Punanti Andean Experience from Quito in Olmedo (Pesillo), Ecuador

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Duration: 3 days

Group size: 1 - 16

Punanti Andean Experience from Quito

Olmedo (Pesillo), Ecuador

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Email address verified

$NaN

Duration: 3 days

Group size: 1 - 16

Bed in dorm (solo traveler)

Available until 5 days before departure

$575

Bed in dorm (2 travelers)

Available until 5 days before departure

$375

Bed in dorm (3 or more travelers)

Available until 5 days before departure

$299

Private cabin (solo traveler)

Available until 5 days before departure

$695

Private cabin (2 travelers)

Available until 5 days before departure

$420

Private cabin (3 or more travelers)

Available until 5 days before departure

$350

Day 1
Day 1
Quito – Quitsato – La Chimba
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Quito after breakfast and you’ll start your journey to the northeast. After approximately 1.5 hours, you will stop at the cultural center Quitsato to visit its impressive sundial. The sundial is located on the equinoctial line and has a diameter of more than 50 meters. A local guide will explain how the sundial works and its historical and cultural importance for the local communities.

After your visit to the sundial, you’ll pass through Cayambe. This Andean town lies at the foot of Cayambe Volcano and is known for its special pastries called bizcochos. At the northern end of the city, you will leave the highway and start your ascent towards La Chimba community. After approximately 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at Hostal Punanti, a modern mountain refuge surrounded by beautiful paramo landscapes. This cozy place at the north face of Cayambe Volcano will be your home for the next couple of days. A typical Ecuadorian lunch prepared by someone from the local community will await you here.

In the afternoon, you’ll walk from Punanti to the nearby hot springs and enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the beautiful local flora. The hike takes approximately one and a half hours each way. The first part of the hike includes a steep ascent, but the views of the volcano’s snowfields and the colorful vegetation along the way make you forget the exertion. As you advance on your hike, you will suddenly notice the presence of swallows, who give the hot springs “Termas de las Golondrindas” their name.

These natural hot springs are conveniently located in a bay at 3800 m (12,470 ft), so you can enjoy a relaxing bath protected from the wind. Bathing in this water that reaches temperatures of up to 35°C (95°F) will renew your energies. Moreover, it is said to have medicinal properties, which makes it a popular destination among locals as well.

In the evening you will return to the hostel to enjoy a delicious dinner with western flavors, prepared by your hosts.

Accommodation at Punanti Hostel.

Meals included: lunch, dinner
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Day 2
Day 2
Hike to Condor Viewpoint
If the weather is clear, you will wake up to a stunning view of the Cayambe Volcano, thanks to Punanti’s excellent location.

After breakfast, you’ll head out on a 9 km hike (5.6 miles) with your local guide. The hike will take approximately 5 to 6 hours and you will reach an altitude of about 4200 m (13,800 ft). During this hike, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and learn about the wildlife of the area. The hike’s goal is to reach the Condor Viewpoint, from where, with a bit of luck, you will be able to watch condors. This majestic bird is also known as the King of the Andes and holds a special place in Andean mythology and folklore. It is one of the largest birds in the world with a wingspan of about 3 meters and weight of up to 15 kg. Unfortunately, these emblematic birds are endangered, and it feels like a real privilege to see condors gliding through the Andean sky.

Back at the hostel, you’ll have time to relax in front of the fireplace until it is time for a well-earned dinner.

Accommodation at Punanti Hostel.

Meals included: breakfast, box lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Day 3
Community Center and Return to Quito
After breakfast, it’ll be time to prepare your departure from Punanti. Together with your local guide, you will drive down to the center of La Chimba to visit its intercultural community center. Here you’ll learn about the life of activist Tránsito Amaguaña who fought for women’s and indigenous people’s rights. The indigenous leader was from this area and next to the community center is a mausoleum with her mortal remains.

After this educational visit, you will meet with the guide who will take you back to Quito. On the way south to Quito, you’ll stop at one of Ecuador’s oldest haciendas that is located outside the town of Cayambe. Hacienda Guachalá features buildings that date back to 1580. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch at the restaurant and explore the grounds with your guide.

Return to Quito.

Meals included: breakfast
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Day 1

Quito – Quitsato – La Chimba

The experience was good. Lots of walking. The guides were informative however our accommodation was poor. Very small bathroom but the restaurant next door had a very good breakfast

By Dennis Michael F for Escape to the Enchanted Islands on Dec 05, 2025

Hi Daniel, thank you very much for sharing this feedback. I’m glad to hear that C & C enjoyed their Galapagos experience overall, particularly the daily breakfasts we specifically arranged for them, as well as the guiding throughout the tour. Regarding the accommodation, we always aim to match each traveler’s preferences and budget. In this case, C & C requested the most economical option available, so we offered Hostal Elizabeth, which is among the best choices in that price category, especially in terms of location, consistent service, and cleanliness. We also provided the property name and clearly mentioned its simplicity during the sales process so they could make an informed decision before confirming the booking. Transparency is very important to us, and we truly appreciate your comments as they help us continue offering well-informed, reliable travel planning for all our clients.

By Midland Travel on Dec 11, 2025

We had a great trip on the Cachalote. The crew was fantastic. We saw a lot of different things.

By Florian A for Galapagos cruise aboard MY Cachalote on Oct 25, 2025

Thanks for your review! We’re delighted to read that you had such an amazing Galapagos experience.

By Midland Travel on Oct 25, 2025

This was a fantastic experience! Very well organized. Lots of great activities. Excellent guides. Friendly and helpful staff. The ship and the small boats for excursions were very safe. We saw everything we were hoping to see!

By Charles C for Galapagos cruise aboard MY Monserrat on Nov 09, 2024

Hi Charles, thank you for taking the time to write a review for us. We are very happy to know that you had a great time in the Galapagos Islands!

By Midland Travel on Nov 11, 2024

An excellent trip to the Galapagos Islands - ship , food and staff were awesome. The help we had from Valerie during our booking process was unique. We are more than satisfied.

By Claudia W for Restzahlung Dschungelkreuzfahrt und Galapagos-Trip on Jun 09, 2024

Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback! Wir freuen uns, dass Sie mit unserem Service mehr als zufrieden waren.

By Midland Travel on Nov 20, 2024

An excellent trip to the Amazon - ship , food and staff were awesome. The help we had from Valerie during our booking process was unique. We are more than satisfied.

By Claudia W for Dschungelkreuzfahrt und Galapagos-Trip on Jun 09, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of our service. We are happy to know that you had a great time cruising the Amazon jungle and the Galapagos Islands!

By Midland Travel on Nov 20, 2024

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