Your driver and tour guide will pick you up in Quito early in the morning to reach Hacienda Santa Rita, a Private Ecological Reserve, located on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano at 3200 meters (10,500 ft). Condor Machay Waterfall (45 minutes - 1-hour hike): The entire path has wooden stairs and railing where necessary. You will hike down on a dirt trail where we can observe the Pita River going on petrified lahars until we get to a beautiful and unusual view of the Condor Machay Waterfall. Return on our vehicle for a drive back to Hacienda El Porvenir to enjoy lunch. During this afternoon we can participate on the Cotopaxi High Ropes Course. This is a high adventure activity with a low environmental impact, letting people with little or no knowledge of climbing techniques have a unique experience. Finish your day soaking at APU Mountain Spa and enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. (Lunch/Dinner).

In the morning after a delicious, nutritious farm breakfast, you will receive a brief riding lesson from our guides before you set out on the horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), this ride across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui will be an unforgettable experience. A legendary chagra from the area will come with you and share his knowledge and culture. The ride lasts approximately 3 hours. Back in the farmhouse, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival. In the afternoon you will learn from the Andean Traditions in our Cooking in the Clouds lessons. The class starts with cooking lessons or our famous cheese empanadas, followed by the elaboration of ají. Ají or chili sauce is a very important part of Ecuadorian cuisine. The recipe varies from home to home. Here at Hacienda El Porvenir you will learn how to make it the traditional way, on a stone mortar and seasoned with various herbs and spices. At last, you will learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink that is served at celebrations in the Highlands of Ecuador. After the class the participants will enjoy their preparations next to a crackling fireplace. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

After the Hacienda breakfast, your driver and guide will take you to Cotopaxi National Park (CNP) (4km from the Hacienda). This interesting drive passes through ancient lava flows from Cotopaxi’s past eruptions. The location is the perfect place to learn about Andean Geology. On this visit, you will reach the car park below the Cotopaxi’s Refuge, where the short hike up to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m. (15,744 ft) starts. It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the Volcano on this short hike. Once back in the vehicle, you will continue driving down to Limpiopungo Lake, where a box lunch will be served. If there is time, you will visit the Park Visitors Centre, which has interesting descriptions of the local flora and fauna as well as details of the various eruptions of Cotopaxi. You will then continue, crossing rocky valleys, until you reach the Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress on the way to the Amazon basin. Near this spot, some natural springs rise with the icy water from underground rivers that come from the glaciers of Cotopaxi. Return to Quito. (Breakfast/Packed Lunch).