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.
Excellent
- Choose from 50+ Ecuador tours
- 50+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Overall good, the guide was sweet but lacked passion and enthusiasm, very soft spoken
Galapagos Walking AdventureThis was a great trip with Jorge as our guide. The places we stayed at were quite nice and unique. The food was delicious. The hikes and the views were amazing although sometimes a challenge ( for me) . I would definitely book with Adventure Journeys again.
Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
10 best Hiking & Trekking Ecuador tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- Ecuador Cloud Forest: Pululahua to Maquipucuna Trek
- 2 Day Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Exploration - Shared Group
- Ecuador Climbing Expedition: Cotopaxi & Cayambe 9 Days
- Galapagos Walking Adventure
- Chimborazo Prince Challenge (Climbing)
- Hiking Paradise Ecuador
- Cotopaxi Llama Express Ecuador
- 2-Day Private Tour Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Lagoon all-inclusive
- Avenue of the Volcanoes Trek - 8 days
- Hiking Day Trip to Sierra Negra Volcano Galapagos
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 61 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- US$1,599
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 $225
2% Off- US$221
Duration 9 days Destinations Pasochoa Volcano, Machachi, Quito, Ilinizas National Park, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 489 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
2% Off- US$4,815
Galapagos Walking Adventure
“Unique wildlife, plantlife and unreal scenery. Despite the evidence of human impact you can surely see why Darwin was so inspired.”
Julie, traveled in June
Sierra Negra's volcanic rim and pristine beaches highlight this Ecuadorian adventure. Paths wind through Volcan Chico's lava fields to El Junco Lake, while the historic Wall of Tears on Isabela Island reveals island history from comfortable local bases.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Bartolomé IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 1944 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $8,923
5% Off- US$8,490
Chimborazo Prince Challenge (Climbing)
“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
5% Off- US$1,960
Cuicocha's 9km crater loop winds toward Cotopaxi's challenging snowline at 5897m. Routes ascend Chimborazo to 5100m and circle Quilotoa's 12km rim trail, while expert guides lead through remote Sangay National Park paths.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotacachi, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Chimborazo Volcano, Riobamba, La Candelaria, Sangay National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 416 mi Operator avenTOURa From
5% Off- US$2,695
Duration 7 days Destinations Machachi, Pasochoa Volcano, Ilinizas National Park, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 96 mi Operator Gulliver Expeditions From
5% Off- US$805
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."