Ecuador trekking tours - trek adventures on Andean trails

Sample itinerary trekking tour

The great diversity in bio-ecological environments, landscaped variations and indigenous villages of the Andes mountain ranges coupled with the Oriente and lower coastland areas makes Ecuador a paradise for trekkers wherever you decide to venture. In addition the Paramo treks take you through changing climates leading from and to tropical rain forests and back to cloud forests all within the same day as you discover the diversity of animal and bird life that differs considerably through the changing lands.

For visitors to Ecuador who like hiking and trekking, we offer a number of excellent trips through the Andean paramo (a sub-alpine zone) which features spectacular views of Ecuador's volcanic peaks. The most popular trek is the Ingapirca trek which takes you along an old Incan trail to Ecuador's most important Incan ruins, Ingapirca.

For the intrepid trekker we offer several Andes-to-Amazon & Andes-to-coast treks that take you from the grassy plains of the high altitude paramo, through cloudforest, and finally to lowland rainforest.

Trekking in the Galapagos Islands has become very popular and is amongst our favourites.

We operate several treks departing each week, below we list the Inca trail leading to Ingapirca as sample itinerary that can be customized.

Ecuador Inca trail itinerary

Follow the footsteps of Ecuador's indigenous people as you take this off the beaten path trail from Achupallas to the Inca ruins at Ingapirca.

You will trek around 4 - 6 hours per day crossing the páramo grasslands, the Sanasuin lake by tres cuchillas point, Paredones ruins, small lost towns of the Andes as Tambo Cajon, following hidden trails of an ancient commerce route used by Inca and pre - Inca cultures.

Your nights are spent camping and enjoying the stars. Upon arrival at Ingapirca you will enjoy Ecuador's most important archaeological sight.

Day 1 - Quito

Arrival at Quito airport. Transfer in to Colonial hacienda in the Sangolqui valley.

Day 2 - Quito - Riobamba

Shuttle from your hacienda to Riobamba. We drive through the Avenue of the volcanoes enjoying spectacular views of snow capped mountains and volcanos. Cotopaxi is one of the highlights with its perfect shapped cone summit. We will visit an indigenous market en-route. Short city tour of Riobamba. Check in at a pleasant country inn.

Day 3 - Riobamba - Achupallas

We leave at 8:00 a.m. from Riobamba by car and drive towards the south until we reach the small village of Achupallas at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. Here we put our equipment on donkeys and then start hiking on the páramo grasslands. After 4 - 5 hours of hiking we make our camp for the first night at about 3850 m. / 12.632 f.

Day 4 - Cuchilla de tres cruces - Paredones ruins

After breakfast we leave our campsite. Today's hike starts with a climb from 3850 m. / 12.632 f. to 4400 m. / 14.436 f. After 2 - 3 hours we reach the highest point of this trek, called 'Cuchilla de tres cruces'. From here we have a beautiful view of 'Sansahuín', one of the many lakes in this area. Now we go down again and continue hiking for about 3 more hours, until we arrive at the Paredones ruins, where we camp.

Day 5 - Paredones ruins - Cajon Tambo - Ingapirca - Riobamba

We leave Paredones and continue descending to the south. After 2 hours we pass the small village of Cajón Tambo. From here we can see the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. It takes another 2 hours of walking to arrive at the ruins at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. A guide takes us around Ingapirca and explains about the culture of the Inca and of the Cañari. In the afternoon we return by car to Riobamba. Arrive at about 5:00 p.m. Overnight at our country inn.

Day 6 - Riobamba - Quito

We head back towards Quito taking an alternate route through the Chimborazo wildlife reserve and drive up to the first refuge. Optional hike up to the second refuge for close up views of the glacier. We arrive at our historic hacienda in the afternoon. Here you can enjoy the in-house spa with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam bath.

Day 7 - Quito - ?

Transfer out for your return flight home or join a trip extension to our Choco nature lodge or on a Galapagos trekking trip or take an Amazon river cruise.

Trip Notes

The above is a sample itinerary prepared for a trekking trip. It can be customized to fit the needs and special interests of your travellers.