Trek across Ecuador from the high Andes to the Amazon rainforest on this 8-day adventure packed with diverse landscapes, cultural immersion, and wildlife encounters. From glacial lakes and hot springs to cloud forests and crater rims, each day offers a fresh, exciting experience in some of Ecuador’s most beautiful natural settings.
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Ecuador’s capital and enjoy free time to explore Quito’s UNESCO-listed old town, colourful markets, or museums. Meet your guide and group at a welcome meeting in the evening.
Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar
Day 2: Cayambe-Coca Reserve & Termas de Papallacta
Begin with a scenic hike through the “Agua y Vida” route, surrounded by high-altitude páramo, lakes, and native wildlife. After descending towards the Amazon basin, soak in Papallacta’s famous thermal pools.
Overnight: Termas Papallacta or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Cotundo Canyon & Amazon Trails
Travel deeper into the rainforest to explore Cotundo Canyon. Walk among waterfalls, jungle flora, and archaeological petroglyphs before relaxing in naturally warm Amazonian waters.
Overnight: Hamadryade Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Baños Waterfalls & Adventure Activities
Visit the mighty Pailón del Diablo waterfall, swing above the Andes at the Swing at the End of the World, and explore Baños’ adrenaline-filled options like zip-lining. End the day in the quiet village of Patate.
Overnight: Hacienda Leito or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Hiking in Llanganates & Zumbahua Homestay
Trek through the Llanganates Mountains, home to legends of hidden Inca gold, spotting birds and possibly spectacled bears. Stay overnight with a local family in the Andean village of Zumbahua.
Overnight: Mama Hilda or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Quilotoa Loop & Local Crafts
Hike the rim of Quilotoa Crater Lake, famous for its vivid turquoise waters, then browse Zumbahua’s artisan market. Return to your hacienda surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
Overnight: Hato Verde or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Cotopaxi National Park & Glacier Lake Hike
Explore Cotopaxi National Park and hike along Volcán Rumiñahui with views of Cotopaxi’s glacier-capped cone. Finish at Limpiopungo Lake, a haven for highland birdlife, before returning to Quito.
Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Departure or Optional Extensions
After breakfast, depart for Quito Airport (10:00 am–2:00 pm). Additional travel arrangements, such as Galápagos tours or extensions to Peru and Colombia, are available on request.
Meals: Breakfast
This trekking route begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador, and traverses diverse environments from the high-altitude Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve to the humid Amazon basin. Highlights include Papallacta’s thermal waters, Cotundo Canyon’s jungle trails, and the towering Cotopaxi Volcano. The itinerary moves steadily from east to west across central Ecuador, offering a real taste of the country’s varied ecosystems, from páramo to rainforest and alpine lakes to cultural towns. Many overnight stays are in traditional haciendas and local villages, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
Quilotoa, Zumbahua, and Baños provide cultural depth, while the national parks—Cotopaxi and Llanganates—deliver high-altitude treks and rare wildlife sightings. Transfers between regions are by private vehicle, giving access to remote locations while keeping the pace relaxed. Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport serves as both arrival and departure point, with included transfers at designated times.
Throughout the 8-day adventure, accommodation is carefully selected to reflect both comfort and connection to the local environment. You’ll stay in a mix of charming haciendas, cosy lodges, and guesthouses that showcase Ecuadorian hospitality and regional character. These include mountain lodges in the Andes, a riverside rainforest lodge in the Amazon, and homestays in indigenous communities that offer a deeper cultural perspective.
Each night’s accommodation is chosen for its proximity to the next day’s activities, minimising long transfers and keeping you immersed in nature. Rooms are typically twin or double occupancy, with private bathrooms. Amenities vary slightly by location—some lodges offer thermal pools or gardens, while others provide opportunities for cultural interaction. All are clean, safe, and welcoming, making them a great place to rest and recharge after a day of trekking.
Participants should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking for several hours across variable terrain, including altitude changes, uneven trails, and occasional humid conditions in the Amazon region. While the trip is classed as moderate effort, some hikes, such as those in the Llanganates and Quilotoa, involve extended walking with elevation gain.
No specialist trekking experience is required, but previous hiking experience will be beneficial. Good walking shoes, appropriate clothing for changing climates, and a reusable water bottle are essential. All participants must have valid personal insurance that covers trekking and adventure activities in Ecuador.
This trip is run by a long-established German-Ecuadorian tour operator with over 12 years of experience creating meaningful and well-organised travel across South America. The company is known for combining cultural encounters, outdoor adventure, and sustainable travel, offering tours that respect local communities and the environment. Bilingual staff are on hand to ensure a smooth experience, whether in the mountains or the jungle.
With expert local guides and small-group sizes, the experience feels personal and enriching. The team is based in Quito and is deeply connected to Ecuador’s natural and cultural heritage. From the high peaks of the Andes to the rainforest’s edge, every element of this tour has been crafted with care to give travellers the best possible insight into Ecuador’s incredible diversity.
About the centre
Quito, Ecuador
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