Ecuador llama trekking tours, trek Andean trails
Sample itinerary Llama trek tour
Ecuador is a wonderfull melting pot of landscapes, live cultures and wildlife. The majestic Andes have a magnetic pull to adventure travellers. An extremelly fun way to explore small villages, gorges, canyons and enjoy wonderfull scenery is on foot, to make it even more fun you can take a Llama along to help you with your gear.
Our Llama Treks include all your gear, tents, sleeping bags, sleep mats, cookware, delicious food and of course the Llamas!!! Remember, you don't ride the llamas, you hike along side of them and they carry your equipment. Each day is approximately six hours of walking, with altitudes ranging from 2500m to 3900m (7800 feet to 12,700 feet). All meals are provided.
Below is a sample itinerary of a fun Llama trek.
Day 1 - Quito
Arrive in Quito and transfer to your eco lodge near the airport.
Day 2 - Quito - San Jorge Eco lodge
Today we will explore the San Jorge botanical reserve, we will hike in company of our own Llama. The reserve is located within an 18th century Ecuadorian farm, situated on 200 acres of untouched, protected land, preserving the wild & natural habitat of the many endemic plants, animals and over 100 different species of exotic birds, native only to the Andes region.
Day 3 - Quito - Chucgchilan (Black Sheep Inn)
Today we depart Quito southbound through the avenue of the volcanoes, we will pass by majestic Cotopaxi and its snow covered summit. We will leave the Panamerican highway and head off the beaten path visiting indigenous markets as we go. We will encounter several llamas with their owners on the roadside as we visit small villages and artisan shops.
We arrive at the Black sheep inn a true ecolodge in the Ecuadorian Andes. This will be our homebase for our upcomming Llama trek.
Day 4 - Black Sheep Inn - Guasumbini Alto - Camp 1
Depart the Black Sheep Inn after breakfast. Climb up to the high altitude grasslands of Guasumbini Alto, and visit the cooperatively run cheese factory. Hike further over the paramó ridge with views of the cloud forest. Camp at over 11,500 feet (3,600 meters) and see the sunset atop of a Pre-Incan Ruin Site.
Day 5 - Camp 1 - Rio Sihui
Hike down the side of a waterfall, and descend into the Rio Toachi Canyon, 'The Grand Canyon of Ecuador'. This day we will descend 3,000 feet (1,000 meters). After crossing the Rio Toachi we will set up camp at the confluence with Rio Sihui (pronounced sea-way). Enjoy a campfire.
Day 6 - Rio Sihui - Quilotoa volcano crater lake
After breakfast we begin to climb out of the canyon, and up the side of the Quilotoa Volcano, 12,400 feet (3800 meters), this will be the highest elevation in our trek. At the crater rim views are stunning of the Emerald Lake below. Spend the night in this dormant volcanic crater, at the waters edge.
Day 7 - Quilotoa - Black Sheep Inn
Pack up the gear after breakfast, and head back to the Black Sheep Inn, visiting local artists along the way. We cross the canyon of Rio Sihui, a tributary to the Toachi, on our way back to Chugchilan and the Black Sheep Inn. We spend another night at this quaint ecolodge. Enjoy the sweat house facilities or adventure on to the zipline.
Day - 8 - Chugchilan - Quito
We depart our Andean hideout amidst canyons and gorges and wonderful scenery. Today we head back to Quito and have a short afternoon tour of the city. We will spend the night at San Jorge ecolodge.
Day 9 - Quito - ?
Return home or join a trip extension into the Kumanii rainforest lodge or enjoy a Galapagos wildlife vacation or Amazon rainforest expedition
Trip Notes
The above is a sample itinerary prepared for a Llama trekking trip. It can be customized to fit the needs and special interests of your travellers.