Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Ecuador
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10 best Hiking & Trekking Ecuador tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- 7 Days Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- 2 Day Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Exploration - Shared Group
- Ecuador Cloud Forest 5 Days Hiking Tour
- Highlights of Northern Ecuador 6 Days Tour
- Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
- Hiking & Trekking in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Andes - 7 Days
- Tailor-Made 8-Day Ecuador Amazon Jungle Adventure, Daily Starts
- Grand Majestic - 8 days itinerary B
- Chimborazo Prince Challenge (Climbing)
- ECUADOR: Cotopaxi Volcano
Walk Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve's extensive trail network, from morning wildlife observation to nocturnal fauna walks. Follow the 'Turtle Path' to Seoqueya village, move through flooded igapó forests, and spot monkeys and tropical birds along jungle paths.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 375 mi Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$1,539
The trails of Ecuador await: climb to 4,864m at Cotopaxi's Padre Rivas Refuge and circle Quilotoa's emerald crater. Mountain biking descends Cotopaxi's slopes before venturing into the dramatic Toachi Canyon.
Duration 2 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Machachi, Quilotoa Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 142 mi Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$355
The trails wind 8 miles from Pululahua's rim (11,550 ft) through cloud forest to Maquipucuna Lodge (4,500 ft). Historic Culuncos paths lead to Santa Lucia Reserve's network of birding trails with expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Calacali, Hacienda Yunguilla, Nanegalito Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 47 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$2,352
A gentle 3-hour walk leads through El Angel Reserve's endemic Frailejones plants, with optional paths in ancient Polylepis Forest. Circle Cuicocha Lake's crater rim and take in panoramic views from Quito's cable car at 15,600 feet.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lake, Ibarra, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Cayambe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 167 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$1,607
Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were charming with very comfortable and welcoming amenities especially when it came to the service and food.”
Torsten, traveled in November
Mountain paths stretch from Limpiopungo lagoon (13,000ft) to Chimborazo's glacier line (16,732ft). The 13.5km Toachi Canyon trail winds through Quilotoa's crater rim, reaching into Llanganates National Park's mysterious paths with expert mountain guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Sigchos, Chugchilan, Quilotoa, Pujili, Ambato, Riobamba, Chimborazo Volcano, Banos Age Range Ages 10+ Distance 278 mi Operator Adventure Journeys From
- NZ$3,130
The peaks of Ecuador beckon: walk Pasochoa's cloud forest spotting rare condors, reach Cotopaxi's refuge at 4,800m, and roam Chimborazo's slopes among wild vicuñas. Seven days of varied hikes from gentle lagoon walks to challenging volcano ascents.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Pasochoa Volcano, Cotopaxi National Park, Isinliví, Quilotoa, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 211 mi Operator Authentic Ecuador From $2,874
6% Off- NZ$2,705You save $169
Rich landscapes unfold from Cascada de Peguche waterfall to Amazon's MATAPALO Trail. Paths wind through Yasuni National Park, along CHAGUAMANGO Trail, revealing hidden jungle routes. Guided night walks and sunset canoe rides await at Napo Wildlife Center.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Coca Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 271 mi Operator Agate Travel From
6% Off- NZ$6,444
Duration 8 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Santiago Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora Age Range Ages 6+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 286 mi Operator Royal Galapagos From
6% Off- NZ$11,918+$372 upfront costs
Chimborazo Prince Challenge (Climbing)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really nice activities and very professional people. I highly recommend them.”
AndresAlmeida, traveled in October
High-altitude trekking unfolds from Hosteria PapaGayo base (3,200m). Ascend through Pasochoa's pristine Andean forest (4,199m), tackle Illinizas Norte's rocky terrain, and summit Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Chimborazo (6,268m) using specialized glacier equipment.
