*Oyacachi Adventures is proud to support the local communities by employing porters who assist with the equipment transfer needs of the trip and enhance the experience for trekkers by sharing their local perspective.
Price: $200 US (min. 4 pax) -- Inquire about group rates.
If you are leaving from Quito for a day tour and are taking a bus, you will need to leave from the Ofelia bus station at 7:00 am.
7:30 am
If you are taking a private car, then your car will pick you up at your hotel or hostel at 7:30 am.
10:00 am
Arrival and welcome to the community and Ecological Reserve of Cayambe Coca of Oyacachi.
10:15 am
Orientation and review of equipment then free time to explore the community.
12:00 pm
Walk (or rent a car or bike US$10 dollars extra) down to the starting point of the trail where the road ends. Begin your trip in a cave, which has historical significance and is said to be the original location of the Virgin de Quinche. The local inhabitants call her "The Bears lady" or "Señora de los Osos" and you will learn about the legend of the salvation of the bears plague told by the ancient Oyacachi people.
12:30 pm
Eat a boxed lunch by the river packed with plenty of energy and nutritional value.
1:00 pm
This is the official start of the trek led by your local naturalist guide, walking downhill (never uphill) and taking in the gradual changes from the paramo to the Andean forest to the tropical forest. Walk at your own pace alongside the Oyacachi River, as it leads the way cutting through the valley down towards the Amazon. This was a trade trail used by Inca and pre-Inca peoples to transport goods.
4:30 pm
Arrive at 2,245 m above sea level and set up camp for the evening in the majestic mountainous setting.
6:00 pm
Dinner
7:00 pm
In the evening, gather around a campfire as your guide discusses the details of the day of hiking ahead, including background of this historic trail.
8: 00 pm
Rest in the serene camp with the refreshing mountain air.
DAY 2: OYACACHI – SISAHUA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 2
ACTIVITIES
7:00 am
Breakfast
8:00 am
After packing up, we continue walking downwards through tropical forest. Take in the vast number of trees, plant life, and always keep you eyes peeled for the great number of birds found in this area. Your guides will share a bird list with you.
12:30 pm
Lunch
3:00 pm
Stop to camp in a section called Sisahua, or the river’s ear, located 1925 meters above sea level. Here, you can fish for rainbow trout for dinner (don’t worry, there will be dinner regardless of your fishing skills), take time for photographs or take a dip in the river.
5:30 pm
Enjoy a delicious dinner.
6:30 pm
Relax by the campfire and hear an overview about the following day’s trekking experience.
8:30 pm
Rest at your second camp and enjoy the spectacular starlit sky.
See Day 3 for more details and to
Enquire About Availability for 2010
DAY 3: SISAHUA -- SANTA MARIA --EL CHACO – QUITO (BL)
DAY 3
ACTIVITIES
7:00 am
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast in the fresh air of the Andes.
8:00 am
Begin our last leg of the journey. As you walk lower and lower, notice the transformation of the forest into the jungle. This is the last day for experiencing the fantastic tropical forest, with some time to walk and feel the change to a more tropical climate. The vegetation includes new species of palm trees and tropical forest birds.
12:30 pm
Cross over the large suspension bridge that passes over your constant companion during the trip, the Oyacachi river. Now it is a wide strong river, unlike the bubbling brook that ran through the community of Oyacachi 3 days ago. We are at 1,810 meters above sea level.
1:30 pm
Arrival at final destination. Transport picks us up and takes us to a restaurant to enjoy one last meal before heading back to Quito or your next destination. NOTE: Itinerary is subject to minor changes.
Price: $200 US (min. 4 pax) -- Inquire about group rates
Package Includes:
Local naturalist tour leader
Packed lunch and bottled water
Entrance fee to thermal pool
camping gear apart from sleeping bag
Not Included:
Transportation Quito-Oyacachi-Quito (Ask us about available options)
Eat a boxed lunch by the river packed with plenty of energy and nutritional value.
Rest in the serene camp with the refreshing mountain air.
After packing up, we continue walking downwards through tropical forest. Take in the vast number of trees, plant life, and always keep you eyes peeled for the great number of birds found in this area. Your guides will share a bird list with you.
companion during the trip, the Oyacachi river. Now it is a wide strong river, unlike the bubbling brook that ran through the community of Oyacachi 3 days ago. We are at 1,810 meters above sea level.
Arrival at final destination. Transport picks us up and takes us to a restaurant to enjoy one last meal before heading back to Quito or your next destination.
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