Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito
You'll arrive in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Depending on when you get in, there's time to walk around the old town and check out the nearby areas before things get busy. At 6pm, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a rundown of the trip and what excursions you can do. Mostly today is about getting settled and letting your body adjust to the altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Day trip to explore Quito's old town and surrounding area (available upon request)
Landmarks Quito Old Town Pichincha Volcano 
- Day 2
Isinlivi
Start early with a hike around Limpiopungo lagoon at 3800m/12,467 feet near Ruminahui volcano. You'll see Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano, and might spot wild horses, bulls, and different bird species out there. After you're done hiking, head to Isinlivi for the night. It's a solid day of being in the mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike around Limpiopungo lagoon (3800m) at the foothills of Ruminahui volcano
- Cotopaxi volcano viewing
Landmarks Limpiopungo Lagoon Cotopaxi Volcano Ruminahui Volcano 
- Day 3
Chugchilán
This is a 13.5km hike through Toachi Gorge with views of villages and farmland along the way. You'll trek down to the gorge itself and then climb back up to the main road. From there, travel to Chugchilán, a small village in the Quilotoa Loop where you're staying. Later in the afternoon, walk around the village and talk with local people to get a feel for how things work there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- 13.5km hike along the Toachi Gorge
- Trekking in Chugchilán and Quilotoa Loop
- Cultural experience with local people
Landmarks Toachi Gorge Toachi River Quilotoa Loop - Day 4
Chimborazo
You'll trek on traditional mountain paths to reach nearby communities, watching locals trade goods and exchange items using old methods. The route goes down into canyons and up to the rim of Quilotoa crater where you can see Lake Quilotoa below. Have lunch there with the views all around you. Then it's about two and a half hours to a hacienda at the foothills of Chimborazo Volcano.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch with views of Lake Quilotoa)
Included Activities
- Trekking on traditional mountain trails
- Lake Quilotoa crater rim hike
- Picnic lunch with crater views
Landmarks Lake Quilotoa Quilotoa Crater Chimborazo Volcano - Day 5
Chimborazo
Head to Chimborazo volcano at 6310m/20,702 feet early in the morning to watch the valleys and villages come alive. Do a short 0.9km hike to where the glacier starts at 5000m/16,404 feet, and you might see condors, caracaras, hummingbirds, and wild vicuñas. Pack a picnic lunch and take in the high-altitude views while you eat.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch at glacier location)
Included Activities
- Hike to the beginning of Chimborazo glacier at 5000m elevation
- Wildlife observation (condor, caracara, hummingbirds, wild vicuñas)
Landmarks Chimborazo Volcano Chimborazo Glacier - Day 6
Baños
Spend 6 hours trekking in Llanganates National Park, which has unusual landscapes and an interesting history. You start at 3200m/10,499 feet and climb to 3600m/11,811 feet, passing through different vegetation zones. On clear days you might see Tungurahua and Sangay volcanoes. Get back to Bañós by evening and relax in the hot springs as the sun goes down, or get a massage at the spa. Later check out the nightlife if you're up for it.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- 6-hour trek in Llanganates National Park
Optional Activities
- Visit adjacent spa and luxurious massage
- Relax in famous hot springs at dusk
Landmarks Llanganates National Park Tungurahua Volcano Sangay Volcano - Day 7
Baños
Begin the Waterfalls Route in the morning starting at Veil Waterfall. Cross the Pastaza River on a cable car and hike down for about an hour to Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador's second highest waterfall. Spend the day in the cloud forest before heading back to Quito. It's a relaxed end to the active part of your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Waterfalls Route trek
- Veil Waterfall visit
- Pastaza River cable car crossing
- Pailón del Diablo waterfall hike (approximately 1 hour descent)
Landmarks Veil Waterfall Pailón del Diablo Waterfall Pastaza River - Day 8
Quito
You're heading home today. You'll leave with photos and memories of everything you did in Ecuador.
- Meals
- Breakfast
