VOLCANOES

  • T017T017  ANTISANA VOLCANO & ECOLOGICAL RESERVE ( 1 DAY / ANY DAY )This is a spectacular excursion to the high Andes of Ecuador, into the paramo and the montane forest, rich in unusual flora and fauna. The voyage starts with a drive to the Antisana volcano, the fourth in altitude in Ecuador, covered with glaciers and snow, and the surrounding Ecological Reserve. The climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begins with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 year ago, jagged rocky peaks and a vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the tree line.Up in the paramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk about on level terrain and observe the small but beautiful paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush,orchids and chuquiraguas. Andean birds abound, in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them, such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Brown Speckled Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the rare Siskin. After all this natural history excitement, drive over to the hacienda Antisana for lunch. A three-course hot meal is served at the hacienda’s dinning room, warmed by glowing fireplaces.( It includes box lunch )

    ( It does not include entrance fee US$ 10,00 per pax )

  • T018  COTOPAXI VOLCANO & NATIONAL PARK ( 1 DAY / ANY DAY )Drive south along the Panamerican Highway to the base of the Cotopaxi volcano. From there look directly up to the magnificent mountain at 19.700 feet (6005m) the world’s highest active volcano. Perhaps see an Andean condor flying above the horizon. Cotopaxi was stablished as an ecological sanctuary with unusual opportunities for nature lovers. A pleasant lunch will be served at one of the beautiful “Hosterias” of the area.( It includes lunch set menu )( It does not include entrance fee US$ 10,00 per pax )