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PRICE FOR 1 PERSON $500
Day 1 -Chunchi – Santa Rosa – Cerro Puñay Ascent – Camping
07:00 a.m. – Departure
Our private transportation and professional guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin our adventure toward southern Ecuador.
We will travel through part of the Andean region until reaching Chimborazo Province. Along the way, we will enjoy changing mountain landscapes, small Andean communities, and agricultural areas.
The journey to the Chunchi area is relatively long, so we will make a few stops along the way to rest and enjoy the scenery.
First Stop – Chimborazo Viewpoints
During the journey, we will make panoramic stops, depending on weather and road conditions, to enjoy the landscapes of Chimborazo Province.
These stops will also give us an opportunity to stretch our legs, take photographs, and rest before continuing toward Chunchi.
11:30 a.m. – Arrival in Chunchi
We will arrive in the canton of Chunchi, located in Chimborazo Province.
Chunchi is located along the Pan-American Highway and is one of the main access points to Cerro Puñay. The canton features a great variety of landscapes and climates, ranging from high Andean areas to warmer regions.
Here, we will have a short break and prepare for the trek.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
We will enjoy lunch in Chunchi before beginning our ascent.
This will be the ideal time to recharge our energy and make sure that all the necessary equipment for the hike is ready.
Lunch included.
01:00 p.m. – Transfer to Santa Rosa Community
After lunch, we will continue by private transportation to Santa Rosa Community, in the Llagos parish.
From Chunchi, we will continue along the Pan-American Highway and then take the access road toward Santa Rosa, where the Cerro Puñay hiking trail begins. The journey from the El Tablón sector to Santa Rosa takes approximately 30 minutes.
Before starting the hike, our guide will provide a brief explanation about:
- The route.
- Estimated hiking time.
- Trail conditions.
- Hiking pace.
- Safety recommendations.
- Responsible behavior in the mountains.
01:30 p.m. – Start of the Cerro Puñay Trek
We will begin our hike from approximately 2,550–2,600 meters above sea level.
The ascent will be gradual and will take us along a mountain trail with different types of terrain.
The route includes some steep and challenging sections, so we will maintain a comfortable pace suitable for the group, taking short breaks whenever necessary.
The ascent usually takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, although the duration may vary depending on trail conditions, weather, and each traveler's pace.
During the Ascent
As we gain elevation, we will begin to enjoy increasingly impressive panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The landscape gradually changes as we climb, allowing us to observe the vegetation characteristic of the highlands of Chimborazo.
Our guide will accompany the group throughout the entire trek and will establish the necessary breaks to maintain a safe and comfortable pace.
Stop at the Piedra del Sacrificio
During the ascent, we may stop at one of the sites associated with the ancestral history of Cerro Puñay, known as the Piedra del Sacrificio (Sacrifice Stone).
This area provides a good opportunity to rest before continuing toward the upper section of the mountain.
Cerro Puñay has an important connection with the Cañari culture and is considered an ancient ceremonial site. At the summit, there is a large archaeological structure that contributes to the cultural significance of the area.
04:30–05:00 p.m. – Arrival at the Camping Area
After approximately 2.5–3 hours of hiking, we will reach the upper section of Cerro Puñay.
The camping area is located at approximately 3,200–3,240 meters above sea level, while the summit reaches approximately 3,245–3,270 meters above sea level, according to different route records.
Here, we will set up our campsite.
Travelers will have time to rest while the guide prepares and organizes the camping area.
05:00 p.m. – Summit and Viewpoint Exploration
Once the campsite is set up, we will walk toward the panoramic viewpoints in the upper section of the mountain.
From here, we will enjoy one of the highlights of the Cerro Puñay experience: spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and, if weather conditions are favorable, the impressive sea of clouds.
Cerro Puñay is particularly known for its sunsets and panoramic views over the Piñancay Valley.
05:30–06:00 p.m. – Sunset over the Sea of Clouds
This will be one of the highlights of our experience.
We will head to a panoramic viewpoint to enjoy the sunset and watch as the changing light transforms the mountains and valleys.
We will have time to:
- Take photographs.
- Record videos.
- Enjoy the scenery.
- Rest.
- Watch the sunset.
Important: The exact sunset time varies throughout the year, and the possibility of seeing the sea of clouds depends entirely on weather conditions.
07:00 p.m. – Dinner and Camping Night
We will return to the campsite to enjoy a warm mountain-style dinner.
After dinner, we can spend some time together at the campsite and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains.
If conditions are favorable, we may also have the opportunity to observe the night sky and stars.
Due to the altitude and exposure to wind, temperatures during the night can be considerably low, so warm clothing and waterproof layers are essential.
Overnight camping at Cerro Puñay.
Day 2 – Cerro Puñay Sunrise – Summit – Descent – Chunchi – Baños
05:30 a.m. – Wake-up
We will wake up early and get ready for one of the most special moments of the trip: watching the sunrise from Cerro Puñay.
The exact departure time will depend on the travel date and weather conditions.
06:00 a.m. – Sunrise at Cerro Puñay
We will walk toward one of the panoramic viewpoints in the upper section of the mountain to watch the sunrise.
From this location, we will be able to see the first rays of sunlight gradually illuminate the surrounding mountains and valleys.
When atmospheric conditions are favorable, we may once again enjoy the spectacular sea of clouds.
We will have time to take photographs and peacefully enjoy the scenery.
07:00 a.m. – Breakfast
We will return to the campsite to enjoy a warm breakfast.
After breakfast, we will pack our belongings and take down the tents, leaving the area completely clean.
We promote responsible tourism and respect for the environment, so all waste generated during the activity must be carried back with the group.
08:00 a.m. – Final Ascent to the Cerro Puñay Summit
Before beginning our descent, we will complete the final section toward the summit of Cerro Puñay.
The summit is located at approximately 3,245–3,270 meters above sea level and is one of the main attractions of the mountain.
At the top, we will be able to see and learn about the archaeological area associated with the ancient Cañari presence.
The summit features a large stepped archaeological structure, considered an ancient ceremonial center associated with the Cañari and Puruhá cultures.
08:30 a.m. – Time at the Summit
We will have time for:
- Photography.
- Enjoying the surrounding landscape.
- Learning about the history of the area.
- Exploring the site responsibly.
- Enjoying the panoramic views.
Our guide will explain the cultural and natural significance of Cerro Puñay.
09:00 a.m. – Beginning of the Descent
We will begin our descent along the same trail toward Santa Rosa Community.
Although the descent requires less cardiovascular effort than the ascent, there are steep sections and uneven terrain. Therefore, we recommend maintaining a controlled pace and using trekking poles if available.
The descent usually takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on the group's pace and trail conditions.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival at Santa Rosa
We will arrive back at Santa Rosa Community.
Here, we will have time to:
- Rest.
- Rehydrate.
- Change clothes if necessary.
- Use the available facilities.
- Prepare to continue the journey.
Our private transportation will be waiting for us to continue toward Chunchi.
11:30 a.m. – Transfer to Chunchi
We will continue by private transportation toward Chunchi.
During the journey, we can rest after the hike.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
We will stop in Chunchi to enjoy lunch.
This will be an opportunity to rest and regain our energy before beginning the journey back to Baños.
Lunch included.
01:00 p.m. – Return to your meeting point
After lunch, we will begin our journey back to your meeting point
During the journey, we may make technical stops according to the group's needs.
We will arrive in your meeting point and transfer you to your hotel or the agreed drop-off point.
End of our services.