Imbabura Volcano guided hiking tour in Ecuador

Pablo, an IFMGA certified guide, will take you on this easy 2-day hike to the Imbabura Volcano, with the option of a cultural extension program on the third day.

Private

Andes

2 Days

All year

Highlights

Reach the top of the fantastic Imbabura.
Contemplate great views of San Pablo Lake.
Visit the Parque Condor and discover beautiful birds.

Description

Join me in this easy 2 or 3 day hike to the Imbabura Volcano (1519 m), near Quito, the capital city of Ecuador! On our way, we will hike through rocky outcroppings and tall paramo grass. Then, we will pass through lush vegetation, as we climb higher in the mountain.

Besides, the gentle slopes of the dormant Imbabura Volcano make it a perfect acclimatization hike. If you are preparing for other famous high altitude volcanoes, join me and get ready for the challenge! Also, on our way we will enjoy great views of San Pablo Lake, an impressive crater lake. It's Ecuador's largest natural lake.

The Imbabura is an extinct volcano, located 60 kilometres north of Quito. Also, it is near the village of Otavalo, famous for its large craft market.

This volcano has two summits. From the north summit of the normal route, the higher summit is reached by traversing a knife edge crater rim. The exposed and loose rocks make it a Class 3 climb. So, the last few meters are more tricky than most part of the climb.

If you choose to extend the program to 3 days, there is an optional cultural extension. We will enjoy a short trek near San Pablo Lake. Also, we will visit the Parque Condor, where we will see a bird of prey flight demonstration. We will find there many species of birds, such as kestrels, condors and small hawks.

Besides, we will hike to the village of Peguche, and we will pass by the Cascada de Peguche. This is a waterfall used by the Otavalo people for ritual purification. In Peguche we will visit a traditional museum, where we will see the native way of life. Also, we will see a flute making demonstration and visit a loom weaving.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you want to join me in this hike to Imbabura Volcano! I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this trip. Also, I offer a 2-day climb for beginners to Cotacachi Volcano. Check it out!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito-Cubilche-La Esperanza

From Quito, we will drive to the foothills of Cubilche. We will enjoy an easy 2 to3 hour hike to this popular scenic overlook. We will enjoy the amazing views of Cerro Cotacachi, Cayambe and Imbabura. We will stop for lunch at a small hidden lake. We will stay in La Esperanza, a picturesque lodge, and get ready for the climb.

Day 2: Imbabura climb

At 6 am we will drive to the trailhead. After a 5 hour climb we will reach the accessible point below the summit, as the true summit is exposed and would take us 8 hours. Then we will begin the descent, that will take us another 3 hours. We will then drive back to Quito.

Day 3: Cultural Extension

We will check into an hacienda on the shores of San Pablo Lake, at the end of the second day. We will enjoy a short hike by the lake after breakfast. Then we will visit the Parque Condor for a bird of prey flight demonstration. Later, we will hike to the Cascada de Peguche and a nearby Quichua village with tapestry and flute making demonstrations. We will drive back to Quito.

Details

Accommodation

1 night at La Esperanza Lodge (2-day program) 1 night at ranch on the shores of San Pablo Lake ( 3-day program)

More info

Contact me for information about the price.

Meeting point

Quito

About the guide

Pablo

Mountain Guide

UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide from Ecuador.

I fell in love with the mountains at a young age while climbing Ecuador’s volcanoes with my father. I guided in the Andes for 8 years and have been guiding for the past four years in the Northwest United States. In 1997 I expanded his adventure skills by taking on rock climbing. I represented Chimborazo province three times as the Ecuadorian National Rock Climbing Champion.

I completed his UIAGM certification with the Bolivian Mountain & Trekking Guide Association, accredited by the National School of Ski and Alpinism of Chamonix (ENSA), and completed Advanced Alpine and Rock Guides Courses with American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).

I usually spend some months every year in Ecuador (from October to January, but it varies every year). The rest of the year I am based and guide in Europe.

Languages

English

Certificates

ASEGUIM

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