Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Ecuador
Ecuadorian trekking is wild – Cotopaxi's snowy summit, Quilotoa's turquoise crater lake, Amazon jungle lodges near Tena, maybe Galapagos trails if you're lucky. Andean peaks through Baños' waterfalls and cloud forests shift landscapes dramatically. You're going from Pacific coast through the Avenue of Volcanoes to Amazon basin, basically packing beaches, mountains, and jungle into this tiny equator-straddling country.
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Carter • traveled in August, 2025
we would just like to thank you guys (Guidecuador) for the great service received and the brilliant excursions. We really enjoyed our short breaks and feel that we saw so much more by taking your Ecuador Trip. We were collected each day from our hotels and dropped off at the end of each hike. The driver Luis and Marcelo our guide, were informative and helpful. We had a great time in your beautiful country.
Ecuador Hiking 11 Days Tour - P
Padma • traveled in December, 2025
The Grand Majestic team was fantastic, our guide was so professional and passionate, the crew was genuinely kind and friendly. Everyone made sure every activity was safe so we could enjoy the amazing wildlife up close. Thank you Grand Majestic!
Grand Majestic - 5 days itinerary A - M
Mary • traveled in December, 2025
To anyone considering a cruise in the Galapagoes Islands, go on this boat! I can’t recommend it enough… Captain Andres was always making sure our group was ok, mean, the whole crew was amazing and so friendly. I can’t believe everything that got accomplished while we were out on the island. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with everyone in the group and made sure we all had time to take pictures and ask questions. Everything was just wonderful!
Galapagos Angel - 5 days itinerary A
10 best Hiking & Trekking Ecuador tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- Ecuador Hiking 11 Days Tour
- 7 Days Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Grand Majestic - 8 days itinerary A
- 3 Summit Challenge
- Grand Majestic - 5 days itinerary A
- Climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo Express 5 Days Tour
- 2 Day Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Exploration - Shared Group
- Adventure in Quilotoa Lagoon by Lead
- Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
- ECUADOR: Cotopaxi Volcano
Ecuador Hiking 11 Days Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed our short breaks and feel that we saw so much more by taking your Ecuador Trip.”
Carter, traveled in July
Duration 11 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Papallacta, Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 206 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$4,290
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$1,568
Grand Majestic - 8 days itinerary A
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful landscapes, tons of animals and the friendliest people! I highly recommend the Grand Majestic.”
Morgan, traveled in November
Duration 8 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Floreana Island, Española Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Genovesa Island, Santiago Island, Rabida Island, Lobos Island Age Range Ages 6+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 444 mi Operator Royal Galapagos From
- NZ$12,138+$379 upfront costs
Summit series progresses through Ecuador's highlands - from Pasochoa's moderate trails to Rumiñahui's challenging terrain (4,634m). The journey peaks with pre-dawn glacier trek up Cotopaxi (5,897m). Includes specialized training at Refugio José Ribas and acclimatization hikes.
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Pasochoa Volcano, Ruminahui Volcano, Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 95 mi Operator Tierra del Volcan From
- NZ$3,713
Grand Majestic - 5 days itinerary A
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The amazing wildlife up close. Everyone made sure every activity was safe.”
Padma, traveled in August
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Genovesa Island, Rabida Island, Santiago Island, Lobos Island Age Range Ages 6+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 298 mi Operator Royal Galapagos From
- NZ$6,108+$379 upfront costs
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano, Machachi, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 215 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$4,643
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$362
Adventure in Quilotoa Lagoon by Lead
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was super enthusiastic and very knowledgeable, fun to go along with.”
Agata, traveled in August
The dramatic descent of 280-meters leads into Quilotoa crater. This demanding trail reveals stunning views of the emerald lagoon, with optional kayaking below. The return climb rises steeply through Andean terrain, offering panoramic mountain vistas at rest stops.
Duration 1 day Destinations Quito, Quilotoa Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 110 mi Operator Lead Adventures From
- NZ$302
Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trekking was excellent and every day felt different. I traveled alone and immediately felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone in the group.”
Agathe, 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$2,105
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+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 74 mi Operator OneSeed Expeditions From
- NZ$6,289
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."