This trip of 8 days is one of the most tiring, but also most rewarding, tours in Ecuador. We start out in paramo region, climb passes, cross rivers and move through forested areas. Sangay is one of the most active volcanoes in South America, with continuous rumbles and explosions. The decision to climb to the top of it depends on its activity at the time.

Day 1
We leave the Hotel Parque Italia at 9:00 a.m. and drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Riobamba. From there, a dirt road takes us in 2 hours to Aloa, the starting point of our trek.

Day 2
On the first day, we begin hiking early in the morning because we need 8-9 hours to reach our first camp, which is a shelter called Culebrillas.

Day 3
The next morning, we continue our trek toward the volcano. We leave the paramo region and continue in more forested areas. We reach our second overnight camp in about 5 hours.

Day 4
Another 5-hour hike brings us to our base camp at the foot of Sangay, which is called Campamento Playas. From there, we have a great view of this imposing volcano, which stands at 5100m.

Day 5
If we decide to climb Sangay, we start out at midnight and reach the summit in approximately 8 hours. Another 4 hours brings us back to our base camp. If we decide not to climb, we spend the day resting and exploring the surroundings.

Day 6
On this day, we walk straight back to Culebrillas, our first camp site.

Day 7
From there, the long hike back to Aloa, where we spend our last night.

Day 8
Return from Aloa to Quito by jeep.

Prices
$415 per person, for 2 people -- $385 per person, for 3 people
$355 per person, for 4 people

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