Adventurer’s Itinerary
3- Day Itinerary
In the heart of the Cotacachi-Cayapas native reserve, you’ll find the Andean Community of Piñan, sitting at 3112 m (10,210 ft). From here, the sky’s the limit! Choose you most adventurous mode of transport to explore the Andean forests, lakes, pre-Columbian ruins and even Yanahurco’s summit at 4,535 m (14,878 ft).
DAY 1
Depart Cusín and travel by 4×4 vía Urcuquí and Pantaví to Piñan where you’ll experience the remote Andean highlands – an area unknown to most tourists. Explore the area by foot, bicycle and even kayak in the Tobar Donoso Lake. Keep your eyes open to spot the Andean Condor, which still soars in these skies. Spend the night under the stars at one of the campsites or head downhill to the attractive and artistic Hacienda Pantaví. Best time to visit: June – September.
Overnight stay at: Campsite in Piñan or Hacienda Pantaví
DAY 2
Continue exploring the picturesque Piñan region on horseback and enjoy a picnic lunch (prepared by us) before heading to Chachimbiro for a well-deserved soak in the thermal hot springs. Return to Hacienda Cusín by private car for the night.
Overnight stay at: Hacienda Cusín
DAY 3
Depart Cusín to the trailhead of either Fuya Fuya (4.265m, 14.000ft) or Imbabura (4,630m,15,190 ft). The day hike will take most of the morning and early afternoon, make sure you use layer and have rain and sun protection. For dinner back at Cusín, we recommend a platter of steamed trout.
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