8-DAY ECUADOR TREKKING THE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES

Meet your trip leader AJ and your group at 6:00 pm.

Welcome to Quito! The largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foot of the Pichincha volcano.

Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring Quito’s old town and its surroundings. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help organize a day tour (request in advance). In the evening, one of our travel leaders will meet you in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing at 6:00 pm. At this time, we will discuss details and any questions you may have about the adventure. Our first day is an acclimatization and information day.

Begin by hiking in the Sierra climate around the Limpiopungo lagoon (13,000 ft / 3,800 m) on the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. There is also a chance to see wild horses, wild bulls, and some bird species. Concluding our day, we will drive to Isinlivi, where we will spend the night.

Trekking time: 2 hours on flat terrain around Limpiopungo lagoon.
Elevation: 12,631 ft (3,850 m)
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet (305 m)
Distance: 5 miles (8.0 km)
Total steps: 15,345

The charming Andean mountain landscapes will inspire us today on a 13.5 km (8.4 mi) trek along the Toachi canyon. Experience stunning views of small villages and indigenous people working in the fields. We will hike down to the Toachi River canyon and then back up to the main road, which will take us to Chugchilán, a small town in the middle of the Quilotoa loop. Here we will find our Eco-house accommodation, and in the afternoon we can explore the village, with a great opportunity to gain a bit of cultural experience with the locals.

Trekking time: 2 hours downhill from 10,810 ft (3,295 m) to the Toachi River at 9,500 ft (2,896 m), then 2 hours uphill to Chugchilán at 10,498 ft (3,200 m).
Total steps: 25,481

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will start our 11 km (6.9 miles) hiking adventure along small trails blazed by the mountain people and still used by locals to transport goods and cross the canyons to reach neighboring communities. While trekking on this trail, it is common to see the traditional custom of exchanging goods; bartering is still used today. We will venture into impressive canyons and later climb back to the crater rim, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Quilotoa Lake. The majesty of this place will take your breath away.

Enjoy a beautiful picnic with the best views of the volcano, then transfer for 2.5 hours to a magical hacienda in the foothills of Chimborazo volcano.

Trekking time: 1 hour downhill from 10,498 ft to the Toachi River at 9,800 ft, then 2.5 hours uphill to 13,000 ft. After, 1.5 hours on flat terrain.
Total steps: 27,518

Early in the morning, we will drive through valleys and farming villages to reach Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador, at an elevation of 6,310 m (20,702 ft) above sea level — its summit being the furthest point from the center of the Earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers.

Visiting this spectacular national park involves a short 0.9 km (0.57 mi) hike to reach an elevation of 5,000 m (16,404 ft), where the glacier begins. On the hike, we will try to spot some wildlife such as the Andean condor, caracara, hummingbirds, and the timid wild Vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, vicuñas were reintroduced into the wild and are now protected — these beautiful animals are relatives of the alpaca and llama. A delicious picnic will be organized at the base camp before we leave.

Trekking time: 1.5 hours uphill from 15,748 ft to 16,732 ft and then 45 minutes downhill back.
Total steps: 14,974

Trek in Llanganates National Park for 6 hours, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and legendary mystery. According to folklore, the Inca General Rumiñahui is said to have hidden a vast treasure of gold somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range.

The hike begins at 3,200 m (10,498 ft) above sea level and climbs to 3,600 m (12,024 ft), passing through diverse vegetation zones. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Tungurahua and Sangay volcanoes.

After this magical trek, return to the vibrant town of Baños. You’ll have the opportunity to unwind in a local spa with a relaxing massage or soak in the famous hot springs. In the evening, experience Baños’ lively nightlife.

Baños is a vibrant town nestled at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano, renowned for its natural beauty and adventure activities such as horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting. A favorite getaway for many Ecuadorians, Baños offers lush mountain landscapes and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

In the morning, embark on the famous “Ruta de las Cascadas” (Waterfall Route). The first stop is the Bride’s Veil waterfall, where you’ll ride a Tarabita (cable car) across the Pastaza River. Then enjoy a one-hour hike to the Pailón del Diablo waterfall — the second-highest in Ecuador — where you’ll experience the sheer power of nature.

After this adventure-filled day in the cloud forest, relax during the scenic return journey to Quito.

Trekking time: 45 minutes downhill from 5,249 ft to 4,950 ft, then 1 hour uphill. Total steps: 13,000.

Today marks the end of our adventure. It’s time for your international departure. As you leave Ecuador, take with you not only your photos and souvenirs but also unforgettable memories and a piece of your heart. This enchanted land will be waiting for your return.

We wish you a heartfelt “buen viaje” — safe travels and see you again soon!