4.8
Trek Across the Ecuadorian Andes
- Ecuador
- 8 nights
An unforgettable hike through the volcanic peaks and paramos of the Andean mountains
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking local guidesAll accommodation
You'll stay in a combination of hotels, hostels, mountain lodges and haciendasMeals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 2 dinnersTransfers
Arrival transfers from the airport to your hotel in QuitoEquipment
Hiking poles, if you need themSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From …
excluding flights
What's it like?
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Highlights
Hike crater to crater over the famous Avenue of Volcanoes, peepers open for Andean condors and wild vicuñas
Trek to the glacier under the Chimborazo Stratovolcano - the furthest point from the centre of the Earth
Follow paths through remote communities, past turquoise lagoons and by thundering waterfalls before soaking your muscles in natural hot springs
Itinerary
Day 1
Touch down in Quito
HotelTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of South America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is located on the equator, in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area, shaking off any jet lag. Your host can help you to organise a day trip (please request this in advance). There will be a group meet up at 18:00 to get to know your guide and fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Trekking Agua y Vida
Hiking5-6hrs · 7mi · 1969ft up · 1969ft downDriving1hrHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
After breakfast, there's a short drive to the village of Papallacta. You’ll then lace up your boots and head off into the Cayambe Coca National Park, an ecological reserve where you’ll trek past lagoons and waterfalls with incredible views along the way. Your hike ends at the Papallacta Hot Springs, a natural hot spring where you can soak the evening away. You will be walking at altitudes of between 3700m to 4300m today.
Day 3
Trekking from Sigchos to Isinlivi
Hiking5-6hrs · 7mi · 984ft upLodgeTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Fuel up on breakfast and start your hike towards the southeast part of town. Navigate trails through farmland, along cornfields and slowly descend towards the river. The views from the valley are stunning and most of the people who live in the villages along the route have lived in the region their whole life, maintaining traditional practices. You'll end the day at an eco mountain lodge surrounded by impressive volcanoes, breathtaking views and traditional highland villages. You will be moving at altitudes of between 2600m and 2900m today.
Day 4
Hike Toachi Canyon to Chugchilán
Hiking4hrs · 8mi · 984ft up · 1312ft downHostelTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Today you’ll trek through the awesome Andean mountain landscape towards the Toachi Canyon and catch glimpses of small villages and indigenous communities working in the fields. Hike down to the canyon of the Toachi River and then on to Chugchilán, a small town located in the middle of the Quilotoa Loop. In the afternoon you can explore the village and mingle with the locals. You will be walking at altitudes of between 2896m to 3295m today.
Day 5
Trekking to Quilotoa
Hiking5hrs · 7mi · 3199ft up · 656ft downGuesthouseTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Up bright and early today, you’ll hit the small trails used by the mountain people who traverse the canyons to reach neighbouring communities, where it’s common to see the traditional custom of exchanging goods. Venture down into the canyon then climb back up to the top of the crater rim, where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Quilotoa Lake, a water-filled volcanic crater. Enjoy a beautiful picnic with the best views from the volcano before jumping into the van and transferring to a magical hacienda in the foothills of the Chimborazo volcano. You will be walking at altitudes between 2987m and 3962m today.
Day 6
Trek to Chimborazo Basecamp
Hiking2-3hrs · 6mi · 656ft up · 656ft downGuesthouseTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Early in the morning, drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador (6310m). Its summit is the furthest point from the centre of the earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometres. Visiting this spectacular national park includes a short hike to reach the elevation of 5000m, where the glacier begins. Keep your eyes peeled for the animals that inhabit this volcanic climate - such as Andean condor, caracara birds, hummingbirds, and timid vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, vicuñas were reintroduced into the wild and are now protected; they are a relation of alpacas and llamas. In the evening, soak in the famous hot springs of Baños and experience the thriving nightlife of this town - well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano.
Day 7
Llanganates National Park
Hiking5hrs · 7mi · 1312ft upGuesthouseTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
Head out for a hike in the Llanganates National Park, famous for its beautiful landscapes as well as its intriguing stories (legend has it that the Inca General Ruminahui had a large sum of gold hidden somewhere in the Tungurahua mountains). The vegetation changes as you increase elevation, before reaching stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Sangay Volcano. Following the hike, return to Baños to spend a last night in this magical town. You will be moving at altitudes between 3200m and 3600m today.
Day 8
Chasing waterfalls
Hiking2hrs · 1miHotelTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 8 detailHide detail
Head out of the mountain town of Baños this morning, and hit the road of the waterfalls. Stop at the Bride's Veil waterfall to take the Tarabita cable car across the Pastaza River. Then, hike down to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador. After a day full of adventures in the cloud forest, enjoy the scenic ride back to Quito.
Day 9
Bid farewell to Quito
Breakfast includedShow Day 9 detailHide detail
Your adventure ends today as you enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Quito. You're free to head to the airport in time for your onward flight, or the bus station if you are travelling on to other parts of Ecuador.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
- Pick up
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito
Before 18:00 on Day 1 - Drop off
- Hotel La Quinta by Wyndham, Quito
Morning on Day 9
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided hike through Cayambe Coca National Park
- Soaik in the Papallacta Hot Springs
- Guided hike from Sigchos to Isinlivi
- Guided hike Toachi Canyon to Chugchilán
- Guided hike to Quilotoa crater rim
- Guided hike to Chimborazo basecamp
- Soak in the Baños Hot Springs
- Guided hike in Llanganates National Park
- Guided hike down the road of waterfalls
- Ride the Tarabita cable car across the Pastaza River
- Guided hike to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- 1 night in a centrally located hotel in Quito
- 1 night in a 4-star spa hotel in Papallacta
- 1 night in a family-run mountain lodge on the Quilotoa Loop
- 1 night in a cosy countryside hostel
- 3 nights in traditional rural haciendas
- 1 night in a rustic 4-star hotel in Baños
- All (8) breakfasts
- 6 picnic-style lunches
- 2 traditional Andean dinners
- Arrival transfer from Mariscal Sucre International Airport before 18:00 on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport on Day 9
- All transfers during the trip
- Hiking poles, if you need them
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your host can help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
- Guides: $10 USD per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
Quito
Papallacta
Isinlivi
Chugchilán
Chimborazo
Baños
What You'll Eat
Throughout the adventure, you'll be fuelled by delicious Andean food, such as traditional Ecuadorian potato soup, meat and vegetable dishes utilising local grains such as quinoa and beans and plenty of local fresh fruits. Lunch usually consists of a…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Single)
- …/per night
- Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/Double)
- …/per night
Upgrades
- Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
- …/per person
Transfers
- Quito additional airport transfer (1 person)
- …
- Quito additional airport transfer (2 or more people)
- …/per person
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Ratings & Reviews
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Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 5.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
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What to Pack
Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
What do I do about drinking water?
The tap water in mainland Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodations which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
Yes, you are able to leave excess luggage in Quito at the start of the trip, to be collected when you return to Quito.
Is it safe to travel to Ecuador right now?
All of our trips to Ecuador are currently running without any disruption. More info can be read here.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: $10 USD per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
How much will I spend while trekking?
We do not include some dinners on the trek and in Quito as from experience we know that altitude and physical exercise can mean appetites vary hugely. How much you spend per day will vary according to your choice of meal but generally, people spend between $20-$30 per person per day on meals and drinks.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
There really is no 'best' time to visit the Andes, any time of year offers a great chance to experience the area. However, December and January are great months due to low rainfall and far less wind. June and July are the driest months, although they can be very windy. The Andes are also blessed with the highest number of clear days per year in the Ecuadorian Andes.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 212kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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