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Ecuadorian Andes / Ecuador
Ecuadorian Andes Adventure
Summit three volcanic peaks and explore high-altitude cloud forests while based at a comfortable mountain hostel in the Ecuadorian Andes.
4 DAYS · TREKKING · CHALLENGING
DURATION
4 Days
3 Nights
ACTIVITY
Hiking, Mountain Hiking, Trekking
Day Hiking
DISTANCE
26 Miles
(43 km)
ELEVATION
9,300 ft (2,850 meters)
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
GROUP SIZE
Group
10 Max.
STAY
Andes Mountain Hostel
Dorm Style
MEALS
Three daily meals featuring local produce, from Day 1 lunch through Day 4 lunch. Drinks and alcohol excluded.
SEE BELOW
TRIP OVERVIEW
Explore Ecuador's breathtaking highlands on a four-day hiking adventure that balances mountain hiking challenges and comfortable lodging. Based at a mountain hostel in the Andes, you will set out each morning to tackle volcanic ridges and alpine trails, returning every evening to hot meals, warm hospitality, and mountain views. Led by experienced local guides, this itinerary showcases Ecuador's cloud forests and waterfall canyons to the high paramo plains surrounding Cotopaxi National Park. With daily summit permits, ground transfers from Quito, and hearty meals, you can focus entirely on the trail.
Summit Three Andean Peaks
Panoramas of Cotopaxi's snow-capped summit and surrounding paramo plains.
Local Mountain Guides
Who handle daily permits, navigation, and trail safety.
Diverse Highland Ecosystems
Misty cloud forests to alpine volcanic ridges.
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
EXPERIENCE
Hiking experience and comfort on steep, uneven terrain recommended.
FITNESS
Strong cardiovascular fitness required for high-altitude, sustained hiking.
TERRAIN
Dirt trails, rocky slopes, volcanic scree, and exposed alpine ridges.
DIFFICULTY:
Challenging
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• 3 nights shared dorm accommodation at a mountain hostel.
• 3 hot meals daily featuring local produce.
• Round-trip ground transportation between Quito and the hostel.
• Local mountain guides for all daily treks.
• Gratuities for daily local mountain guides.
• All mountain permits and summit fees.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
• Airfare to and from Quito.
• Gratuities for lead trip facilitator guide(s) (15–20% industry standard suggested).
• Travel insurance (mandatory).
• Alcoholic beverages and extra hostel bar purchases.
• Personal hiking gear, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Pre- and post-trip accommodations or non-Quito airport transfers.
TRANSPORTATION
Scheduled transportation and transfers
Quito pickup and drop-off included. Airport or custom transfers available for an additional fee.
ACCOMODATIONS
Where you'll stay
Three nights in shared hostel accommodations. Single rooms available for an additional $315 USD.
WHAT TO PACK
What to bring
and rental options
Pack warm layers, rain protection, hiking boots, a daypack, and sun protection.
WEATHER
Seasonal conditions and what to expect
Expect cool mornings, variable winds, high UV, and possible afternoon rain.
FOOD
What's included
Three daily meals featuring local produce, from Day 1 lunch through Day 4 lunch. Drinks and alcohol excluded.
INSURANCE
Required and recommendations
Travelers must independently purchase personal travel insurance prior to departure.
UPCOMING DEPARTURE
Choose your dates
Each departure is led by our Guiding Partners and include full trip support, accommodations, meals, and more. Select a date and book your spot!
SH*T HAPPENS
Here's what to know
Life happens! We get it. Here is a clear overview of our cancellation policy, travel insurance requirements, and how we handle changes due to weather or other unexpected circumstances.
Changes & Weather
Cancellation Policy
Travel Insurance
DAY BY DAY
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1 | Arrival to the Andes & Acclimatization Hike
Distance: 3 km Elevation: 100m vertical gain (Max Elevation: 3,444m)
Meet your fellow travelers in Quito and board private ground transportation heading into the high Ecuadorian Andes. Arrive at the mountain hostel in time for a hot lunch made with fresh local produce. In the afternoon, set out directly from the hostel doorstep for an acclimatization waterfall hike, walking through a blend of mountain jungle and Andean scenery. Return to the hostel to settle into your room before the first group dinner.
Notes: This initial hike helps your body begin adjusting to high elevation before larger mountain pushes.
Day 2 | Rumiñahui Volcano Trek
Distance: 11 km Elevation: 750m vertical gain (Start Elevation: 3,840m)
Depart early for Cotopaxi National Park to trek the rugged slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano. The route crosses high paramo plains and climbs rocky mountain paths, offering dramatic views of Cotopaxi’s snow-capped peak across the valley. After taking time at higher elevations for photos and rest, descent brings you back to the hostel for an evening of relaxation, hot tub access, and a shared group dinner.
Notes: Trailhead start elevation is 3,840m. Carry layers and wind protection in your daypack.
Day 3 | Sincholagua Remote Peak Push
Distance: 17 km Elevation: 1,200m vertical gain (Start Elevation: 3,600m)
Start before sunrise for the longest and most remote mountain push of the trip. Journey along quieter trails toward the peak of Sincholagua. The trek involves steady climbing up mountain slopes, rewarding those who reach the upper sections with expansive views across the Andean range. While physically demanding, prior technical mountaineering experience is not required. Return to the hostel in the late afternoon for dinner and rest.
Notes: Pre-sunrise start requires a headlamp and extra warm layers.
Day 4 | Pasochoa Volcano Ridge & Return to Quito
Distance: 12 km Elevation: 800m vertical gain (Start Elevation: 3,400m)
On the final morning, hike directly from the hostel onto private trails leading up the extinct Pasochoa Volcano. Route highlights include walking through misty cloud forest and vibrant Andean vegetation before breaking out onto crater ridges with sweeping valley views. After descending to the hostel for a final group lunch, board return transportation back to Quito where the trip concludes.
Notes: Private ground transfer back to Quito is included following lunch.