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 - M
Morgan • traveled in December, 2025
The whole experience was wonderful, from beginning to end, beautiful landscapes, tons of animals and the friendliest people! I highly recommend the company and the Grand Majestic!
Grand Majestic - 8 days itinerary A - 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
10 best Hiking & Trekking Ecuador tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEcuador travel expert at TourRadar
- Ecuador Hiking 11 Days Tour
- Grand Majestic - 8 days itinerary A
- Grand Majestic - 5 days itinerary A
- 7 Days Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Group Tour for Gay Travelers
- Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
- Ecuador Cloud Forest 5 Days Hiking Tour
- 2 Day Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Exploration - Shared Group
- Tailor-Made 8-Day Ecuador Amazon Jungle Adventure, Daily Starts
- Quito & Galápagos: Equator Adventures, Giant Tortoises & Coral-Reef Snorkeling (ages 21–35)
- Ecuador, Mighty Andes and the Amazon Basin ~ Guided *TREK* (All Inclusive)
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
Circle the volcanic rim of Quilotoa at 12,800 feet, then make your way down into the turquoise crater lake. Mules are available if you'd prefer help with the steep climb back up. An 8-mile trail loops around Cuicocha Lake in Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Watch the cliffs carefully - Condors sometimes appear here. Cotopaxi National Park spans 99,000 acres with trails that wind around Limpiopungo lagoon at 12,700 feet. The path continues upward to the Staging Area at 14,850 feet.
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
- US$2,490
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
- US$7,045+$220 upfront costs
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
- US$3,545+$220 upfront costs
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
- US$910
Ecuador Trekking The Avenue of Volcanoes
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The places we stayed at were quite nice and unique. The hikes and the views were amazing.”
Kathleen, traveled in February
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
- US$1,222
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
- US$1,390
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
- US$210
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
- US$3,809
Trek through Ecuador's highlands to El Junco Lake at 700 meters on San Cristóbal Island. The 2-kilometer loop takes about 30 minutes and offers chances to spot endemic Galápagos petrels. A 45-minute hike leads to Tortuga Bay's white sand beach. From there, climb Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for panoramic views across the bay. Santa Cruz Island's volcanic terrain includes a giant tortoise reserve and a scenic walking path to Las Grietas' turquoise waters. This 8-day trip works for ages 21+ and costs around $350 per day. You'll stay in boutique hotels in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Age Range Ages 21-35 Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1692 mi Operator Under30Experiences From
- US$2,795
Duration 15 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano, Cotopaxi National Park, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 450 mi Operator Climbing Mountains From $6,417
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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."