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.
The trek is graded as moderate, meaning it’s suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure. Expect to walk for several hours most days on a mix of dirt paths, forest trails, volcanic slopes and high-altitude páramo. The terrain includes both ascents and descents, and you'll often be hiking at altitudes ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 metres, so it's important to pace yourself.
No technical climbing is involved, and your guide will adapt the pace and breaks to suit the group. The toughest days tend to be the Llanganates hike and the Quilotoa loop due to their elevation and trail length, but support is always close at hand, and you’ll have plenty of rest stops to enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the way.
Accommodation is based on twin or double rooms in a mix of small hotels, lodges, haciendas, and one homestay. All rooms come with private bathrooms unless specified otherwise, and you’ll generally be sharing with another traveller unless you request a single room upgrade (available for an additional fee and subject to availability).
Stays include locations like Papallacta’s spa resort, a jungle ecolodge in the Amazon, and local haciendas in Patate and Quilotoa. The homestay night in Zumbahua is a more rustic experience with simpler amenities but adds an unforgettable cultural element to the trip.
Meals provided are typically traditional Ecuadorian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Expect hearty breakfasts, packed lunches or sit-down meals, and delicious Andean-style dinners. Vegetarian options are available on request, and most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Meals are included as listed in the itinerary (mostly breakfast and lunch), giving you a chance to try local restaurants for dinner, especially in Baños and Quito. Drinking water is always available during trekking days, and snacks will be provided to keep your energy up while hiking.
The tour includes time spent at high elevations, especially in the Andes where some hikes reach over 3,800 metres. While most people adjust with minimal discomfort, symptoms like mild headaches, shortness of breath, or fatigue can occur during the first few days. It’s recommended to take it slow, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol initially.
Your guide will monitor everyone’s wellbeing and offer tips to help manage any symptoms. The itinerary is designed with gradual altitude exposure in mind, and by Day 3, you’ll be descending into lower elevations, giving your body a natural break from the high altitudes.
Yes, group airport transfers are included for those arriving at Mariscal Sucre International Airport by 11:00 am on Day 1 and departing between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Day 8. If your flight falls outside of these times, you’ll need to arrange a private transfer at your own cost, which the operator can help organise.
It’s important to book your flights accordingly to make use of the included transfers. If you're arriving a day early or extending your stay after the tour, assistance with accommodation and separate transport can be provided on request.
This tour offers chances to spot a wide range of native Andean and Amazonian wildlife. In the Cayambe-Coca and Cotopaxi regions, you might see deer, foxes, hummingbirds, wild horses, and even the elusive Andean condor or spectacled bear.
As you descend into the Amazon basin, expect sightings of tropical birds, butterflies, and perhaps monkeys or reptiles depending on the season. Your guide will help with identification and keep a lookout during hikes. Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are highly recommended for wildlife viewing.
Each day includes structured hikes and activities, but there’s also time built in for rest and independent exploration. For example, your first afternoon in Quito is completely free, and optional activities are available in Baños for those seeking additional adventure.
Evenings typically offer downtime to relax at the lodge or hacienda, and your guide will always be available for advice or to help plan any extra excursions. Flexibility is key, and the itinerary is designed to allow a good balance between activity and rest.
About the centre
Quito, Ecuador
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