The journey begins at the edge of the Pululahua crater. Descend into the Geobotanical Reserve Pululahua, winding through one of the world’s few inhabited volcanic craters. After reaching an elevation of 5,000 ft, start the ascent to the Yunguilla Sustainable Preserve at 8,800 ft. Along the way, you'll encounter the first glimpses of the cloud forest. Miles: 21 Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner Accommodations: Community of Yunguilla

After an early breakfast, we will begin the most challenging day of the week. We will cross through the community of Yunguilla and see how the people work in harmony with nature to farm and restore the environment at the same time. We will traverse the old growth cloud forest through the Santa Lucia Reserve. This zone is home to 400 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of plants. This route will traverse steep ridges and weather permitting the group can take in breathtaking views of Pululahua crater, Cotacachi Mountain and the dense forest canopy. The 20 mile day will end at Maquipucuna Ecolodge where you will be met with a warm meal, a river perfect for ice baths and comfortable accommodations. Miles: 19 Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner Accommodations: Maquipucuna Ecolodge

We will start our third day at the Ecolodge Maquipucuna within the pristine mountain rainforest where we will ascend back to Yunguilla through a trail that is more than 1,000 years old. This historic trail dates back to the Yumbo indigenous culture. The Yumbos predate the Incas in this region. This path was used as a thoroughfare for trade between the Andes mountain region and the coastal region. These paths are called “Culucos” after hundreds of years of foot traffic they have been worn down creating a type of eco-tunnel in some places the walls tower up to 13 feet. Arriving at the community of Yunguilla we will recognize the incredible accomplishment of all participants with a special meal and celebration. After our celebration, shuttles will depart Yunguilla at 8:00 PM, heading to the airport and to Quito for those continuing on to other excursions in Ecuador. Miles: 14 Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner Accommodations: None