Colombia & Ecuador Trek

Climbing Nevado del Ruiz (5311m) in Colombia and Cotopaxi Volcano (5897m) in Ecuador

South America and the Andes represent a whole new world where they offer a lot of variety to even the most experienced adventurers. A handful of lakes, volcanoes, high mountains, but also historical heritage and smiling hosts. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to experience so much in fourteen days that will surely give you energy for the whole year, as well as the desire to return to these parts again. We tour the beautiful mountains and capital cities of Colombia and Ecuador.

We will constantly be at altitudes of 3000+ meters, so these treks are not very easy and require a good hiking condition, but the pleasure you will experience is priceless. During the trek, you will have the opportunity to climb Nevado del Ruiz (5311m) in Colombia and the Cotopaxi volcano (5897m) in Ecuador, as well as visit the most attractive locations in these two countries.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in BOGOTA

Arrival in Bogota at 7:00 p.m., transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 2

BOGOTA

Breakfast. Full day sightseeing of the capital of Colombia. The historical part of the city center, museums, botanical gardens, as well as a tour of the Monserrate monastery. Overnight stay.

Day 3

BOGOTA – LOS NEVADOS NP

Breakfast. Transfer to Los Nevados National Park. Accommodation at Hotel Menizales. Trek and easy acclimatization. Overnight.

Day 4

EL REFUGIO

Ascent to El Refugio lodge (4800m). There are thermal volcanic lagoons where you can bathe and relax after a hard trek. Overnight stay

Day 5

NEVADO DEL RUIZ (5311m)

Ascent to Nevado del Ruiz (5311m) and return to Menizales. Overnight stay.

Day 6

BOGOTA

Transfer Menizales – Bogota. Accommodation in a hotel. City tour. Overnight stay.

Day 7

BOGOTA - QUITO

Transfer to the airport. Flight by plane Bogota – Quito. Accommodation in a hotel. Tour of the capital of Ecuador with a guide. Overnight stay.

Day 8

PICHINCHA (4784m)

Breakfast. Transfer to the gondola, then ride up to the height of 3947m. The gondola is 2.5 km long. This is followed by a trek to the Pichincha volcano (4784m). Return to the gondola and descent to the foot of the mountain, then transfer to the hotel in Quito. Overnight stay.

Day 9

COTOPAXI (5897m)

Transfer to the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano takes about 90 minutes. The road leads all the way to 4500m where the hike to Jose Rivas home (4860m) begins. The hike takes about 1 hour. After accommodation in the home, lunch follows, and in the afternoon acclimatization to 5100m is done. However, since you have already climbed the peak of 5311m in Colombia, this is not necessary. This is followed by rest and preparation for the climb to the top.

Day 10

COTOPAXI (5897m)

Getting up at midnight, and starting the ascent at 01:00. There are two main routes to the top: Yanasacha and Heart breaker. Based on the weather situation and the quality of the snow, your guide decides which route to take. It takes about 5 hours from the Jose Rivas home to the top, and the descent to the home takes about 2.5 hours. After returning to the home, lunch follows, and then we go down to the parking lot, where the transfer to Quito awaits us. Arrival at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 11

MINDO NAMBILIO CLOUD FOREST RESERVE

After climbing Cotopaxi, a relaxing day follows. With a great variety of birds, the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve attracts ornithologists from all over the world. In Mindo, we can visit a butterfly farm, an orchid farm, hike to a waterfall and try chocolate and coffee made by the locals. Anyone who wants can rent a horse and go through a small riding school in the beautiful countryside. In the afternoon, transfer to Quito. Overnight.

Day 12

QUILOTOA

Breakfast. Transfer to Laguna Quilotoa. We tour the blue-green volcanic crater lake located in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. We walk to two viewpoints on the edge of the crater from which we can see Lake Quilotoa. On the way back to Quito, we will spend some time in artisan workshops in Tigua and La Victoria. We will visit two artisan workshops known for their colorful paintings and pottery. Transfer to Quito. Overnight.

