6-Day Hiking Ecuadorian Andes

Your adventure begins driving southeast of Quito to a region known as Sigchos that's is located in the south of Latacunga city, here you will trek from Sigchos to Isinlivi through the Toachi Canyon (3 - 4 hours approx.) It is a canton full of traditions, culture, and natural landscapes. After spending quality time learning and exploring, you will have lunch and then go to the lodge.

After breakfast, you will start your day hiking on dirt trails and narrow secondary roads. Along the way, you will have the pleasure of experiencing some of the most stunning and privileged views of the Andes in Ecuador, passing through villages like Isinlivi and Chugchilan. These are small towns and depend on farming and cattle. They also produce quinoa, potatoes, and corn, and raise horses, mules, chickens, and guinea pigs. Once you get to the Toachi canyon, you will have a picnic and then climb up to Chugchilan.

Today, you will face one of the biggest challenges of the expedition, but also, it will be one of the most rewarding days! After a challenging hike and much effort, you will be met with 360 views at the top of the Quilotoa Crater lake, a turquoise jewel in the Andes. This volcano is sacred to the indigenous people, not only because of its impressive power, but also because it is an inspiration for the local artists in many of their art pieces. After lunch, you will drive to Riobamba where you will stay overnight.

In the morning, you will enjoy a tasty breakfast, and then, drive to the Chimborazo reserve. This place is home to thousands of vicuñas, small relatives of llamas that are easily identifiable by their red coats as they wander about the skirts of the volcano. Chimborazo’s summit is considered the highest point on earth, if measured from the planet’s core. This is due to its proximity to the Equator, making it closer to space than the Everest! The hike will be short but challenging, as you will be reaching almost seventeen thousand feet.

After lunch, you will head to Baños, a perfect place to go out for drinks and dance to salsa.

Today, you will head to the border of the lush Amazon Basin, where you will hike through a beautiful forest to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful cascade. This waterfall forms a small gorge with an overhanging bridge allowing people to experience its majesty, not only alongside the falls, but also from above.

In the afternoon, you will visit la Casa del Arbol, famous for its swing overlooking the valley in Baños and the Tungurahua volcano. Many will recognize this place as it won the photo contest of NatGeo in 2014. There will also be time for optional activities like zip-lining or shopping.

The final day of adventure takes you back north to the Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes on earth. Perfectly conical and surrounded by views of other volcanoes, it is a sight to behold. The park is also home to horses and bulls, which can sometimes be seen trotting about. Once reaching the National Park, you will trek upwards to the base of the glacier, nearing 17,000 feet! In the afternoon, you will drive back to the meeting point in Quito where your Hiking Ecuadorian Andes Tour will come to an end.