Visit to the cave Templo Machay

During our descent to the road, we will stop at the arbol solitario, the only tree within the Chimborazo reserve, thought to be the only remaining specimen of its kind. The Puruhá yachaks (shamans) believe the tree to be strongly connected to the moon and stars, and that circling it 12 times will cure illness. We will also pass some dunes of fine, nearly white sand, which have been blown by the wind into desert-like ripples and peaks.

In the morning we will drive through the Chimborazo Reserve to the Carrel Refuge at 4850 m altitude, from where we will begin our hike to a sacred cave on the flanks of the volcano Chimborazo. On the way, we will have the chance to see the llama’s delicate wild cousin, the vicuña, roaming the otherworldly landscapes. You will feel the lack of oxygen and discover that the barren landscape is home to more plants than was first apparent.