TREKKING
TREKKING = Best service and price with certified Guides in Ecuador.
Andean Turtle Tours have years of experience & We are very proud of our trekking routes. We are the only operator doing many of them.
They are carefully chosen to show the best of the Ecuadorian Landscape. The treks are also perfect acclimatization before climbing the high glacial volcanoes..MORGAN Have been Guiding Both BBC & Discovery Channel in Papallacta..
For trekking we work in another way from the other operators. The main difference is that we don't camp with tents, we use bases.
We generally use rustic but cozy houses with matresses on the floor. Nothing special - but we have toilets and running water. We do this because to Cook & Camp over 3500m, could be absolutely miserable, after a cold trekking day with Hail-Rain & Mud. Its nice to have a place to warm up and dry the gear.. Also safety is very important for us.
The trekking areas & bases and the families we stay with are very reliable. For our demanding treks we have to eat well.
The families in our rustic bases prepare all our breakfast and dinners. Most of the time you can choose from Trout, Chicken or Beef & of course vegetarian plates.. It saves us many hours, not putting up & down camp sites and cooking every day. In this way we just carry day sacks with box lunches, allowing us to walk long distances without carrying heavy loads of food - tents and other equipment. Since we can walk a lot longer we also will see a lot more.
All of our tours will be adjusted to the weather and our clients strength and personal fitness. Also remember that everyone can have a bad day. Our guides are bilingual and know the routes very well, so that they can make the tours longer or shorter, depending on client's requirements. Let us know how many days you like to trek & which days you prefer in the programs..
The trekking time in the program could of course be half an hour more or less. In 2007 we had a military student group
doing 23 days of only trekking with us.. They were amazed about the routes and variety we offered...
On the treks it is possible to see the great Andean Condor, Dense Polilepis forest, Beautiful Snow capped volcanoes, lagoons & lakes, A massive variety of paramo flora - fauna & landscapes...
Always stay flexible and have a positive attitude.
Many of these acclimatization Treks & peaks can be done on your own if you are a little experienced.
But if a agency has an acclimatization tour - you probably cant do it cheaper alone.
We will be happy to provide all information to you about routes and other problems. ANDEAN TURTLE of course has many acclimatization programs to offer..
A good plan would be to spend 2-3 days of trekking with us and then do one or two of our lower peaks before attempting to climb the 5700+ meter glacier volcanoes. The best treks for hiking & acclimatization is around Papallacta hot springs and Cotopaxi National Park. For the hardest hikes you should be able to walk up to 7-8 hours with a daypack. We also do several other treks like Quilotoa - Mindo with easier hiking.. Our trips include bilingual guide, transportation (4x4), food, overnight lodging, and equipment - basically everything except entrance fees. All you need to bring are Warm clothes - Hiking Shoes & Rain gear. Meals are designed around your likes and dislikes - let us know what you prefer beforehand.
If you dont like the idea of the trekking bases, we can of course arrange better lodging... We hope that you will join us.
ANDEAN TURTLE TOURS / WHAT TO BRING FOR TREKKING & CLIMBING
On Basicly all ANDEAN TURTLE tours we use Trekking bases or Mountain refugees.. With Madrasses - Kichen facilities - Running water & Toilets etc.. The bases we use are basic but nice.. Have a shower and relax after a hard day.. So we dont need to bring a lot of gear & This Way - Is a lot better then Camping.. Wish can be miserable over 3500m in hail storms - Cold Rain & mud etc etc..
How much gear you need for camping by your self - is a very personal question.. It depends on how much time you are spending on - Cooking & Camping Etc etc.. It also depends on how many you are & in wich area you are...
DOING Tours with ANDEAN TURTLE / YOU DONT HAVE TO BRING
TENTS - STOVE/Fuel - POTS, PANS, DISHES - UTENSILS We nether camp on the tours - so you dont need Tents or any other Cooking & Camping gear..
We suply Double plastic BOOTS - CRAMPONS - GAITERS & GORTEX Climbing Trousers. HARNESS & CARABINERS - ICE AXE - Glacier Goggles - Headlamp - Full woollen Hat 2 pares of Gloves - SLEEPING BAG & Day Sack for the summit day or Trekking HELMETS - THERMAREST (BED ROLL) & Rubber Boots for treks
The GUIDES will have the ROPE & OTHER TECHNICAL GEAR like ICE SCREWS - Slings Stakes etc etc... They also have first aid and are Equiped for RESCUES...
This is the EQUIPMENT you need to bring if doing tours with ANDEAN TURTLE..
WHAT TO BRING
RAIN Jacket with hood
RUCK SACK = 50-80 Liter
UNDERWEAR & Socks
ANDEAN TURTLE = We dont suply UNDERWEAR or socks
Or other personal clothing
WARM LAYERS
ANDEAN TURTLE = See Below
SUNGLASSES
ANDEAN TURTLE = Not Included
But we include glacier goggles
SUNSCREEN
ANDEAN TURTLE = Not Included
For the mountains you need a minimum 20 Factor
HIKING POLES
ANDEAN TURTLE = Not Included & Most people dont need it.
For the climbes you have Ice axes - wich is included
PAD LOCK
ANDEAN TURTLE = For the lock up fasilities in the refuges etc etc
WATER BOTTLE 1.5 Liter
ANDEAN TURTLE = Easily optained all over
FLASH LIGHT = Not needed - But always good to have..
LIP BALM or other protection for the lips..
ANDEAN TURTLE = You dont need a DOWN JACKET But you need 5 layers on the OPPER BODY.
1st Layer = A T-shirt without armes If you dont have one - A normal T-shirt is OK
2nd Layer = A normal T-shirt
3rd Layer = A thin long Sleeve
4th Layer = A Fleese or thick Jumper
5th Layer = Rain Jacket with a hood
Not suplied - but you can rent it in the agency.
ON THE LEGGS = You need 3 Layers..
1-2 = Every kind of trousers - Jogging or long underwear.. NO jeans or jeans like material
3rd Layer = A good rain or gortex trousers We suply this if you dont have it