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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Leslie • traveled in September, 2025
Authentic Ecuador was amazing. They handled everything and booked us in beautiful and charming places. Our tour guide, Milton was fantastic. He never pushed us but encouraged us to keep going. I would highly recommend this company and Milton as a guide.
Hiking & Trekking in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Andes - 7 Days - A
Alina • traveled in May
I am incredibly grateful to Adventure Journeys for organising this tour. It turned out to be a one-person group, and I was a little bummed at first, but my guide Jorge managed to make it feel like home here in Ecuador. The places we went to were incredible (majestic Chimborazo is now forever in my heart), food was amazing, and I was awestruck by accommodation every time. And due to the mobility of our small group we went to see much more than was expected. If I come back to Ecuador, I will definitely resort to AJ services once more.
Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes - A
AndresAlmeida • traveled in April
Really nice activities and very professional people. They take everything to the last details on transfers, meals etc. I highly recommend them.
Chimborazo Prince Challenge (Climbing)
10 best Hiking & Trekking Ecuador tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- Hiking & Trekking in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Andes - 7 Days
- Ecuador Cloud Forest: Pululahua to Maquipucuna Trek
- ECUADOR: Cotopaxi Volcano
- Into the Clouds: City, Crafts, and Cloud Forests
- Ecuador Land of Giants MTB 7D – Enduro – Guided *CYCLE* (All Inclusive)
- Cotopaxi Llama Express Ecuador
- Climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo Express 5 Days Tour
- Chimborazo Summit Expedition a 3-Days High-Altitude Climbing Adventure in Ecuador
- Iliniza Norte Summit Adventure: 3-Day Andean Climb in Ecuador
- 2-Day Tour of Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon with hotel
Hiking & Trekking in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Andes - 7 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“They handled everything and booked us in beautiful and charming places. I would highly recommend this company.”
Leslie, traveled in August
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, Ilinizas National Park, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 239 mi Operator Authentic Ecuador From $1,970
10% Off- US$1,773You save $197
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
10% Off- US$1,599
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
10% Off- US$3,650
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 72 mi Operator Authentic Ecuador From $1,520
10% Off- US$1,368You save $152
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 18+ Distance 272 mi Operator Climbing Mountains From
10% Off- US$3,745
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Machachi, Pasochoa Volcano, Ilinizas National Park, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 123 mi Operator Gulliver Expeditions From
10% Off- US$805
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
10% Off- US$2,695
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."