Pasochoa Trek 4.200 m / 13,776 ft

A great trek with a view of the pristine forest inside the crater

DURATION 1 day

DIFFICULTY Easy

TRIP OVERVIEW

Pasochoa is an ancient and heavily eroded volcano that has been inactive since the last ice age. It is located 30 km South of Quito. Inside the crater there is the Pasochoa Protected Forest Reserve, a humid Andean Forest, with more than 110 species of birds and 45 species of trees at an altitude of 2.700 m / 8,856 ft to 4.200 m / 13,776 ft. Some of the plants have an important medicinal value. Inside the crater there are several self-guided loop trails to be taken which vary from one to seven hours. On a sunny day it is possible to see the magnificent condors flying inside the crater.

Our 7 day Cotopaxi trek and climb (which includes Pasochoa) is also available for those looking for a longer hiking and mountaineering program https://www.andeanface.com/tour/cotopaxi-trek-climb/

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: Open

Pre-requisites: Acceptable physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Easy
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Activity: Trekking / Wildlife & Natural History

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Trekking Excursions Gear List
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ITINERARY

One of the routes up Pasochoa is by the North-eastern side. This is the shortest approach to the summit and is a good first acclimatisation hike. You can gain altitude much faster than following the crater route.

We drive for one and a half hours to an altitude of 3.400 m / 11,152 ft where we start walking. The hike normally takes four hours up to the summit and the descent two hours.

DAY
01

Trek to the summit of Pasochoa

  • Pick up at Quito at around 7:30
  • One and a half hours drive to Pasochoa
  • Four hour hike to the summit
  • Box lunch
  • Two hours down to the vehicle
  • Back at Quito by 17:30

Activity: 4 hours climbing up / 2 hours descending

Transportation: 1 1/2 hours private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Box Lunch

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

  • Unique location that allows great views of Cotopaxi, Antisana, Ilinizas, Rumiñahui, Sincholahua and other mountains
  • Good chances to see some of the last wild condors in Ecuador
  • Easy approach from Quito, just 1 1/2 hours away
  • Good first acclimatisation hike
  • All year round climbing

MAP

SHARE THIS TRIP

ZOOM
CONVERSATIONS

The best and easiest way for us to answer any questions you might have about the expedition, as an individual or a group, is through a Zoom call with the head guide from our team. We are happy to arrange a meeting ideally pm Eastern time for us, Let us know by sending an email to

info@andeanface.com

.

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.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

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

Part of the hike is on a dirt road up to 3.600 m / 11,811 ft, where we follow a trail up to the summit

Travel

We travel to Pasochoa by jeep or van

Weather

It often has clear days as it is located in the middle of the so called Avenue of the Volcanoes

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

This area offers plenty of possibilities for adventure in the high paramo.

We can arrange different horseback riding trips in the area to visit either Pasochoa, Rumiñahui or Cotopaxi National Park. Or we can suggest a stay in one of the splendid haciendas nearby and a day trek for the following morning.

Rumiñahui Trek

Explore of one of Ecuador’s most scenic national parks

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.631 m / 15,189 ft

Difficulty

Moderate
Corazon

A long trek on a mountain with a “heart”

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.788 m / 15,704 ft

Difficulty

Moderate
North Iliniza

Good first objective above 5.000 m /16,400 ft

Duration

2 days

Elevation

5.125 m / 16,810 ft

Difficulty

Intermediate