The Condor Trek

Description:
The Condor Trek is said to be the most beautiful trek in Ecuador. Even though physically demanding, with the aid of packhorses along the entire route makes it accessible to almost everyone. The Condor Trek runs across three ecological reserves and protected areas: the Cotopaxi National Park, the Antisana and the Cayambe Coca Reserve. 

This trek will lead us along the highlands of the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua and Antisana mountains to finally reach el Tambo which is one of the gates to the Amazonia. On clear days trekkers will enjoy the magnificent view of the Cotopaxi and Antisana- perhaps the two most beautiful snow-capped volcanoes of Ecuador- as well of breathtaking views of the Ecuadorian Andes. If lucky, we may be even able to admire the flight of the condor, the spectacular bird this trek is named after. On our way we will cross rivers, water streams and will camp aside lagoons. with a rewarding ending, this trek proposes a warm bath in the spring terms of Papallacta, a nearby town from our arrival point.

Duration: 5 days- 4 nights
Walking distance: 51 Km
Rating: Moderately Difficult
Altitude: This is a high altitude trek which permanently stands above 3.600 msnm. The starting point is Tambopaxi located at 3.700msnm and the arrival point is El Tambo at 3.644msnm. The highest points are the Sincholagua pass at 4.429msnm and the valley at the base of Antisana at about 4.400msnm.
Observations: This is a very challenging and physically demanding trek. If raining, mud slogging and cold may add some extra difficulties to the trek. Even under the more ideal conditions water streams keep parts of the route muddy all year around. Weather in the sierra may be very changing regardless of the season. Raining boots are a must.

Inclusions:

• Tents 
• Food and beverages during the trek 
• Private transportation 
• Bilingual mountain guide
• Entrance to National Park
• Tickets for the hot springs

Exclusions:

• Personal camping equipment (sleeping bag, mat)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips
• Meals not described in the itinerary

ITINERARY 

Day 1: QUITO – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK – TARACOCHA 

At 6:30am we leave Quito and head south for a nearly two hours ride to the Cotopaxi National Park. While our mule drivers (arrieros) load our baggage and gear on the mules, we will have breakfast at one of the Eco-lodges at the Cotopaxi National Park.

We begin our trek heading northeast to the Sincholagua mountain. This first day of the trek will last for about six to seven hours. We will start at 3.700 meters to ascend to the pass of the Sincholagua Mountain at 4429 meters prior to descend again on its east side to camp at approximately 3.900 meters. 

Our trek starts with an easy walk on a relatively flat terrain leading to the River Pita and to the valley of “La Merced”. The second portion of the trek involves a nearly constant and demanding ascent to reach the col of the Sincholagua at 4.429 meters. This is the highest point of the entire trek. We will then go along the edge of the mountain to start our descent on its east flank. By the late afternoon we will reach the Taracocha Lagoon where we will set up our campsite. 

Day 2: TARACOCHA - ANTISANA 

We will wake up early in the morning to pack the camp up. After breakfast we will head directly to the base of the Volcano Antisana. Day two of the trek involves about a six to seven hours hiking on usually dry terrain but does have river and water streams crossing. This part of the trek is considered the best place to spot the mighty Condor. 

Most of the hike takes place on a broad valley that begins at the base of Sincholagua and ends at Quebrada Pullirima Viejo. From this point we will start a gentle ascent, and will walk past the Micachocha Lagoon to reach our destination of the day at the bottom of the Antizana. We will camp aside the old and pitifully nowadays ruined hacienda house where Alexader Von Humboldt stayed during part of the time of his visit to Ecuador.

Day 3: ANTISANA – SANTA LUCIA LAGOON – TUMINGUINA LAGOON (B-BL-D)

After breakfast we pack the camp up and continue our trek. The first part of the trek goes through a broad valley along the edge of the Antizana. In about three hours we reach the Santa Lucía lagoon located just between the lava´s peaks of Antisanilla and the Antizana volcano. This first section of the trek is also known as good location for condor spotting. From here onwards the vegetation drastically changes as we start our descent to the Tuminguina Lagoon. We will make our way down slope through grassy vegetation at first and then through a narrow cloud forest band. By the late afternoon we will reach the beautiful Tuminguina lagoon, our last campsite. If weather allowing we may have a cold but refreshing bath in the lagoon. We may also explore the lava field at the north side of the lagoon.

Day 4: TUMINGUINA – EL TAMBO – PAPALLACTA – QUITO (B-BL)

This will be the shortest but the muddiest part of our trek. Overall, day four involves a moderate four- five hour hike. We will begin by climbing the steep slope on the north edge of the Tuminguina lagoon. Afterwards we will reach a countryside composed mainly of grassy hills, dirt and patches of polylepis. Once the base of the flat-topped hill of El Tambo is reached the trail smoothly starts its descent to the river of the same name. From here the terrain gradually gets wetter and muddier as we approach the Rio Tambo and its broad valley. By midday we should be arriving to our final destination where our transportation will be waiting for us. We will then drive to the nearby spring terms of Papallacta.

Just 45 minutes from the Quito International Airport, staying overnight at Termas de Papallacta is a fabulous alternative to staying at the Quito airport. 

Featuring a spa, a restaurant, and hot spring baths, Termas de Papallacta offers rooms and bungalows with free WiFi. Decorated with wooden walls and gabled roofs, rooms at Termas de Papallacta are fitted with wooden furnishing. Some of the bungalows feature seating areas with fireplaces.

Guests can relax in the thermal and swimming pools. Several beauty treatments are available at the spa, including aromatherapy, therapeutic massages, body treatments with mud and clay or chocolate, individual hydro massages, and Turkish baths at the Thermal Cave.

After a relaxing night and breakfast, you will check out and begin the transfer to the airport in order to connect your local or international flight. This transfer will take approximately 1 hour.