El Reventador is a volcano with a bad temper. The name translates to "the Exploded" and for good reason; as recently as the 1970's it regularly spewed and fumed, causing much unease with local inhabitants. Although, it has since mellowed, fumaroles activity can still be observed in the crater. Despite El Reventador's relative dormancy, it remains a spectacular beast to be admired, as it's 3.485m symmetrical cone bursts out of the cloud forest with solid determination.
However, due to its location, it is prone to bad weather. Levels of rainfall reaching 5.500mm per year have been recorded. Until recently, the combination of unfriendly weather and permanent volcanic activity has kept explorers at bay. Nowadays, intrepid explorers attempt El Reventador regularly, but not without difficulties: Rest assured that if you are looking for a challenging mountain to climb, this active volcano won't disappoint you. Your trip begins as we travel 100 km from Quito on the winding highway to Lago Agrio.
When we reach the base of the volcano we do our packs and begin the ascent to the refuge, our rest place for the first night. Our next Day begins at dawn. As we climb upward the vegetation remains dense and at times almost impenetrable; when necessary we will forge our way with machetes. We will also follow rivers and cross the Odalisque lava fields, screed and mudflows left behind by El Reventador cantankerous temper. If it is a clear day when we reach the summit you will be bedazzled by shockingly extravagant vistas: the great expanse of the Amazon basin, huge vegetated cliffs, gorges and waterfalls. Because of the difficulty of the terrain, we cannot use mules to carry baggage and groups cannot consist of more than 6 people. All participants must be in excellent physical condition.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Quito - San Rafael
In the morning we pick you up at your hotel and drive along the Interoceanic Quito - Lago Agrio road. We cross the high pass (4200m) from Papallacta. The road leads us through Andean cloud forest and descends toward the San Rafael waterfall (1280m. high). In this beautiful spot we will set up our first camp. Lunch on the road, in the evening campfire. -/L/D
Day 02: Trekking to the Camp 2
Early ascent to camp 2 at a height of 2000m.Today we hike through rainforest and learn about the lush vegetation and the manifold fauna of the amazon basin. Here we cross the spectacled bear's territory and with a little luck we can see one of this rare species. You will need rubber boots for the muddy sections. After 8 hours walk we set up our campsite. B/L/D
Day 03: Trekking to Camp 3
A 6 hours hike will lead us to camp 3 located at the foot of the caldera. In the crater you can see the development of a new vulcano. A very rare spectacle of nature! Tucans, Oropendolas and other species of birds will glide above us. Campsite and dinner. B/L/D
Day 04: Climb to the summit
3:30 in the morning we set off toward the summit. If the weather conditions are good, we can enjoy spectacular views of other volcanoes and the immensity of the Amzon rainforest. Return to camp. B/L/D
Day 05: Hike back to the road - Papallacta Hot Springs - Quito
In about 4-5 hours we descend till the waterfall campsite. From here we drive back to Quito. On route we stop by the Thermal Springs of Papallacta where we can relax and eat an excellent trout. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Quito. B/L/-
Price 2009:
USD 855. - per person with minimum 4 people
USD 1,175. - per person with minimum 2 people
USD 2,115.- with one person
In the price included:
Private transportation, English speaking guide, all meals, collective camp equipment such 1 or 2-pers. tents, kitchen gear etc., cook, porters, entrance national Park, camping in San Rafael Waterfall
In the price not included:
International flight, personal equipment, tips, travel insurance, personal items, International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person),
What to bring with you: sleeping bag, sun glasses, sun block, rain wear, torch, hat, rubber boots, trekking shoes, warm clothing, canteen, camera and film (400 ASA).
Tour operated with a minimum of 2 persons
Expedition Sangay National Park - Expedition from Andes to the Amazon Rainforest
The Aguarico Trekking -
Amazon Headwaters with the Huaorani
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
