Trek Across the Ecuadorian Andes

All of our trips to Ecuador are currently running without any disruption. More information can be read here.

Much of the trek is within the capabilities of people with good fitness who are keen trekkers. Still, it is important to note that trekking at altitudes between 3000m to 5000m (10,000ft-16,404ft) is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations. Some training beforehand will help and we advise doing at least one weekend of walking back-to-back days. The guide will set the pace and as with all altitude treks, ensure that you adjust to the altitude. This means that there are plenty of hours factored into each day to ensure it is completed by all. You only need to carry a day-pack each day. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile!

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, you are able to leave excess luggage in Quito at the start of the trip, to be collected when you return to Quito.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

When you hike in the mountains, there's always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young, fit or unfit you are. We would expect most hikers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3000m. Our guides are trained to identify the symptoms of altitude sickness so if any more serious symptoms are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or a rapid descent if needed. All of our trips have been designed with altitude best practice in mind and the experienced guides follow advice to ‘walk high and sleep low’.

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.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

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.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.