Trek Across the Ecuadorian Andes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.