Duration 10 days Destinations Machachi, Pasochoa Volcano, Ilinizas National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 221 mi Operator Gulliver Expeditions From
6% Off- NZ$2,986
Altitude training advances from Quito's 9,186 ft through Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge to Cotopaxi's slopes. Trails pass Condor Machay Waterfall, ascending 3,200 vertical feet to Refugio Jorge Rivas, connecting remote paths between authentic haciendas.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 74 mi Operator OneSeed Expeditions From
6% Off- NZ$6,175
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador
- Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
Just what I wanted! We saw the tree by volcanoes, Fatima set a good pass for hiking days and the packed lunches were more than enough food. Food was as usual in Ecuador and accomodation was great! Fatima was an excellent guide, she was always telling us about the area and answering our questions. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who want to hike Quilitoa and have a blast!!
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Ecuador
What is the best time of year for hiking in Ecuador's different regions?
Hiking conditions in Ecuador change across its diverse regions. The Andean highlands including Cotopaxi National Park see their best weather from June to September when skies are clear and conditions are stable. The Amazon welcomes hikers year-round but July through September offers drier conditions. During a June visit one TourRadar traveler noted "We started with fantastic weather allowing for clear skies in Quilotoa." The Mindo cloud forests show their best side from December to May when plant life flourishes. Popular spots like Cotopaxi welcome hikers throughout the year though afternoon rain showers are common.
What type of accommodation can I expect on multi-day hiking tours in Ecuador?
Ecuador's hiking accommodations blend historic charm with practical comfort. Near Cotopaxi travelers rest at places like Hacienda El Tambo a converted Inca rest stop at 12150 feet with cozy beds and warming fireplaces. Amazon stays feature eco-focused properties like Napo Wildlife Center equipped with fans and insect protection. A TourRadar traveler shared "Two of the B&Bs were standouts for their birdwatching and uniquely beautiful accommodations while others were clean and adequate." Most extended treks mix traditional haciendas with mountain lodges using hotels like Dann Carlton Quito as starting points.
How physically demanding are hiking tours in Ecuador's highlands?
High-altitude terrain makes Ecuador's highland hikes notably challenging. Cotopaxi area treks often mean 6-7 hours of walking daily at 12000-15000 feet covering up to 15 miles. Paths through lower regions like the Mindo cloud forest offer gentler walks. According to one TourRadar traveler "The Rumiñahui Volcano trek takes about 6 hours round trip and requires good fitness but the views are worth the effort." Tour groups typically spend 2-3 days getting used to Quito's elevation (9350 feet) before tackling higher trails.
How do guided hiking tours in Ecuador typically structure their days?
Ecuador's guided hikes follow reliable daily patterns. Most groups start their day between 6-7 AM with breakfast at locations like Hacienda El Porvenir before heading out. One TourRadar traveler noted "Our guide Carolina was very knowledgeable and engaging - we had structured hiking days with plenty of stops for wildlife viewing and photography." Walking usually fills 5-7 hours with regular breaks and trail lunches. Evenings at places like Tambopaxi often include talks about local culture followed by dinner around 7 PM.
How much hiking experience is needed for Ecuador's mountain trails?
Trail requirements in Ecuador fit various skill levels. Newcomers can explore the Amazon's Matapalo Trail or Mindo's forests while Cotopaxi and Chimborazo need prior hiking practice and good fitness. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Quilotoa trek was challenging but manageable with basic fitness - we really enjoyed having a local guide explain the terrain." Tours range from easy walks around Cuicocha Lake to demanding multi-day journeys like the Abraspungo Valley which covers up to 15 miles daily at high elevations.
How do I prepare for high-altitude hikes in Ecuador?
Success on Ecuador's high trails starts with proper preparation. Begin cardio training 2-3 months before traveling and practice uphill hiking. Plan 2-3 days in Quito (2850m) staying at places like Wyndham La Quinta to adjust to the altitude before attempting higher elevations. One TourRadar traveler suggests "Gaiters are useful for the volcano trek as it can be muddy in sections and make sure to stay hydrated to avoid altitude effects."