Trekking in Ecuador

On your first day, there are no scheduled activities, allowing you to explore the beautiful city of Quito at your own pace. If you wish to have a guided tour, please contact us for arrangements at an additional cost. Our expert guides are always available to show you around the city or nearby areas. Remember, there is a meeting at 18:00 in the hotel lobby to meet your guide to receive an overview of the expedition.

The day starts early with a 3-hour drive along the volcanoes highway, heading to the southwestern Andes where the famous Quilotoa loop hike begins in Sigchos. Upon arrival, preparations are made for a 5-hour hike, the easiest of the three days, offering a chance to acclimate to the altitude. The trail traverses dirt roads with minimal traffic and some narrow sections, mostly downhill and flat, starting at Sigchos (12,000 feet) and ending at Isinlivi (11,000 feet). In Isinlivi, accommodations are at the cozy Llullu Llama Lodge, providing ample rest and a delicious dinner to recharge for the next day's hike.

After breakfast, the day begins with a hike on dirt trails and narrow secondary roads. The route offers some of the most stunning views of the Andes in Ecuador, passing through quaint villages such as Isinlivi and Chugchilan. These small towns rely on farming and cattle, producing quinoa, potatoes, and corn, and raising horses, mules, chickens, and guinea pigs, a local delicacy. Upon reaching Toachi Canyon, a picnic is enjoyed before the climb up to Chugchilan.

Today presents one of the biggest challenges of the expedition, but also one of the most rewarding. The strenuous effort culminates in 360-degree views at the top of Quilotoa Volcano, a turquoise jewel in the Andes. This sacred volcano inspires local artists with its impressive power. After lunch, the journey continues with a drive to Riobamba for an overnight stay.

In the morning, enjoy a tasty breakfast before driving to the Chimborazo Reserve, home to thousands of vicuñas, small llama relatives identifiable by their red coats as they roam the volcano's slopes. Chimborazo’s summit is the highest on earth when measured from the planet’s core due to its proximity to the Equator. The hike is short but challenging, reaching nearly seventeen thousand feet. After lunch, head to Baños, an ideal spot for drinks and salsa dancing.

Today, head to the border of the lush Amazon Basin to hike through a beautiful forest to Pailon del Diablo, a powerful waterfall forming a small gorge with an overhanging bridge for viewing its majesty both alongside and from above. In the afternoon, visit Casa del Arbol, renowned for its swing overlooking the valley in Baños and the Tungurahua volcano, famously featured in NatGeo's 2014 photo contest. There will also be time for optional activities such as ziplining or shopping.

Our seventh day of exploring takes us back north to Cotopaxi. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active Volcanoes on earth. Perfectly conical and surrounded by views of other volcanoes it is a sight to behold. The park is also home to horses and bulls, which can sometime be seen trotting about. Once reaching the National Park we will trek upwards to the base of the glacier, nearing 17,000 feet! In the afternoon we will return to Quito.

Today will be your departure from Quito and the end of the tour. After checking out of the hotel, you will be free to make your individual departure to the airport or wherever your final destination may be.