Piñan 4-day guided trek, Ecuador
Piñan offers an amazing trekking trail and IFMGA certified guide Edgar is eager to accompany you. Enjoy a guided tour among the incredible Andean Forest during 4 days.
Andes
4 Days
Jan - Mar, Nov, Dec
Description
The Piñan Trek is a beautiful hiking trail located in the Andean village of Piñan, just in the middle of the Cotacachi Cayapas Eco Reserve. It is 3.100 meters high and is characterized by the diversity of landscapes.
Today I invite you to a guided trek of 4 days through the Piñan trail. It will be an incredible adventure with its starting point in Quito. For more details about the full itinerary, please keep reading:
DAY 1: QUITO – IRUGUINCHU – PUKARA CAMP
Very early in the morning we will leave Quito by car towards the village of Iruguinchu. Here we will meet our porters that will help us to carry our luggage during the entire trip.
And here starts our hike in direction to Churoloma Mountain at 3.600 meters of height. From there, we’ll have a perfect view of the cities of Otavalo and Ibarra and of many incredible volcanoes such as the famous Cayambe.
Our camp is a little higher, in Pukara, at 3.450 meters. Once in there, we set up the camp and spend the night in tents. Total walking time of this day: about 5 hours.
DAY 2: PUKARA CAMP – YANACOCHA LAGOON
After breakfast, we will pack all the things and start a new hiking day. The path turns into a narrower one leading to an Andean Forest, from where we can admire variety of plants. After an intense hike up we will gain an altitude of 4.000 meters. From there, we will get a privileged viewpoint of the Chota Valley.
We will continue walking up to 100 more meters so that we can finally descent to our base camp, in the Yanacocha Lagoon (3.900m). Dinner and overnight. Total walking time: about 7-8 hours.
DAY 3: ASCENT TO YANAHURCO DEL PIÑAN – PIEDRA BLANCA
Another day which starts very early because a new challenge is waiting for us: climbing to the Yanahurco del Piñan at 4.535 meters. The way up to its summit is sustained and we’ll have to walk on a rocky edge. But once we overcome that section, we will get an incredible panoramic view of all the Ecuadorian snow-capped peaks!
After that, we will descent to Piedra Blanca at 3.900 meters and we will rest here. Total waking time for today: 8 to 9 hours.
DAY 4: PIEDRA BLANCA – QUITO
After breakfast, we’ll disarm our camp and walk back among the dense forest. This time we can admire wild animals such as deer, Andean rabbits and hawks. The Piñan Trek finishes in the village of Pichanchi, where we will enjoy a deserved thermal bath before returning to Quito.
As you can see, it is an incredible trekking trip across one of the wildest forest of the region. The altitude reached will give us unforgettable views. For further information and prices, please get in touch with me. It will be a honor for me to be your guide in the Piñan adventure!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Meeting point
About the guide
-Edgar & Guides' team
4.7
(43)
Mountain Guide
UIAGM/IFMGA-ASEGUIM Mountain Guide from Ecuador.
I am a mountain guide, but also a passionate traveler, climber in rock and ice, and photographer. I spend my free time and holidays exploring new destinations, discovering new mountains and cultures.
I have more than 27 years of experience climbing mountains and volcanoes not only in Ecuador, but also in other South American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and in the Alps in Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Nepal. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, Aconcagua in los Andes and Mt. McKinley in Alaska. This experiences prepared me to lead expeditions in challenging routes all around the world.
I studied 6 years of Tourism in the University, and followed ASEGUIM courses to become a mountain guide. I’ve also been evaluated by ENSA, and completed first aid courses in the Ecuadorian Red Cross.
I like guiding people from all around the world, and help them discover and enjoy the mountains, while reaching their objectives. I speak Spanish, English, German, Italian, and a bit of Russian.
Languages
Russian | Italian | German | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM | UIAGM
What people are saying about -Edgar & Guides' team
Viviana
My guide’s name was Francisco and he was great. He knew very well the region and was very good on the Technical knowledge. Really enjoyed climbing the volcanoes with him. I did not like that I was told tha a guide mames Edgar was going to be my guide without any explanation.
Irina
Paul
I am rating my travel experience with Explore Share below average. This is due to two primary factors: First, I was not aware, and was not informed that I would have multiple guides and drivers during my tour, and that those guides were only for the mountain or the drive. In my past experience, the guide has been present throughout the trip, and able to assist with multiple different matters. Second, my primary guide and my driver knew very little English, and I know only some Spanish, so we were not able to communicate very well. This led to several misunderstandings which produced delays, wasted effort, and frustration for both parties. So, my trip was characterized by anxiety and confusion about what was happening next, and frustration with the whole process. As well, the tour stated that if I arrived during the day on Saturday, that there would be some tour around Quito. I arrived on Friday which was well known since the driver did transport me from the airport to the hotel. However, I was not contacted and there was no offer of any tour on Saturday, so I was completely on my own. My first contact with the guide was on Sunday morning. Finally, my primary objectives were to summit Cotopaxi, and Chimborazzo. We did not summit either as the guide called off the climbs - one for weather, and one for avalanche danger. I understand and respect the mountains in this regard, but still this is very disappointing, and I just didn’t sense the guide really cared either way. While all of the hotels were nice, I did not have a good trip, it was not enjoyable, and I do not feel that I received all that was promised. I am therefore respectfully requesting a 10% refund. Please advise Thank you.
Kyle
Wonderful group of people... Highly recommend Miguel as a guide
Adam
Our guide Segundo Parra was fantastic. Very professional and willing to pivot when our plans changed in order to create the best possible experience. Most importantly, I had complete confidence in him.
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.