Hike Ecuador’s avenue of volcanoes – 8-day trek

Day 1: Quito arrival

Meet & transfer; optional Old Town stroll; evening welcome briefing. Overnight in Quito. (D)

Day 2: Cotopaxi NP hike to Isinliví

Easy acclimatization hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon with views to Cotopaxi; watch for wild horses and high-Andes birds. Transfer to Isinliví. (≈2 h hiking) (B, L, D)

Day 3: Toachi Canyon to Chugchilán

Trek down to the Toachi River and up to Chugchilán on traditional mountain trails; village time in the afternoon. (≈4 h hiking) (B, L, D)(B, L, D)

Day 4: Quilotoa crater rim to Chimborazo area

Traverse small Andean paths to the dramatic Quilotoa Lagoon rim; picnic with crater views. Drive to a hacienda at the foot of Chimborazo. (≈5 h hiking, mixed terrain) (B, L, D)

Day 5: Chimborazo high-base hike to Baños

Enter Chimborazo Fauna Reserve; short high-altitude hike to ~5,000 m/16,400 ft near the glacier, scanning for vicuñas and Andean birds. Picnic; continue to Baños. (≈2–2.5 h hiking) (B, L, D)

Day 6: Llanganates trek to Baños

Full-day hike in Llanganates National Park (legendary Inca treasure lore) through changing páramo and cloud-forest zones with views to Tungurahua/Sangay (weather-permitting). Optional hot springs or massage back in Baños. (≈6 h hiking) (B, L, D)

Day 7: Route of Waterfalls to Quito

“Ruta de las Cascadas”: Tarabita cable over the Pastaza to Bridal Veil, then hike to Pailón del Diablo. Scenic return to Quito for the final night. (≈1.5 h hiking) (B, L, D)

Day 8: Depart

Airport transfer and international departure (B)

• All ground transportation (private vehicles)
• Airport transfers
• 7 nights’ double-occupancy accommodation
• Meals as described (B,L,D)
• Professional bilingual adventure guide (certified Wilderness First Aid)
• Trekking poles
• Entrance fees to national parks
• Activities listed in itinerary

• International flights
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Single supplement
• Meals not mentioned in itinerary
• Tips for guides/drivers
• Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, laundry)

• Hiking boots (broken in)
• Trekking poles (provided but bring if preferred)
• Daypack (20–30L)
• Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)
• Waterproof jacket & pants
• Comfortable clothes for evenings
• Hat, gloves, sunglasses
• Sunscreen & lip balm (high SPF)
• Refillable water bottle or hydration system
• Personal toiletries & meds
• Travel insurance documents

Climate varies by altitude.

• Quito & high Andes: 12–17 °C (53–62 °F nights) / 15–20 °C (59–68 °F days).
• Lower valleys & Baños: up to 34 °C (93 °F).
• Best season: year-round, but expect mixed sun, rain, and cool nights.

Lodges and hotels (double occupancy):

• 1 night in Wyndham La Quinta, Quito
• 1 night in Llullu Llama Lodge, Isinliví
• 1 night Hostal Mama Hilda, Chugchilán
• 1 night Hostería Andaluza (near Chimborazo)
• 1 night La Floresta Hotel, Baños Single supplement available at extra cost.

Fly into Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).

• Transfers to/from the airport are included in the package.
• Overland transportation during the itinerary is by private, comfortable vehicles (2–3 hrs on driving days)

• What is the trekking difficulty? Moderate to challenging; 4–6 hrs per day with altitude up to 5,000 m.
• Do I need prior trekking experience? Not strictly, but good fitness and acclimatization are important.
• Are meals included? Breakfast daily; most lunches and dinners as per itinerary.
• What is the group size? Small groups, typically 4–12 travelers.
• Are guides certified? Yes, all guides are certified and trained in Wilderness First Aid.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.

We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.

Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.