SECTION 2: ANDES TO CLOUD FOREST TREK (6 Days, Difficult)

The second section of Inti Chakiñan (The Sun Trail) starts from the indigenous farming community of Peribuela and its native forest preserve, one of the last pockets of high-altitude, native Andean forest left in the world.

From Peribuela hikers embark on a 2-day crossing of the high grassland Páramos of Piñan passing through a windy landscape of trout-filled glacial lakes and wild horses over the Continental Divide to the tiny village of Irubí.

Now we are on the western flank of the Andes and the descent to the indigenous town of Irubí sees an incredible change in ecosystems --from páramo to cloud forest-- as we drop from 4000 to 2000 meters on this leg of the hike.



From Irubí we pass part of the Alto Chocó cloud forest, designated one of the world´s 10 most bio-diverse ecosystems by UNESCO and home to more than 250 tree species per hectare in some places. A steep ascent from the Rio Irubí eventually brings us to the town of Pucará in the sub-tropical Intag River Valley.

From Pucará we pass through agricultural land and cloud forest stands to end our journey soaking in volcanic hot springs at the cooperatively run eco-tourism complex in Nangulví.

Day 1:
Meeting at Otavalo's bus terminal at 8AM we drive to the town of Peribuela on the NW side of Volcán Cotacachi. After a coffee and snack we head up into Peribuela's ancient primary forest for a day hike. Lunch. One of the last examples of the high altitude Andean forest that once covered the region, hikers will marvel at endemic tree species, orchids, and birds. Dinner. Hike 3-5 hours. Easy.


Day 2:
Breakfast and truck ride up to the entrance of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. We spend the morning ascending the Andes toward the West along a rough road, passing by remnants of Caranqui fortresses and into the páramo. After lunch on the Continental Divide at 4000 meters, we descend under the towering Cotacachi Volcano to our campsite: a natural cave with stunning views of the open grasslands and Andes. Hike 7-9 hours. Difficult.


Day 3:
The day is spent descending to the very isolated mountain town of Irubí through mountain passes, canyons, open páramo, and cloud forested river valleys. Several stream crossings.Camp in tents in Irubí at 2000 meters. Hike 6-8 hours. Moderate.

Day 4:
From Irubí we cross through a corner of the largest stand of virgin cloud forest in S. America: the Altó Choco, The decent through the Alto Chocó along the Apuela River eventually brings us to a steep climb to the town of Pucará with commanding views of the Intag region. Lunch. Tour of Pucará's Eco-Pueblo Project. Homestay with families. Music and Dance. Hike 6-8 hours. Moderate.

Day 5:
After breakfast in Pucará we descend through a lovely forested river valley to end our journey in volcanic hot springs at the cooperatively run eco-tourism complex in Nangulví where we will spend the night. Lunch. Soak in hot springs; nice dinner; cold beer. Hike 2-4 hours. Easy.

Day 6:
Breakfast; tour of coffee farm and local fair trade coffee cooperative; lunch and tour of Alto Chocó reserve; return to Otavalo by bus arriving by 5 PM.


Includes: all food, lodging, guiding, instruction, park fees, in-country transport, guides and activities.

Does not include: extras, personal equipment or alcoholic beverages