Itinerary: 

Ilinizas are a relatively unknown reserve that offers well-preserved ecosystems to do hiking excursions and also to practice photography over extraordinary landscapes. Just one and a half hours south from Quito, you will find this magical reserve that is located at the foothills of El Corazón Volcano (4.710 meters above sea level - 15,452 ft) and Ilinizas Volcano (5.305 meters above sea level - 17,404 ft), both of them are currently inactive. We start at 7:30 a.m. from your hotel; then at 9:00 a.m. with the encounter of the twin picks “Ilinizas”, you will be surrounded by farmed lands, haciendas, pristine forests, wild horses and ecosystems that change amazingly as you gain elevation! You will also observe the interesting fauna while taking part of the hike offered in this unique and unknown adventure.

Ilinizas Ecological Reserve was created in 1996 as a protected area for volcanoes and well-preserved forests within it. Once we start hiking from the parking lot known as “La Virgen”, which is located at 3.750 meters above sea level (12,303 ft), you will be impressed by the extraordinary views during all the way up. An impressive variety of animals live within the 149.900-hectare reserve such as condors, pumas, hummingbirds, white-tailed deer, Andean foxes, carunculated caracaras, rabbits, frogs, and many others! 

During the two hours hike you will reach an altitude of approximately 4.700 meters above sea level (15,419 ft). Finally, at the refuge “Nuevos Horizontes”, which is located between the two picks of the volcano, you will have enough time to rest and recover energy. Going down from this point to the parking lot is much easier! During the drive we stop at "El Chaupi", which is a lovely little Andean village, where you will have the opportunity to have another snack or drink, enjoying the relaxed and quiet life of the local people. You will be back in your hotel approximately at 5:00 p.m.

RECOMMENDED DAYS: Any day of the week. 

Include:

• Private Transportation
• Certified English speaking guide
• Ilinizas entrance fee
• Mentioned itinerary and visits 

Exclude:

• Drinks
• Meals

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Recommendations:

Important outfits: Camera, cap or hat, backpack or handbag, comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes, walking sticks, T-shirt or long sleeves shirt, windbreaker or waterproof jacket, warm sweater, and some cash (US dollars) for snacks or drinks.

Tour average temperature: 9 C° - 17 C°  /  48,2 F° - 62,6 F°

Insurance: It is responsibility of every traveler that he/she is adequately insured against personal accidents and medical expenses during his/her trip to Ecuador, as well as having travel cancellation and baggage insurance to protect himself/herself.

Tour booking policy: Our tours are based on private transportation and guiding services. - All tour prices are given in US dollars. - All services should be fully prepaid before starting the tour. - Bookings must be done through www.ecuadorbesttours.com, or by paying directly at our offices. - For last minute bookings, our clients must request availability via phone call or email. After confirming availability, bookings must be fully prepaid before starting the tour. - Especial physical conditions, allergies and dietary restrictions must be informed to a EBT's representative in advance. - Our tours will be guided in fluent English, or Spanish languages, as it is required. - EBT shall have no liability with passengers in case of accidents or sickness. Therefore, EBT deeply recommends a private travel insurance. - EBT reserves the right to cancel or suspend tours depending on bad weather conditions, natural disasters, government regulations, suspicious diseases, etc. Always regarding for the safety of our passengers. - Under no circumstances, EBT will refund any money due to cancellations done on the same day that a tour takes place. - Cancellations must be done 24 hours previous departure time, to get a full refund. - Flights cancellations, or last minute flight changes are totally out of control or responsibility of EBT. - This day trip is recommended for Children over 12 years old.