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Day 1
Arrive in Quito. Welcome to Ecuador! You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in Quito.
Day 2
We will spend our initial day meeting our guides and the rest of the group, and then taking a private tour of the beautiful city of Quito. Quito sits at an altitude of 9,000 ft., so this will be our first day of acclimatization.
Day 3
On the third day we will trek up either Ruco or Guagua Pichincha (approximately 15,400 ft.), two different peaks of the same imposing volcano that overlook the city of Quito. Enjoy the incredible vistas of the city and surrounding mountains.
Day 4
On the fourth day we will travel to the “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World), and then to Otavalo. Otavalo, home of the country’s largest Indian market, is known for its beautiful sweaters and handicrafts.
Day 5
Continuing to acclimatize our bodies, we will travel south of Quito in private vehicle where we will climb Mt. Corazon (Heart), a beautiful peak overlooking the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Day 6
Traveling south on the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” we drive by 4X4 to the base of the Illinizas, two jagged peaks of an extinct volcano. We will attempt to summit the north peak of the Illinizas, which lies at an altitude of 16,800 ft. We will spend that night at a hacienda near the base of the mountain.
Day 7
The seventh day will be spent resting and relaxing at a beautiful hacienda that lies between Illinizas and Cotopaxi.
Day 8
Entering Cotopaxi National Park, we will travel to the refuge at 15,800 ft. We will spend the afternoon learning and reviewing basic mountaineering techniques. We will eat and then turn-in early to be prepared for an early alpine start.
Day 9
After a 6-8 hour climb, we reach the summit of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world! Weather permitting, we will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and also see into the crater of the volcano. After a short celebration and photo session, we return to the refuge and then travel to a nearby hacienda for our celebration dinner and well-earned rest and relaxation.
Day 10
We will spend the day resting and recovering from the previous day’s trek by traveling to the volcanic pools of Papallacta, about three hours drive east of Quito. Bring your bathing suit.
Day 11
We travel to the refuge of Cayambe at 15,100 ft. where we get prepared for our summit attempt. After dinner, we turn-in early to be ready for an early alpine start. We will summit Cayambe at approximately 6 a.m.
Day 12
After our summit celebration, we return to the Cayambe refuge where we are transported back to Quito in private vehicle.
Day 13
Tour of the Alliance for Children orphanage, with time to give away articles of need, such as shoes and clothing, to the children, the beneficiaries of our fundraising and sacrifices!
Day 14
Transfer to airport and outbound flights. | 
