6 Day Hiking Ecuadorian Andes

Tour Summary

This tour takes you on a true hiking adventure on Andean Soil. An expedition that takes place in a location like no other, trekking off the beaten path along narrow trails surrounded by beautiful farms, crater lakes, and snow-capped volcanoes. Witness the local way of life while immersing yourself in the region and the sights. Learn from your guides about geography, history, ecology, and culture. Let us take you on a one-of-a-kind adventure through a land close to heaven. Enjoy our 6-Day Hiking Andes tour!

Highlights

Chimborazo VolcanoThe highest volcano in Ecuador where you can spot the Andean condor, hummingbirds, and the timid wild Vicuñas.
Quilotoa LagoonExplore the turquoise waters of one of the most beautiful lagoons in South America.
Cotopaxi VolcanoOne of the highest active volcanoes in the world, covered with ice on its peak.
El Pailon del DiabloHike up to one of the most powerful waterfalls of Ecuador.
Swing at the End of the WorldDangle your feet over ‘the edge of the world’ at this popular place in Baños.
ChugchilanA small town filled with culture, located in the middle of the Quilotoa loop.

Itinerary

DAY 1 SIGCHOS HIKE
Your adventure begins driving southeast of Quito to a region known as Sigchos that’s is located in the south of Latacunga city, here you will trek from Sigchos to Isinlivi through the Toachi Canyon (3 – 4 hours approx.) It is a canton full of traditions, culture, and natural landscapes. After spending quality time learning and exploring, you will have lunch and then go to the lodge.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Hostal Llullu Llama or similar.
DAY 2 TREK ISINLIVI – CHUGCHILAN
After breakfast, you will start your day hiking on dirt trails and narrow secondary roads. Along the way, you will have the pleasure of experiencing some of the most stunning and privileged views of the Andes in Ecuador, passing through villages like Isinlivi and Chugchilan. These are small towns and depend on farming and cattle. They also produce quinoa, potatoes, and corn, and raise horses, mules, chickens, and guinea pigs. Once you get to the Toachi canyon, you will have a picnic and then climb up to Chugchilan.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Bus. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Hostal Mama Hilda or similar.
DAY 3 TREK CHUGCHILAN – QUILOTOA – CHIMBORAZO
Today, you will face one of the biggest challenges of the expedition, but also, it will be one of the most rewarding days! After a challenging hike and much effort, you will be met with 360 views at the top of the Quilotoa Crater lake, a turquoise jewel in the Andes. This volcano is sacred to the indigenous people, not only because of its impressive power, but also because it is an inspiration for the local artists in many of their art pieces. After lunch, you will drive to Riobamba where you will stay overnight.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Bus. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Andaluza Hacienda or similar.
DAY 4 TREK CHIMBORAZO
In the morning, you will enjoy a tasty breakfast, and then, drive to the Chimborazo reserve. This place is home to thousands of vicuñas, small relatives of llamas that are easily identifiable by their red coats as they wander about the skirts of the volcano. Chimborazo’s summit is considered the highest point on earth, if measured from the planet’s core. This is due to its proximity to the Equator, making it closer to space than the Everest! The hike will be short but challenging, as you will be reaching almost seventeen thousand feet. After lunch, you will head to Baños, a perfect place to go out for drinks and dance to salsa.
- 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, you will head to the border of the lush Amazon Basin, where you will hike through a beautiful forest to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful cascade. This waterfall forms a small gorge with an overhanging bridge allowing people to experience its majesty, not only alongside the falls, but also from above. In the afternoon, you will visit la Casa del Arbol, famous for its swing overlooking the valley in Baños and the Tungurahua volcano. Many will recognize this place as it won the photo contest of NatGeo in 2014. There will also be time for optional activities like zip-lining or shopping.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Bus. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Alisamay Hotel or similar.
DAY 6 TREK COTOPAXI
The final day of adventure takes you back north to the Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes on earth. Perfectly conical and surrounded by views of other volcanoes, it is a sight to behold. The park is also home to horses and bulls, which can sometimes be seen trotting about. Once reaching the National Park, you will trek upwards to the base of the glacier, nearing 17,000 feet! In the afternoon, you will drive back to the meeting point in Quito where your Hiking Ecuadorian Andes Tour will come to an end.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
- Transport:Bus. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.

Map

6 Day Hiking Ecuadorian Andes Map

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Price Based on Number of Guests:

1 guest	$ 2,484 p.p.
2 - 3 guests	$ 1,242 p.p.
4 or more guests	$ 1,149 p.p.

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Inclusions

Accommodation in a double or triple room.
Meals as described in the itinerary.
Water and snacks at all times.
Transportation from and to Quito’s meeting point at Dann Carlton Hotel located at República de El Salvador and Irlanda streets at 7:00 AM.
Top experienced certified English speaking guide.
All fees to reserves and museums.
Hiking gear: Black diamond hiking poles.
24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
Exclusions

+ International or domestic flights.
+ Airport transfers.
+ Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
+ Mules at Quilotoa on the way back to the top of the crater (optional).
+ Tips for guides and drivers.
+ Travel insurance (mandatory).
+ Optional activities.

Additional information

The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old.
You can start this tour every Monday. Subject to availability.
This tour operates with a minimum of 2 guests. If you are a solo traveler, please contact us to check availability and additional details.
Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered a 3 out of 5. Experience is not a prerequisite but please keep in mind that trekking lasts four to six hours a day covering between seven to nine miles every segment. The average daily elevation change will be 1500 feet. There will always be transport support in case someone wants to take a break or just wants to avoid the uphill. Our drivers will be happy to show you the landscapes of the car.
Gear: We will provide hiking poles, which are especially helpful in steep uphill and downhill segments.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch.
Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
Rebecca Adventure Travel cannot take any responsibility for any illnesses or missed meals & tours due to an illness.
It is important to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
Important things to bring: Warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing, appropriate shoes or boots, water, sunblock, sunglasses, pocket money, and passport.