Ecuador Andes Hiking Tour: Villages, Volcanoes, Waterfalls

• DAY 1: Sigchos Hike

  

  Commence your Andean trekking Ecuador tour by driving southeast of Quito (beginning at 8:00 AM) to the captivating region of Sigchos, located in the southern part of Latacunga city. Your journey will lead you from Sigchos to Isinlivi, guiding you through the scenic Toachi Canyon (approximately 3-4 hours). This canton is rich in traditions, culture, and natural landscapes. Following an immersive experience of learning and exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch before proceeding to the lodge for further relaxation.

  *Maximum altitude: 2,934 m. (9,262 ft.) 

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
  • Transport:Bus. Car.
  • Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge or similar.

• DAY 2: Trek Isinlivi to Chugchilan

  

  Following breakfast, your day kicks off with a hike (activities begin at 8:00 AM) along dirt trails and narrow secondary roads. Ecuador hiking trips offer some of the most breathtaking and privileged views of the Andes in Ecuador. You’ll traverse through charming villages such as Isinlivi and Chugchilan. These quaint towns rely on agriculture and cattle farming, producing quinoa, potatoes, and corn, and raising horses, mules, chickens, and guinea pigs. Upon reaching the Toachi Canyon, indulge in a picnic before ascending to Chugchilan.

  *Distance: 11.9 Km. (7.39 mi) 

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
  • Transport:Bus. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Hostal Mama Hilda or similar.

• DAY 3: Quilotoa Loop Hike

  

  Today marks one of the most significant challenges of your expedition hiking in the Andes (activities commence at 8:00 AM), but it is also poised to be one of the most rewarding days! Following a strenuous hike and considerable effort, your perseverance will be rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views from the summit of the Quilotoa Crater Lake, a mesmerizing turquoise gem nestled in the Andes. This volcano holds sacred significance for the indigenous people, not only due to its awe-inspiring power but also as inspiration for local artists in many of their art pieces. After lunch, you will embark on a drive to Riobamba, where you will spend the night.

  *Distance: 11.2 Km. (6.95 mi.)

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
  • Transport:Bus. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Andaluza Hacienda or similar.

• DAY 4: Trek Chimborazo

  

  As you continue your Ecuador Andes hiking tour, savor a delightful breakfast before setting out for the Chimborazo reserve (activities commence at 8:00 AM). This is the habitat of the Andean Condor, as well as thousands of vicuñas, smaller relatives of llamas easily identifiable by their red coats as they roam the slopes of the volcano. Chimborazo’s summit holds the distinction of being considered the highest point on Earth when measured from the planet’s core. Its proximity to the Equator places it closer to space than Everest! While the hike will be brief, it will be challenging, reaching an elevation of almost seventeen thousand feet. Following lunch, your journey continues to Baños, an ideal spot for drinks and salsa dancing.

  *Distance: 2.77 Km. (1.72 mi.)

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Wildlife-watching.
  • Transport:Bus. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Alisamay Hotel or similar.

• DAY 5: Baños and The Route of The Waterfalls

  

  Today, your Ecuador Andes hiking tour begins with a journey to the border of the lush Amazon Basin (activities commence at 8:00 AM). Immerse yourself in a captivating hike through a beautiful forest leading to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful cascade. This waterfall creates a picturesque gorge with an overhanging bridge, providing a unique opportunity to experience its magnificence not only beside the falls but also from above. In the afternoon, a visit to La Casa del Árbol awaits, renowned for its swing offering breathtaking views of the valley in Baños and the Tungurahua volcano. Optional activities like zip-lining or shopping will also be available during this time.

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
  • Transport:Bus. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Alisamay Hotel or similar.

• DAY 6: Trek Cotopaxi

  

  On the final day of your Ecuador Andes hiking tour, you’ll journey back north to Cotopaxi National Park (activities commence at 8:00 AM). The Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth, awaits. Its perfectly conical shape, set against the backdrop of other volcanoes, is a mesmerizing sight. The park is also a habitat for horses and bulls, occasionally seen trotting about. Upon reaching the National Park, a trek upwards to the base of the glacier awaits, reaching an elevation of nearly 17,000 feet! In the afternoon, your journey concludes as you drive back to the meeting point in Quito, bringing an end to your Hiking Ecuadorian Andes Tour.
  

  *Distance: 3.15 Km. (1.95 mi.)

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
  • Transport:Bus. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.

Ecuador Andes Hiking Tour FAQs

• How difficult is the hiking on this tour?

  This hiking tour package is rated moderate (3/5 activity level). You’ll hike ~4–6 hours per day on trails with about 1,500 ft elevation gain. No technical climbing experience is required, and support transport is available if anyone needs a break.

• What is the highest altitude we reach during the trek?

  The highest point is almost 17,000 ft (around 5,000 m) at Cotopaxi’s glacier base and Chimborazo’s refuge. When taking hiking trips in Andes, we recommend spending time in Quito beforehand to acclimatize.

• Will I experience local culture on this hiking tour?

  Yes, cultural immersion is a key part of Ecuador hiking tours. You’ll pass through Indigenous Andean villages like Isinliví and Chugchilán, and see local farming of quinoa and potatoes. Lodgings are often family-run mountain lodges or haciendas, providing authentic local hospitality.

• What should I pack for the Andes hiking adventure?

  For hiking tour packages, bring warm, windproof, waterproof layered clothing for changing mountain weather, hiking boots, hat and gloves for cold mornings, sun protection for strong altitude UV, a reusable water bottle, daypack, sunglasses, and personal snacks. Hiking poles are included and provided during the tour.

• When can the tour start and who can join?

  This Andes mountains hiking tour starts every Monday and operates with a minimum of two guests. Solo travelers can join shared groups, subject to availability. The minimum age is 12 years. Prices can vary in high seasons (Christmas, New Year’s, and Semana Santa).