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THE FLIGHT OF
THE CONDOR
The length of the lava-stream of
Antisanilla can hardly be less than seven to eight miles.
I clambered to the top, and got little reward, for the
farther side, as well as its upper and lower extremities,
were lost in mist. Its red colouring is probably
superficial, and the nucleus of the mass, I conjecture,
is a very dark and compact lava, specimens of which were
broken out with some labour.
Edward Whimper, 1892.
From Antisana it is a 3 day trip
southeast towards Sincholagua and Cotopaxi's Volcanoes.
Suggested itinerary:
| Day
1. |
Departure
from Quito to the east on a road enriched by a
spectacular landscape, we will cross a 4,100 m
(13,452 ft) pass and immediately descend to
Papallacta village, where we will set up our
campsite. There will be some time to enjoy
natural hot springs, the best in Ecuador. Dinner
will be served. |
| Day
2. |
After
breakfast we will pack our gear onto horses, then
we will head southeast towards Rio Tambo, until
we arrive at Laguna Volcan, where we will set up
our campsite. Dinner will be served. |
| Day
3. |
The day will begin with a
rather long uphill hike, bringing us to the
western flanks of Antizana. A wide variety of
wild flowers and plants as well as birds
including The Great Condor can be seen. Campsite
by a fresh water stream, dinner. |
| Day
4. |
Today we will continue
southeast on a gentle trail, towards Sincholahua
peak. Some birds of prey as well as large herds
of sheeps will be seen. Campsite and dinner. |
| Day
5. |
After breakfast we break down
our campsite and prepare ourselves to hike up in
the direction of the saddle betwen Sincholahua
and Cerro Chico and immediately descend to the
shores of Rio Pita. After crossing Pita River we
will reach Cotopaxi National Park, where our
vehicles will be waiting for us to bring us to
the José Ribas Refuge (4,800 m - 15,749 ft)
where we will spend the night. Dinner will be
served. |
| Day
6. |
Midnight Breakfast. Following
the standard route it will take us about six
hours to reach the summit. From the summit on a
clear day we'll be able to see its crater and
most of the peaks over 5,000 m (16,405 ft) in
Ecuador. Down to the refuge it will take us about
three hours. In the afternoon we will be back in
Quito. |
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Climbing and Trekking in Ecuador: The Flight of the Condor