Day 13

BANOS

Transfer to Banos. There are so many opportunities for various adventures here that it is difficult to list them all: Zip line, canyoning, rafting, hiking, the craziest swing in the world… First we visit the town of Machachi, La Casa del Arbol and the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall. We end the whole day’s adventure in the afternoon when we leave for Quito. Arrival at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 14

QUITO - BOGOTA

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Flight Quito – Bogota. Arrival in Bogotá. Free time to tour the city and buy souvenirs. In the evening, transfer to the airport. Departure.

Dates & Prices

May 23rd, 2023
Spots available: 2 1980 €, Per Person

F.A.Q.

What’s included in the price?
To maximize convenience, we include as much as possible, so you can just relax and think about hiking. Here’s what’s included:

The price includes:

  • air transport on the route Belgrade – Bogota – Belgrade
  • air transport on the route Bogota – Quito – Bogota
  • all airport taxes
  • minibus transfers airport – hotel – airport in Bogota and Quito
  • bus transport on all routes in Colombia & Ecuador
  • Gondola Quito – Pichincha – Quito
  • accommodation in 3* hotels according to the program, in 1/2 rooms, half board
  • Accommodation in mountain lodges during the ascent to Nevado del Ruiz & Cotopaxi
  • climb to Nevado del Ruiz (5311m) and Cotopaxi (5897m)
  • one-day trip to Pichincha (4784m) with a guide
  • guided day trips to Mindo Nambilio, Quilotoa & Banos
  • all entrance fees for National Parks
  • UIAA guide on the climb to the program
  • all permits and taxes in Colombia & Ecuador

The price does not include:

– visa for Colombia & Ecuador / only for countries that require a visa
– International health insurance
– personal expenses

Important: You’ll need to book your flights to and from Bogota, travel insurance and cover other personal expenses (etc. drinks, souvenirs…).

What’s the hike like?
The hike is moderate to strenuous. Every day hike is 4-6 hours, with easy pace. You will walk on mountain trail. It is safe and solid. It can be windy and cold because it is more than 4.000 above sea level.

What’s the city tour like?
All-day city tour is organized with a local guide and transportation. We will see the most important cultural and historical monuments in Bogota and Quito.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?
You need high level fitness level. The previous hiking experience at altitudes up to 4000 above sea level is mandatory. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start.

What do I need to bring with me?

  1. Backpack (30-40l)
  2. Travel bag; to be stored in the hotel for the duration of the hike
  3. Trekking pants
  4. Gore-Tex jacket
  5. Hiking shoes
  6. Trekking socks
  7. Cotton T-Shirts
  8. Active underwear
  9. Polar of woolen cap
  10. Hat (sun protection)
  11. Polar sweater
  12. Hiking gloves
  13. Towel, toiletries
  14. Sunglasses
  15. Headlamp
  16. Vacuum flask (2x1l)
  17. Medicine, vitamins
  18. Sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm
  19. Trekking poles
  20. Crampons / for climbing Cotopaxi

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and licensed UIAA guide.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and is freshly cooked, hearty mountain meals. These include domestic cheese and other local milk products, meat specialties, local fruit, fresh fruit and vegetable. We can organize your meal in the way you like. The drinks are not included.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know when you fill in your travel documents.

When can I go on this trip?
Book on to our pre-set dates above. If you are considering alternative dates, the perfect time for this adventure is between May and September.

What’s the weather like?
Colombian dry season is between May and September, and it is the best periods to visit this region. In summer the average temperature in Colombia & Ecuador can be around 30 degrees, but in the mountains is colder and temperature is around 5-10 degrees Celsius. On the top of the mountain there can be some snow parts.

Which flights should I book?
You should book flights to Bogota airport (Colombia capital).

How do I meet the transfer?
At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before travelling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 15. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Can I customize the trip?
Of course! For private groups of six or more the trip can run on any days you wish, be extended or changed to suit your needs. Enquire now for a private trip.