Ecuador Trekking Adventure
Stand on the highest point of the equator on the Cayambe Volcano and explore the heart of the Andes Mountains during this 12-day tour.
12 days
Starting at $2,640 per person
For active travelers
Choose your own dates
Hike through beautiful landscapes and explore traditional markets at the heart of the Andes.
Embark on an exhilarating adventure that combines breathtaking hikes with rich cultural experiences. From the colonial charm of Quito to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, this tour is designed for adventurous travelers who crave both physical challenges and cultural immersion. Discover traditional Kichwa markets, stand on the equator, and witness the spectacular views of snow-capped volcanoes. Each day promises a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Ecuador’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Arrive in Ecuador and settle in
Day 2: Explore Quito’s gold churches and stand on two hemispheres
Day 3: Hike the Pita River Gorge
Day 4: Climb to the summit of Pasochoa, an extinct volcano
Day 5: Get started on the Quilotoa Loop
Day 6: Reach the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lake
Day 7: Explore traditional markets on your way to Cotopaxi National Park
Day 8: Andean condors, spectacled bears, and hot springs
Day 9: Visit waterfalls and markets in Otavalo
Day 10: Hike to a Pucará and learn about the Incas and Karankis
Day 11: Stand on the highest point of the equatorial line in Cayambe
Day 12: Head back home or continue to the Galápagos Islands
Day 1: Arrive in Ecuador and settle in Begin your adventure by arriving in Quito, at an elevation of 2,896 meters (9,500 feet). Our driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the vibrant new town area where you can relax and settle in.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Meals included: none
Overnight stay: Suite in Hotel Ikala
Day 2: Explore Quito’s gold churches and stand on two hemispheres
Discover the charm of Quito’s colonial old town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a private guide, visiting stunning landmarks like the Jesuit church La Compañía de Jesús.
Then, head to the Mitad del Mundo Monument and straddle the two hemispheres at the same time.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay: Suite in Hotel Ikala
Day 3: Hike the Pita River gorge
Embark on a scenic hike up the Pita River gorge, a vital water source for Quito. This trek offers a stunning contrast, from lush cloud forests and waterfalls to the high-altitude vegetation of the páramo.
Travel time: 2 hours
Hike duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: go from 3,360 to 3,685m (11,024 – 12,090ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Finca-Hotel Cotopaxipungo
Day 4: Climb to the summit of Pasochoa, an extinct volcano
Pasochoa’s horseshoe-shaped caldera is rich in biodiversity, home to a variety of plant and animal species, and offers breathtaking views of Cotopaxi and other peaks. In the afternoon, reach Lasso and stay at a historic 17th-century hacienda, where world famous
explorers have stayed.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Hike duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: go from 3,340 to 4,200m (10,958 to 13,780ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Hacienda La Cienega
Day 5: Get started on the Quilotoa Loop
Immerse yourself in this incredible region, trekking through traditional Kichwa markets and mystical canyons. Our team will drive you to the hidden village of Isinliví, where you start
your trek. Explore local life and landscapes as you descend into the green Toachi Gorge and ascend to Chugchilán.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Hike duration: 5 hours
Elevation gain: go from 2,800 to 3,200m (9,186 to 10,500ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Hostería Mama Hilda
Day 6: Reach the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lake
Discover the breathtaking Quilotoa lake, a turquoise lagoon in the heart of an active volcano. Walk around the 3 km (1.86 mi) crater’s edge, observing the changing shades of blue and green as the sun plays on the water and cliffs. In the afternoon, visit Posada de
Tigua, a livestock farm where you can participate in milking cows and making cheese, milkshakes, and yogurt.
