El Altar: Travesía

Quito: Arrival and Acclimatization

MONDAY OCTOBER XX.

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport, transfer and check-in. In the afternoon, walking tour of the Historic Center of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage) and tasting of Ecuadorian origin chocolate. Welcome dinner.

hoy no toca correr Día de descanso Altitud estimada: 2.760-2.932 msnm | 9.055-9.619 ft  

Accommodation: Hotel in Quito (Go Quito / Mercure or similar) Meals: Dinner

Quito: Primer Trote de Aclimatación + Mitad del Mundo

MARTES OCTUBRE XX.

Easy acclimatization run/jog through the Metropolitan Park or Cruz Loma, with panoramic views of Quito and its volcanoes — designed to test equipment and pace without straining the body at altitude. In the afternoon, visit to the Middle of the World (equatorial line). Evening: Dinner Show with the National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua. 

MODERADO Distancia: 10–12 km | 6.21-7.45 mi · Desnivel: ~200 m | 656 ft Altitud: 2.850–3.100 msnm | 9.350-10.170 ft  

Accommodation: Hotel in Quito Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 3 — Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve: Cuicocha Lagoon and Otavalo

MIÉRCOLES OCTUBRE XX.

Trail running around Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater with sapphire-colored waters, with views of the Cayambe, Imbabura, and Cotacachi volcanoes — one of the highest-rated trails by the three analyzed operators. Visit to Cotacachi (leather) and lunch with red meats. Afternoon of cultural shopping at the Plaza de los Ponchos, Otavalo. Transfer to the Andean Chocó. 

MODERADO Distancia: 13–14 km | 8-8.6 mi · Desnivel: ±600 m | ±1.968 ft.  Altitud: 2.530–3.485 msnm | 8.300-11.433 ft  

Accommodation: Inn in the Andean Chocó (Pacto) Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 4 — Andean Chocó of Pacto: Cloud Forest and Wellbeing

JUEVES OCTUBRE XX.

Day of altitude descent and low physical impact — exclusive differentiator of Trailbound compared to the competition. Observation of endemic birds of the Andean Chocó (toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds) in cloud forest. Afternoon of choice: Panela Route (artisanal sugar mill) or yoga and stretching session at a natural viewpoint. 

caminata (RECUPERACIÓN ACTIVA) Distancia: –5 km | 3.1 mi Caminata.  Altitud: 1.238 msnm | 4.061 ft  

Accommodation: Inn in the Andean Chocó (Pacto) Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 5 — Trail Running in the Pululahua Crater

VIERNES OCTUBRE XX.

Gradual return to higher altitude. Technical trail within the inhabited crater of Pululahua, combining dry forest and montane forest with panoramic views of the valley. Lunch in Yunguilla. Return to Quito and free evening. 

MODERADO Distancia: 10–12 km | 6.2-7.4 mi · Desnivel: ~400 m | ~1.312 ft.  Altitud: 2.840–3.356 msnm | 9.317-11.010 ft  

Accommodation: Hotel in Quito Meals: Breakfast, lunch

El Gran Reto de Altura

SÁBADO OCTUBRE XX.

Cotopaxi National Park - Ascent to the José Ribas Refuge, at the foot of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon. 

FÁCIL Distancia: 5 km | 3.1 mi  Altitud: 3.310–4.864 msnm | 10.859-15.958 ft  

Optional: horseback riding in the park..

Quito y Regreso a Casa

DOMINGO OCTUBRE XX.

Free morning (shopping, La Carolina Park, artisan market). Transfer to Mariscal Sucre Airport according to flight schedule. 

Meals: Breakfast.