Trekking the Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador

Welcome to Quito! The largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, Quito was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of South America, it was also the second most important city in the Inca Empire. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore Quito’s charming old town and surrounding areas—your guides can help organize a day trip if you wish. In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing, with plenty of time to go over trip details and answer any questions. This first day is designed for information and acclimation.

Accommodation: Hotel Wyndham La Quinta or similar

Begin the day with a hike through the Sierra climate around Limpiopungo Lagoon (13,000 ft / 3,800 m), located at the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. Along the way, you may spot wild horses, bulls, and various bird species. To end the day, we’ll drive to Isinliví, where we’ll spend the night.

Accommodation: Llullu Llama Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
Elevation gain: 1,000 ft / 305 m
Walking time: Approximately 2 hours on flat terrain around Limpiopungo Lagoon
Total steps: 15,345

The charming Andean mountain landscapes will inspire us today as we trek 13.5 km (8.4 mi) along the Toachi Canyon. Enjoy stunning views of small villages and indigenous people working in the fields. We’ll hike down into the canyon of the Toachi River and then back up to the main road leading to Chugchilán, a small town nestled in the heart of the Quilotoa Loop. Here, we’ll settle into our eco-house accommodation, and in the afternoon, there’s time to explore the village and enjoy a unique cultural experience with the locals.

Accommodation: Hostal Mama Hilda or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles
Elevation gain: 998 ft / 304 m
Elevation loss: 1,310 ft / 399 m
Walking time: 4 hours (2 downhill, 2 uphill)
Total steps: 25,481

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we’ll begin an 11-km (6.9 miles) hike along small trails carved by mountain people and still used by locals to transport goods and travel between neighboring communities. Along the way, you’ll witness the traditional custom of bartering, as locals exchange goods with one another. We’ll descend into impressive canyons before climbing back up to the crater rim, where spectacular views of Quilotoa Lake await you. The majesty of this place is truly breathtaking. Enjoy a beautiful picnic with the best views from the volcano, then transfer 2.5 hours to a magical hacienda nestled in the foothills of Chimborazo volcano.

Accommodation: Hostería Andaluza or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 11 km / 6.9 miles
Elevation gain: 3,200 ft / 975 m
Elevation loss: 698 ft / 213 m
Walking time: 5 hours (1 downhill, 2.5 uphill, 1.5 flat)
Total steps: 27,518

Early in the morning, we’ll drive through valleys and farming villages to reach Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador’s highest peak at 6,310 m (20,702 ft), whose summit is the farthest point from the center of the Earth. On a clear day, this majestic mountain dominates the horizon for miles. Our visit to this spectacular national park includes a short 0.9 km (0.57 mi) hike up to 5,000 m (16,404 ft), where the glacier begins. Along the way, we’ll look out for native wildlife like the Andean condor, cara-cara, hummingbirds, and the shy wild vicuñas—once extinct in Ecuador but now reintroduced and protected. These beautiful animals are relatives of alpacas and llamas. A delicious picnic will be served at base camp before we depart.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Elevation gain: 984 ft / 300 m
Walking time: 2 hours 15 minutes (1.5 uphill, 0.75 downhill)
Total steps: 14,974

Trek for 6 hours in Llanganates National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and intriguing mystery. Legend says the Inca General Ruminahui hid a large sum of gold somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range. Begin the hike at 3,200 m (10,498 ft) and ascend to 3,600 m (12,024 ft), observing diverse vegetation as you climb. Enjoy breathtaking views of Tungurahua and Sangay Volcanoes (weather permitting). After the trek, return to Baños for your final night in this enchanting town. It’s a great chance to visit a nearby spa for a relaxing massage after your hike. In the evening, unwind in Baños’ famous hot springs and soak up the lively nightlife.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Elevation gain: 1,315 ft / 400 m
Walking time: 6 hours

Baños is a town famous for its stunning location at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano and offers a wide range of outdoor activities like horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting. It’s one of Ecuador’s top tourist destinations, popular with many local families on vacation. One glance at this lush, green mountain town reveals its charm—pleasant and unspoiled. This morning, we’ll explore the road of waterfalls, starting at the Bride’s Veil waterfall where we’ll cross the Pastaza River on the Tarabita (cable car). Next, we’ll hike down for about an hour to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, Ecuador’s second highest. After a day packed with cloud forest adventures, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive back to Quito City.

Accommodation: Hotel Wyndham La Quinta or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation gain: 299 ft / 91 m
Walking time: 1 hour 45 minutes (45 minutes downhill, 1 hour uphill)
Total steps: 13,000

The trip has come to an end, but if you’d like to stay longer and explore Ecuador, just ask your guides for some recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast