Ecuador Walking Highlights Tour, 7 days

An early start, we’ll pick you up from your Quito hotel (not included, we can book these for you if required), and travel north.

We stop at the Quitsato Museum with its unique sundial, located exactly on the equator line. Your guide will explain the importance of the line to modern and ancient civilisations.

After a picnic lunch near San Pablo lake, we walk along the foothills of the imposingly beautiful Imbabura Volcano, passing by local farmlands & through surrounding communities, observing the everyday life of the colourful Otavaleño people and enjoying stunning lake views.

If there is time in the afternoon, we can visit a weaver’s home and learn more about this traditional art, and also visit a family of Andean musicians who hand craft their instruments and happily share their music.

We arrive later that afternoon at Las Palmeras, our base for two nights.

Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Altitude: 2,600m/8,530ft

Today’s adventure takes us to the stunning Cuicocha Volcano. The hike follows the rim of its stunning blue-green crater lake. As we trek through Andean forests, we admire orchids and bromeliads, and keep an eye out for the endangered Andean Condor. The hike offers spectacular views of the lake throughout.

This circular trail is rated moderate. It begins with a steady uphill climb lasting about 1.5 hours, ascending from 3,100m to 3,500m. The next portion features gentle ups and downs along the crater rim for approximately two hours, followed by a gradual descent over the final 1.5 hours, returning to the starting point. (5 hours, 12km). A boxed lunch is provided.

In the afternoon, we visit the charming leathercraft town of Cotacachi, followed by a stop at the vibrant Otavalo handicraft market. Here, indigenous artisans from the region, each with their distinctive dress and customs, showcase a wide range of handmade goods.

Dinner and overnight at Las Palmeras.

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Time: 4 hours

Altitude: 3,100-3,500m/10,170ft-11,483ft

Today’s walk explores the beautiful glacial landscapes around Papallacta.

Papallacta is home to lots of volcanic hot springs, which locals and tourists visit to help dissolve away the stresses of modern life.

On our walk we reach the highest level of our trip at 4,000m/13,123ft.

We pass mountain lagoons and discover elfin forests where we can learn more about the distinct flora & fauna of this region.

Great views, and you start to see how Ecuador is so varied, in climate, flora, fauna and vistas.

After a picnic lunch we can relax in the thermal waters of the local hot springs.

Dinner & overnight in Guango Lodge, a rustic lodge with plenty of history and character, plus lots of humming birds that come to feed at twilight and dusk.

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Time: 4 hours

Altitude: 3,600-4,000m/11,811ft-13,123ft

This morning, we journey south to the Cotopaxi region for a circular hike through the stunning Pita Canyon. Along the route, enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon, as well as the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, and Rumiñahui Volcanoes.

This moderate hike takes place at an altitude of 3,600m to 3,800m. The first section follows the Pita River along the canyon for approximately one hour, featuring a gentle climb that brings us into Cotopaxi National Park.

We then continue for 1.5 hours across a landscape dotted with massive volcanic formations and debris, navigating gentle ups and downs until we reach the “pucara,” an ancient Incan fortress ruin within the park.

The final portion of the hike loops back around for another 1.5 hours of undulating terrain along the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano, concluding at a mountain lodge where the trail ends. (12km – 4 hours).

A late lunch will be served at the lodge.

Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda La Cienega.

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles

Time: 4 hours

Altitude: 3,600-3,800m/11,811ft-12,467ft.

We start early this morning with a drive to Quilotoa Crater Lake, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours through the breathtaking hidden valleys of the Andes, leading to the pristine and unspoiled region of Quilotoa.

Today’s hike takes us along the rim of stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake, renowned for its striking blue-green waters. Walking at an average altitude of 3,800m to 3,900m, the trail features numerous ascents and descents and takes around 6 hours to complete.

As we follow the ridge of this magnificent lagoon, we’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the turquoise lake contrasted against the rugged gray rocky outcrops of the surrounding mountains. A boxed lunch is provided.

This location is truly one of Ecuador’s most unforgettable natural wonders. (12km – 6 hours).

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the Baños region.

Travel on to the Baños region in the afternoon, with dinner & overnight in Hacienda Leito.

Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles

Time: 5-6 hours

Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467ft

Today’s route follows a historic smuggler’s path along the dramatic Pastaza Canyon, situated at an altitude of 1,800m. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the river below and the mysterious Llanganates Mountains—legendary for being the supposed hiding place of Atahualpa’s lost Inca gold.

The trail takes us past stunning waterfalls, including the awe-inspiring Manto de la Novia. (7km – 2.5 hours).

Afterward, we continue to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, a spectacular natural wonder. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Baños.

Dinner & overnight in Hacienda Leito.

Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Altitude: 1,800m / 5,905ft

This morning, we embark on a walk through lush cloud forests and scenic Andean farmlands, offering breathtaking views of the smoking Tungurahua Volcano and the dramatic Pastaza Canyon.

The route leads us down into Baños, where we stop for lunch before beginning our journey back to Quito (3-4 hours), where the tour concludes.

We can add Quito hotels and extra services on request.

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles

Time: 3.5 hours

Altitude: 1,800-3,050m/5,905-10,007ft

Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.

It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.

Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.

Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.

The Sierra 

In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.

In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.

Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).

The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.

To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.

The Coast

On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.

Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.

The Amazon

In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.

The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.

The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.

The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.

The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.

There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.

Being at altitude, especially in the tropics, is usually a pleasure as it isn’t so hot, there are few insects and the air is clear.

However, when gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. Although we build plenty of acclimatisation time into our itineraries, certain ill-effects are possible. Nevertheless, all of these can be minimised or prevented if care is taken.

On reaching heights above 2,500m (approx. 8,200 ft), especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome known locally as soroche, whose symptoms can include of bad headache, dizziness and nausea).

To avoid AMS, you should:

• Rest for a few hours on arrival at altitude and take it easy for the first couple of days. Note: you may feel fine on arrival and tempted to exert yourself as normal. Don’t be fooled: you might be benefiting from oxygen brought in your blood from sea level.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (altitude is a diuretic). Coca tea (mate de coca) helps alleviate symptoms.
• Eat light meals, with high carbohydrate and low fat and protein content. Dine early, allowing digestion time pre-sleep.
• Avoid over-exposure to the strong highland sun (UV rays are very powerful) – especially in the early stages – making sure you wear a broad brimmed sunhat. Apply lip-salve to prevent chapped lips.
• Avoid or minimise consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. Avoid sleeping pills.
• If you do get AMS: Rest, take non-aspirin painkillers (for headache) and coca tea. Symptoms should subside after a day or two.
• Pregnant women, people with a history of heart, lung, kidney or blood disease or blood pressure problems, should consult their doctor before traveling to high altitude.

Official name: Republic of Ecuador

Country population: 15,000,000

Capital city: Quito (2.51 million)

Largest cities: Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Machala

Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua

Latitude/Longitude: 2º S, 77º 30 W

Official currency: US dollar

Major industries: bananas, shrimp, oil, gold, roses

Time zone: GMT-5 (Galapagos GMT-6)

Andean Trails believes in Responsible Travel and actively supports several community projects.

Please see Our Advice and Our Ethos for more, and learn about the Projects We Support.

We operate the Inca Trail, our treks and tours with local firms.

We make sure that on our tours and Inca Trail we employ local staff, who are paid fair wages.

With the Inca Trail, We provide free life insurance to all of our porters. Tented accommodation and meals are provided for all trekking staff as well as foam mats, sleeping bags and rain ponchos. We have also provided the staff with trekking shoes. We ensure our porters carry a maximum of only 20kg. We offer them backpacks and they generally use back supports.

Clean burning fuel is used to cook the meals on the Inca Trail and porters carry gas stoves and butane bottles. We use biodegradable detergents when washing the cooking and eating utensils. If any part of our tour or trek is operated by another company, we try to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Our additional support helps the Huchuy Yachaq project which supports children and families in one of the poorest communities in the district of Cusco.