Trek in beautiful Ecuador with a guide
Embark on a true adventure, stepping into the shoes of a modern-day pioneer on fresh Andean soil. Experience breathtaking sights from a new perspective as you trek off the beaten path along narrow trails surrounded by scenic farms, crater lakes, and snowcapped volcanoes. Immerse yourself in the local way of life, learning about the region's geography, history, ecology, and culture from expert guides. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey through a land shaped by Mother Nature, with accommodations in charming eco-lodges and colonial haciendas.
Highlights of the Trekking in Ecuador
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Trekking in Ecuador Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Day
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Trekking from Sigchos to Isinlivi
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.
Overnight Location: Lodge at Isinlivi
Distance: 10km, 526m ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek Isinlivi - Chugchilan
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.
Overnight Location: Hostel at Chugchilan
Distance: 12km, 972m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Trek Chugchilan - Quilotoa - Chimborazo
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.
Overnight Location: Lodge near Chimborazo
Distance: 11.2km, 1157m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Trek Chimborazo
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.
Overnight Location: Hostel at Baños
Distance: 3km, 265m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 Baños and the Route of the Waterfalls
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.
Overnight Location: Hostel at Baños
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Trek Cotopaxi
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito
Distance: 4km, 346m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
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.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Trekking in Ecuador Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour is run either as a group tour or a private tour. The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room.
Private Tour:
- Group of 2+: $1,770 USD per person
Dates and Prices to Join a Group Tour:
Accommodation on Trekking in Ecuador Tour
This tour is based in charming hotels, hostels and lodges and standard rooms are double.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Wyndham Garden in Quito ★★★★
Located in the heart of bustling downtown, this hotel is a 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award winner.
Llullullama Mountain Lodge
Llullullama Mountain Lodge is a cozy and charming accommodation nestled in the Andean highlands, offering stunning views, comfortable amenities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for trekkers and travelers.
Hostel Mama Hilda ★★★★★
Hostel Mama Hilda is a family run hostel in the small town of Chugchilan on the Quilotoa Loop. They are ideally situated half way around the loop and have been welcoming guests to our hostel for many years.
La Andaluza Hacienda in Riobamba ★★★★
Step back in time when you visit this gorgeous historic hacienda. You’ll love admiring all the antiques inside and exploring the exquisite gardens.
La Floresta Hotel in Banos ★★★
Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful gardens at this mountainside hotel. Here you'll find traditionally decorated rooms and warm hospitality.
Hotel Wyndham Garden in Quito ★★★★
Located in the heart of bustling downtown, this hotel is a 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award winner.
What’s Included in the Trekking in Ecuador Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Quito are not included but can be booked for an extra charge.
Transportation during the Tour
Private transport for you and your group is included as outlined in the itinerary.
Also included
- Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
- Private Transport
- Water and snacks at all time
- Trekking gear: (Black diamond hiking poles)
- All fees to reserves and museums
Not included
- International or domestic flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Airport transfers
Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking in Ecuador
The creation of Activexpedition is to inspire adventure travelers to explore our world from a different perspective. At Activexpedition they prioritize eco-friendly activities in every destination they go, as well as support local people and traditions through sustainability efforts.
Activexpedition's mission is to deliver educational experiences of a lifetime with stellar service and provide human powered holidays that go beyond typical adventure travel.
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Is this tour for me?
Local Guide
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Q&A
Q: What is the best part of guiding tourists in your country?
A: Very difficult question, but Mountain Biking along the Andes is my favourite part of my country.
Q: What are guests most surprised about when visiting Ecuador?
A: The people, how friendly we are, the biodiversity that Ecuador has. Here you can have breakfast on the coast then have lunch in the mountains and finally have dinner in the Amazon basin.
Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should do?
Galapagos is the main highlight, but all of the visitors have to do the mainland multisport because this is an active tour where we mix with local gastronomy and the most important thing we share with local people.
Q: What is your most unforgettable moment when guiding?
A: When your guests don’t tell you anything, but you can see how excited they are in their faces.
Q: What is one local dish or drink that tourists must try on a visit to your country and why?
A: I love our local food, well the first dish fritada with tortillas that is fried pork with potato patties then empanadas.
Q: Where would you want to go on holiday?
A: Utah to ride the Whole Enchilada!
Q: What is the most challenging adventure you’ve ever done?
A: When I finished high school, I took my bike and rode it through Ecuador for 1 year, and I climbed almost all of our snowcap mountains along the way.
Q: What do your guests say is best about the trips you lead?
A: The diversity of our country and how the people are. They say also that the activities that we have are the best option to learn about our country.