Volcano

Luna Runtun Volcano Expedition:
12 Days/11 Nights

Description
This program has been designed for the well-trained adventure seekers. We recommend that the participants arrive in Guayaquil (sea level) and finish it in Quito (2800 meters). The program includes one day of acclimatization at Luna Runtun (2200 mts). The Expeditions program takes place in Sangay National Park, a the perfect place to admire breathtaking views of various eternally snowcapped volcanoes and mountains as well as a plethora of black lagoons. On the way up to the lagoons, we cross the through the Andean highlands, paramo, and cloud forest, all the while observing wild animals such as Andean tapirs, bears, and birds from hummingbirds to condors.

DAY 1
Arrival in Guayaquil. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Overnight at Four Points Sheraton or Hampton Inn in Guayaquil.

DAY 2
Breakfast. Departure for LUNA RUNTUN, Adventure SPA via the Route of Stars, "the most fascinating of the world". In less than 300 km., we drive from sea level to 4000 meters experiencing the coastal warmth and discovering the green plains of the province of Guayas with its banana palms and rice fields; taking in the mega diversity of the occidental western foothills of the Andes in the tropical highlands; rising up to the frozen and dry cold of a desert of sand and stones located a few miles away from the snowcapped Chimborazo, the world's highest mountain when measured from the center of the planet. Finally, we arrive at LUNA RUNTUN, Adventure SPA, located in Sangay National Park, at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, a few miles away from the entrance to the Amazon Rainforest. Great photo opportunities. Box lunch. Welcome drink and relaxation in our beautiful SPA and gardens. Dinner. Overnight at LUNA RUNTUN, Adventure SPA .

DAY 3
Country breakfast. Day of acclimatization. Full day. Box lunch . Biking tour: The King of the Wood - level-ground trip with some uphill and downhill sections. Depart from LUNA RUNTUN, Adventure SPA by minivan. Bike through the Patate Valley passing through fields of corn, vegetables, fruits, and palm trees. Afterwards, we drive to the paramo, at 3600 meters above sea level, where you will see the crater of the constantly erupting Tungurahua. Great photo opportunity. After the picnic, take your bike and enjoy a 22-km downhill ride through the cloud forest On your left will be Llanganates National Park and in front of you you'll see Hacienda Río Chico 1000 meters (3280 feet) down below.... Greet the natives, cross little crystal clear streams, surprise yourself by seeing chickens, dogs, and cows crossing the road along with so many others surprises which will make this biking tour so unusual. Finally, you'll reach Ulba, located at 1700 meters above sea level where the car will be waiting for you....
Dinner and ovenight at LUNA RUNTUN, Adventure SPA .

DAY 4
Country breakfast. Preparation for the expedition. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan bound for Pondoa (2800 meters above sea level). We hike 2-3 hours to Tungurahua Volcano refuge (3800 meters). On the way up, we'll admire Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Cerro Hermoso, and Llanganates National Park. See orchids, primary forests, and beautiful birds. Once at the refuge, enjoy a lunar landscape full of ashes and volcanic stones. Listen to the sound of the Volcano and imagine the crater just 2 miles away. Picnic, dinner, and overnight at the refuge.

DAY 5
Breakfast. Hike back from Pondoa and continue on bike. Discover the secrets of the Volcano Tungurahua trail. On bike, you'll discover the geology and topography of the Volcano. Visit the 12 valleys through which the "lahares" passed. Bike over the handmade bridges constructed by the community due to the lack of assistance provided by the government. Picnic, dinner, and overnight at Hacienda La Chascona or La Candelaria (depending on weather conditions).

DAY 6
Breakfast. Horseback riding. (6 hours). Breathtaking views of Volcano Altar and the surrounding Andean highlands. Trot through the paramo and enjoy the beauty of the black lagoons of Minzas. Picnic, dinner, and overnight in tents.

DAY 7 - 8
Breakfast. Explore Sangay National Park. Hiking or horseback riding. Observe Tungurahua, birdwatching, great photos opportunities, and fishing. Look out for tapirs, bears, etc. Lunch, dinner & overnight in tents.

DAY 9
Breakfast. Leave the majestic scenery of the paramo. Cross El Arenal, a field of ashes, making your way through the cloud forest, stopping to refresh yourself at the Heaven Waterfall. Bike or hike down to LUNA RUNTUN, Adventure SPA . Lunch. Enjoy Spa activities and relax. Dinner and overnight at LUNA RUNTUN, Adventure SPA .

DAY 10
Country breakfast. Relax in our beautiful Spa. Shop in Baños. This pretty town is the perfect place for shopping for handicrafts, indian tapestries, souvenirs, postcards, paintings, etc. Lunch in town, dinner & overnight at LR.

DAY 11
Country breakfast. Return to Quito through the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes. See 11 of the 265 volcanoes in Ecuador : Carihuairazo, Pasachoa, Ilinizas, and Cotopaxi, a perfect cone of eternal snow, among others. Lunch at the Hacienda Rumipamba de las Rosas. Dinner. Overnight at the Dann Carlton or Marriott Hotel in Quito.

DAY 12 - HASTA LUEGO
Breakfast. Transfer from the Hotel to the airport. Departure.