7 hours of walking, you’ll arrive at Santo Domingo Lagoon, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Hacienda El Porvenir for a well-deserved rest.

The average altitude of today’s trek is 3,850 meters (12,631 ft), ensuring you are acclimatized and ready for the grand finale: reaching Cotopaxi Refuge at 4,800 meters (15,744 ft) tomorrow.

Today’s journey covers 26.4 km (16.5 miles) of varied terrain, combining natural beauty with a sense of accomplishment.

Overnight: Hacienda El Porvenir
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch included

Day 6: Limpiopungo Lagoon to José Ribas Refuge

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on the final challenge of this adventure: reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters (15,748 ft) at the José Ribas Refuge. This day marks the culmination of five days of preparation and acclimatization.

The trek begins at the picturesque Limpiopungo Lagoon, and the trail ascends steadily, offering a breathtaking view of the Cotopaxi Volcano and its surrounding landscapes. The hike takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, with the trail covering 10 km (6.3 miles).

Upon arrival at the refuge, you’ll experience the raw power and scale of Cotopaxi up close. Here, a well-earned box lunch awaits before beginning the descent to the parking area, where a vehicle will be ready to transport you back to Quito.

This final day is a rewarding, steep climb, with an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) and an ascent of 1,067 meters (3,501 ft) from Limpiopungo Lagoon to the refuge.

Overnight: Transfer back to Quito (hotel can be arranged on request - additional coat)
Meals: Breakfast and box lunch included

Additional Trip Info

Accommodation (based on double occupancy). Cotopaxipungo, Hacienda El Porvenir, Tambopaxi.
Described meals with one soft drink per meal
Described activities
Licensed English speaking guide
Transport from and to Quito and safety vehicle support on daily hikes
Entrance to APU Mountain SPA wet area at El Porvenir
Entrance fee to Santa Rita Ecological Reserve