Ecuador hiking tours day hikes on hidden trails
Sample itinerary hiking tours
Despite being the smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador offers an incredible diversity of scenery and wildlife- it is one of the most varied countries in the world!
You will be struck by the beautiful contrasts found here:
Friendly people, spectacular natural wonders, 5000m high volcanoes, colorful Indian markets, wonderful beaches, the mystical world of the Amazonian jungle with more than 10 different Indian Cultures and the paradise of the Galapagos Islands.
As you can see, superb mountain scenery is one of Ecuador's attractions: There are over thirty volcanoes, of which at least eight are considered active! Hiking around Ecuador opens a tremendous range of possibilities for cultural encounters and wildlife viewing. Come explore Ecuador on foot with us!
All our hiking tours include:
- Private transportation (4WD-Jeep) throughout the tour
- Experienced guide
- Full camping and mountain equipment
- Accommodation in tents, refuges and hotels
- Full catering
- Pack animals and porters
- National Park entrance fees
Check out the below sample itinerary for a hiking tour, it can be customized.
Day 1 - Quito
Arrival at Quito airport. You are greated by your guide and assisted. Transfer to an ecolodge near the airport.
Day 2 - Quito - Churoloma
We leave Quito early by jeep, taking the Panamerican Highway north to the town Ibarra. We then turn off to the village of Irugincho at 2.900 m. where we find the horses and pack animals, which will carry our equipment for the whole hike. After preparing the loads, we begin our walk through cloud forest and paramo. It takes about three hours to reach our first camp in the "Churoloma" region at 3.600 m.
Day 3 - Churoloma - Piñan
We take a walk between the hills and lakes of the paramo, taking in a small Polilepis forest (paper tree / quinoa) at the foot of Yanahurco de Piñan. We hike for about an hour today, if we're making good time.
Day 4 - Piñan
Today's goal is to reach the biggest lake in the Piñan area, situated in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve. Permitting we dine on trout tonight.
Another alternative for today is to climb the Yanahurco hill, which is not technically demanding. A stretch over loose rock proves the greatest challenge of the ascent. At 4.300 m. the view, on a clear day, is fabulous.
Days 5 through 6 - Piñan - Buenos Aires - Quito
Today we walk to Buenos Aires, well, that's the name of this little village situated at the foothills of the western range. It's a long day, though very pretty as we pass through the regions endemic forests on the way down. If conditions make it worthwhile, we stretch the trip over two days. In Buenos Aires our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Quito.
Day 7 - Quito - ?
Return home or join a trip extension into the Choco rainforest or enjoy a Galapagos nature tour or Amazon wilderness expedition
Trip Notes
The above is a sample itinerary prepared for a camping adventure trip. It can be customized to fit the needs and special interests of your travellers.