STYLE: Extension Package
Trip Code: ECLTSCE
DIFFICULTY RATING: 3 Active Adventure (High Altitude In Some Areas)
Start: Quito, Ecuador
Finish: Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador
Daily
2 Breakfasts; 3 Lunches; 2 Dinners
Group Transfers From And To Quito
Lodge
Hike The Condor Machay Waterfall Trail; Participate In A Gratitude Ceremony For Pachamama (Mother Earth) At Hacienda El Porvenir; Horseback Riding; Immerse Yourself In Andean Traditions During Your Cooking In The Clouds Lessons; Hike Cotopaxi Volcano
Please Note: Itinerary Is Subject To Change Due To Weather Conditions
Booking a South America trip with Chimu is easy! Our signature tours are developed so you can choose your own departure date, choose your accommodation style and add extensions to customize your trip!
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Enjoy this 3 day extension package to explore the wonders of Cotopaxi.
Hacienda El Porvenir, located on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, offers an ideal base to explore Cotopaxi Volcano and its surrounding area. Situated just 1.5 hours from Quito, Hacienda El Porvenir is positioned 4 km from the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. At an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), it is surrounded by four volcanoes, including the iconic Cotopaxi. Hacienda El Porvenir is a working ranch focused on sustainable agriculture, livestock farming, conservation, and ecotourism, producing milk, cheese, and vegetables for its restaurant, with a herb garden that enhances its cuisine.
The farmhouse blends traditional Andean construction with local materials, centred around a large courtyard. The history of El Porvenir dates back to colonial times when it was managed by the Jesuits, who raised sheep and wild cattle. The current owners, the Pérez Gangotena family, opened Hacienda El Porvenir to visitors in 1999, sharing its beauty and adventure opportunities with travellers.
Hacienda El Porvenir provides a diverse range of adventures for guests to enjoy during their stay including (but not limited to) Horseback Riding and Cooking in the Clouds.
We suggest combining this extension with our Signature Galapagos or Signature Galapagos Express packages. On Day 3 instead of enjoying a day tour of Cotopaxi from Quito, you will transfer to Hacienda El Porvenir for 2 nights and on Day 5 you will return to Quito for an additional night before flying to the Galapagos Islands for your cruise.
Combine your stay at Hacienda El Porvenir with a trip to the Galapagos Islands on vessels like the Elite, Endemic or Ocean Spray! Contact us for more information and pricing.
This morning your driver and tour guide will pick you up in Quito to head to Hacienda Santa Rita, a private ecological reserve located on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500 ft). Here, we will hike the Condor Machay Waterfall Trail (a 45-minute to 1-hour hike). The trail features wooden stairs and railings where needed for safety. You'll descend a path with views of the Pita River flowing over petrified lahars, leading to a stunning and unique perspective of the Condor Machay Waterfall.
After the hike, we will return to our vehicle and drive to Hacienda El Porvenir to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in a gratitude ceremony for Pachamama (Mother Earth). In this folkloric ritual, Hacienda El Porvenir, a pioneer in nature conservation since 1992, invites you to connect with nature by planting a native tree, contributing to the preservation of this extraordinary ecosystem.
*Your stay at Hacienda el Porvenir includes most activities but may have a limited number of “extra cost” activities, which will be at your own cost and paid locally. Note that the sequence of the excursion as well as the logistics and/or duration might change depending on weather conditions.
In the morning, after enjoying a nutritious farm breakfast, you will receive a brief riding lesson from our experienced guides before setting out on horseback. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), this ride across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui will be an unforgettable experience. A legendary chagra from the region will accompany you and share his knowledge and culture along the way. After a ride of approximately three hours, you will return to the farmhouse where a tasty local lunch will be waiting for you.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Andean traditions during our Cooking in the Clouds lessons. The class begins with a hands-on cooking session where you will prepare our famous cheese empanadas, followed by the crafting of ají, a quintessential Ecuadorian chili sauce. Recipes for ají vary from home to home, but at Hacienda El Porvenir, you will learn to make it the traditional way using a stone mortar and a blend of fresh herbs and spices. Finally, you’ll learn how to prepare canelazo, a warm, spiced drink traditionally served during celebrations in the Ecuadorian highlands. After the class, you can enjoy your creations by a crackling fireplace.
The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir.
After enjoying breakfast at the Hacienda, your driver and guide will take you to Cotopaxi National Park (CNP), located just 4 km from the Hacienda. This fascinating drive passes through ancient lava flows from Cotopaxi’s past eruptions, making it an ideal place to learn about Andean geology.
During your visit, you will reach the car park below Cotopaxi’s Refuge, where a short but rewarding hike begins. The trail leads to the José Ribas Refuge, situated at an elevation of 4,800 meters (15,744 ft). The immensity of the volcano is awe-inspiring, leaving a lasting impression as you ascend.
After the hike, you will return to the vehicle and continue to Limpiopungo Lake, where a box lunch will be served amidst the stunning scenery. From there, the journey continues through rocky valleys until you arrive at Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress once part of the route to the Amazon basin. Nearby, natural springs emerge, carrying icy water from the underground rivers fed by Cotopaxi’s glaciers. Following this immersive experience, you will be transferred to Quito for your onward travels.
Hike the Condor Machay Waterfall Trail where you'll descend a path with views of the Pita River flowing over petrified lahars, leading to a stunning and unique perspective of the Condor Machay Waterfall.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a gratitude ceremony for Pachamama (Mother Earth). In this folkloric ritual, Hacienda El Porvenir, a pioneer in nature conservation since 1992, invites you to connect with nature by planting a native tree, contributing to the preservation of this extraordinary ecosystem.
Hike Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service
3 Days FROM USD 1,481 Enquire NowFrom USD 7,563
From USD 9,599
Was USD 10,075
NOW From USD 8,564
From USD 4,495
Prices are based on per person, twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note on day 1 you will depart Quito early in the morning and on day 3 you will return to Quito late in the evening, so at least 1 night pre and post accommodation is required in the city to accommodate your stay here.
If you wish to spend more time at the lodge please let your booking agent know and we can add additional nights. If you would like to explore more of mainland Ecuador this is also possible instead of returning to Quito.
Itinerary is subject to change to due weather conditions.
Horse Riders can't exceed 220 pounds of weight (99kg).
Accommodation in chosen room for 2 nights
Meals throughout while at the lodge (starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 3.
One soft drink per meal
Most activities while at the lodge. Some activities may be excluded and incur an additional cost
Licensed English-speaking guide
Group Transfers to/from Quito on a scheduled basis
Entrance fee to Santa Rita Ecological Reserve
Entrance to APU Mountain SPA wet area
Travel insurance
Tips
Alcoholic drinks
International flights
Any items not mentioned as included
Personal expenses
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Seasonality, availability and currency fluctuation.