DAY 1: WELCOME TO QUITO!
Today, we will pick you up at the airport and go to the Hotel Dann Carlton (or similar) in Quito. Our lead runner will meet with you in order to share some important information regarding the next days of the program.
(-/-/D)
DAY 2: INTRODUCTION TO THE CITY
Early this morning, we will have a combination of some short running and cultural activities. After breakfast, we will go to the Metropolitan park to have a “get loose your legs” run. We are aiming to run no more than 6 km (3.7 miles) since the idea is just to get used to the altitude and enjoy a morning run.
We will return to the hotel and get ready to go exploring the old town of Quito. This activity is really worth it as it will give us the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the history of our country. We will have lunch in a traditional restaurant with local food.
After lunch, we will immediately start driving to the countryside. After 1 hour, we will already be in Machachi, the little Andean village in which we will spend the night. The Hacienda El Sinche (or similar) is located at an elevation of over 3,200 m (10,500 ft), which will allow us to progressively adapt our body to the altitude.
(B/L/D)
DAY 3: QUILOTOA LOOP
Today, we will have an early morning. After breakfast, we will start our 2.5 hour drive to the Quilotoa Lagoon. Once we arrive at the starting point, we will have the opportunity to start our run around the crater of the volcano. This is a run of 11 km (6.8 miles) approx. over 3,900 m (12,795 ft). We are expecting that people at an intermediate level finish this loop in about 1h20.
After our run, we will have the opportunity to have a nutritious lunch in a local place managed by indigenous people of this area. Then, we will start our 2.5 hour drive to the next destination, Riobamba. This city is the capital of the Chimborazo province, which was named after the highest volcano in Ecuador. Our accommodation will be provided by the Andaluza Hotel and Museum (or similar), where they will be waiting for us with dinner and access to the massage therapy.
(B/L/D)
DAY 4: THE HIGHEST VOLCANO IN ECUADOR - CHIMBORAZO!
Today, we will follow a 20-km (12.4 miles) long trail and will experience an interesting elevation change. If you feel like not running the entire trail, no worries, our support cars will be here to pick you up! Our goal today is to have a good 5-hour running session above 3,900 m (12,795 ft). The terrain in the paramo is rocky and humid, and the weather can be challenging, but we guarantee that this experience is beyond worth it. Once we finish the run, we will drive around 40 minutes to come back to our lodging.
After today’s activity, you can have some relaxing time at the spa of the Hosteria La Andaluza (or similar).
(B/L/D)
DAY 5: BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA - LA CASA DEL ARBOL!
Early at 8:00, after breakfast, we will drive more or less 1 hour to our next destination, Baños de Agua Santa. This little village is located on the slopes of the Tungurahua Volcano, at a lower elevation. For our first day in this part of the country, we will run around 10 km (6.2 miles) with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 m (4,265 ft). We should complete this run in a couple of hours.
Once finished, we will have the opportunity to enjoy some hot springs and a massage if needed. Our accommodation for tonight and the next day is the Samari Spa Resort (or similar). Today, we recommend going to bed early since we have to wake up very early for our next morning's run!
(B/L/D)
DAY 6: TUNGURAHUA VOLCANO - SUMMIT
Today, we decided to start the day super early for our attempt to climb to the summit of Tungurahua Volcano. At 3:00, we will start our run at 2,900 m (9,514 ft). Usually, from this point to the summit, it takes around 6 hours for an intermediate level. For those with a more advanced level, it takes around 4 hours. Let's note that an Ecuadorian runner holds the speed record of 4h18, from the city centre of Baños (1,770 m / 5,807 ft) to the top (5,026 m / 16,490 ft) and down. Along the way, we will have support staff in order to provide drinks, and maybe collect equipment that we might need for the descent.
Back at the Samari Spa Resort (or similar), after an amazing view at the summit, we will have a delicious meal and time to relax. At night, we will have our special goodbye dinner and share all the pictures and videos of this amazing experience!
(B/-/D)
DAY 7: BACK TO QUITO
This morning is an easy one! At 9:00, we will return to Quito and we will directly drive all the passengers leaving the country today to the airport. The ones staying in Quito will be driven to the city centre.
(B/-/-)
End of services.
* The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations, or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.