Travel time: 1 hour
Hike duration: 5 hours
Elevation gain: go from 3,692 to 3,870m (12,113 to 12,697ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Posada de Tigua
Day 7: Explore traditional markets on your way to Cotopaxi National Park
Travel towards Cotopaxi National Park, visiting traditional markets in Pujili, Saquislí, or Zumbahua. Enjoy a hike around Limpiopungo lagoon, with stunning views of the snow- capped Cotopaxi volcano. If weather permits, walk up to the refuge and the glacier.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Hike duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: go from 4,500 to 5,000 (14,764 to 16,405ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Hacienda La Cienega
Day 8: Andean condors, spectacled bears, and hot springs
Visit the Antisana nature reserve, home to the majestic Andean condor and a variety of wildlife including spectacled bears and Andean foxes. Hike near Mica Lake, surrounded by breathtaking flora and fauna. Conclude the day by relaxing in the therapeutic hot springs of Papallacta, rejuvenating your body for the adventures ahead.
Travel time: 4.5 hours
Hike duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: go from 3,950 to 4,100m (12,960 to 14,450ft)
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay: Termas de Papallacta
Day 9: Visit waterfalls and markets in Otavalo
Today you will travel from Papallacta to the northern province of Imbabura admiring volcanoes such as Antisana, Cotopaxi, Pichincha, Cayambe, and Imbabura along the way. Visit the Quitsato museum to learn about pre-Hispanic cultures and their astronomical
achievements. Once you reach Otavalo, you can decide to explore the famous market, artisan workshops, the Peguche waterfall, or the Cuicocha crater lake.
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Hike duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: go from 3,950 to 4,100m (12,960 to 14,450ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Hacienda Palmeras Inn
Day 10: Hike to a Pucará and learn about the Incas and Karankis On the northwestern slope of Cayambe, hike to the ancient Pucará Churuloma, believed to be a fortress or astronomical observatory used by the Karankis and Incas. Enjoy the historical insights and natural beauty of the area. On the return hike, you can unwind at a local thermal bath.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Hike duration: 5 hours
Elevation gain: go from 3,660 to 3,800m (12,000 to 12,467 ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Punanti Lodge
Day 11: Stand on the highest point of the equatorial line in Cayambe
Prepare for the final hike to the highest point of the equatorial line on Cayambe’s northwestern ridge, just below the glacier. First you will drive to the Cayambe refuge and trek counterclockwise around the mountain for stunning views. This hike demands good footing skills on unstable grounds and depending on the situation we will use a rope or crampons for some short climbs. Alternatively, choose a shorter hike to a beautiful glacier lake above the refuge, on a well-used trail. Conclude with a drive to Puembo, near Quito airport.
Travel time: 4 hours
Hike duration: 6 hours
Elevation gain: go from 4,610 to 4,720m (15,125 to 15,485 ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Hotel San José de Puembo
Day 12: Head back home or continue to the Galapagos Islands
Transfer to the airport for your international or national flight. For those seeking further adventure, an optional extension to the Galapagos Islands is available.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast
| Number of passengers | Price per person (USD) |
| 1 Passenger | $4495 |
| 2 Passenger | $2640 |
| 3 Passenger | $2080 |
| 4 Passenger | $1915 |
Package details
Included in the price
– Transfers with Spanish-speaking
driver: Days 1 & 12
– English-speaking certified tour
guide: Days 2 – 11
– Overnight stay in superior
accommodation in double or triple
room as indicated, or similar
– Meals as per program
– Entrance fees to the national parks
Cuicocha, Illiniza, Cotopaxi,
Cayambe
– Entrance fee for the mentioned
visits
– Mountaineering equipment if
necessary: helmet and crampons
– Contact person on site with 24-hour
emergency number
Not included in the price
– International flights
– Not mentioned meals and all drinks
with meals
– Services not mentioned in the
program or described as optional
– Personal expenses and tips
– Travel insurance
What other adventurous travelers say about us
Over 33 years of experience and proven professionalism support our well-known reputation in the market.
★★★★★
“Each excursion was
different and very interesting and always with passionate guides. Thank
you for scheduling this first
week in your country for me.”
G.M. from France, 2024
★★★★★
“We are taking a variety of
impressive experiences and fascinating pictures back with us. Many thanks to you
and your colleagues for the careful organization and the nice company.”.
R.N. from Switzerland, 2024
★★★★★
“Thank you and a thousand
thanks for everything. We will never forget the days with you (and Diego), they
were a big part of our dream vacation.”
R.N. from Switzerland, 2024
