Imbabura Trek 4.630 m / 15,190 ft

A deity in the indegenous cosmovision will challenge you with it’s steep foothills

DURATION 2 days

DIFFICULTY Moderate

TRIP OVERVIEW

Imbabura is a strato volcano located 40 miles (65 km) north of Quito. There are two main summits on Imbabura. The higher peak (100 m/328 ft) is reached by traversing a knife edge crater rim from the north summit of the normal route.

The peaks of Imbabura were once glaciated, and used to serve as an important ice source for the nearby villages. People would climb high onto the mountain to get ice from the glacier and carry it back to sell at the markets in the villages of Otavalo and Ibarra. Today the village of Otavalo is still famous for its large market, although it is now largely a craft market selling items such as vibrant textiles, wood carvings, and the Panama hats (which actually originated in Ecuador).

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: Open

Pre-requisites: Acceptable physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Moderate
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Accomodation: Hostel Casa de Aida

Activity: Trekking / Wildlife & Natural History

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Trekking Excursions Gear List
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ITINERARY

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Imbabura's steep slopes make it a good acclimatization climb for those preparing for Ecuador’s famous high altitude volcanoes.

Highlights include hiking through tall grass paramo and rocky outcroppings followed by lush vegetation higher on the mountain.

Imbabura overlooks San Pablo Lake, Ecuador’s largest natural lake. On a clear day you have a beautiful views of the northern part of the so-called "Avenue of the Volcanoes", including Cayambe, Antisana, Ilinizas, Volcan Chiles and Cumbal located in Colombia.

DAY
01

Visit the famous Otavalo Market

  • Pick up at Quito at around 7:30
  • Travel for 2 hours to Hostel Casa de Aida at the base of the peak
  • Visit the Otavalo Market or Cuicocha lake on the way
  • Lunch in Otavalo or Cuicocha

Activity: Visit Otavalo Indian Market or Cuicocha Lagoon

Accommodation: Hostel Casa de Aida

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

DAY
02

Summit of Imbabura / Return to Quito

  • Early start for the 6-7 hours hike
  • Box lunch
  • Two hours drive to Quito
  • Descend to the vehicle
  • Back at Quito by 19:00

Activity: 5 hours climbing up / 2 hours descending

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Box Lunch

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Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Volcano near Quito
  • A good second acclimatization hike
  • A non-frequently visited trekking peak
  • Excellent views of the northern “Avenue of the Volcanoes” Cayambe, Antisana, Chiles and Cumbal (in Colombia)
  • All year round trekking

MAP

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COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

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WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

We have designed these hikes after being exploring and trekking in Ecuador for over 20 years. We don’t just offer the classic trekking routes; we have a comprehensive range of hiking excursions that take you to explore the hidden corners of the northern Andes of Ecuador, offering you off-the-beaten-path experiences, hikes that discover forgotten trails, and stunning natural sights. Each single excursion can be part of a multiple day tailor made program.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Hiking and a bit of scrambling at the end

Terrain

Imbabura is known as a steep hike (not exposed)

Travel

We travel to Imbabura by jeep or van

Weather

As it is located in the middle of the so called Avenue of the Volcanoes, it often has clear days

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

You can combine the Imbabura trek as part of an acclimatization itinerary, with another trekking excursion and a climbing excursion.

Pasochoa Trek

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Elevation

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Difficulty

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Corazon

A long trek on a mountain with a “heart”

Duration

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Elevation

4.788 m / 15,704 ft

Difficulty

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Cayambe

The highest point on the surface of the Earth through…

Duration

2 days

Elevation

5.790 m / 18,991 ft

Difficulty

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