Welcome to Quito! The largest and best-preserved colonial city in America, Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Ecuador’s capital. It’s considered the cultural capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.

Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. Because of its strategic location in the middle of the Andes, you can organize a number of fantastic day trips. Contact Adventure Journeys in advance if you would like to organize any of these optional activities or excursions. In the evening, one of your trip leaders will meet you at the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing at 6:00 pm where they will discuss details about the trip and answer any questions you may have. Afterwards, enjoy dinner with the group.

Overnight: Swissôtel Quito
Meals included: None

Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head south from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. Once you arrive, you'll hike around Limpiopungo lagoon (13,000 ft / 3,800 m) on the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano and have the chance to see wild horses, wild bulls, and local bird species. From here, you'll have the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. If weather conditions permit, you'll attempt to trek to the basecamp at 16,000 feet (4,876 m). The day will end with a drive into Isinlivi where you'll spend the night.

Total trekking time: 2 hours on flat terrain around Limpiopungo lagoon and some uphill on the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano
Total elevation gain: 1,000 feet
Total steps: 15,381 (5 miles)

Overnight: llullullama Eco-lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Trek along the Toachi Canyon through charming Andean mountain landscapes and experience stunning views of small villages and indigenous people working in the fields. Hike down into the Toachi river canyon, and then back up to the main road that will take you to Chugchilán, a small town located on the middle of the Quilotoa loop. Here you'll find your eco-house accommodations, and in the afternoon, feel free to explore the village with the great opportunity to share a bit of cultural experience with the locals.

Total trekking time: 2 hours downhill from 10,810 feet (3,295 m) to the Toachi River at 9,500 feet (2896 m) and then 2 hours uphill to Chugchilán at 10,498 feet (3,200 m)
Total steps: 25,481 (8.4 miles)

Overnight: Hostal Mama Hilda
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After a nice breakfast early in the morning, start today's hike on the centuries-old mountain trails. These small trails are still used by locals for commerce and trading as they travel across canyons to reach neighboring communities. While trekking on this trail, you'll often see traders bartering for goods in the traditional manner. Hike down across impressive canyons before climbing up to the crater rim, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Quilotoa Lake. The magic of this place will take your breath away. Enjoy a beautiful picnic with views of the volcano and transfer 2.5 hours to a magical hacienda in the foothills of Chimborazo volcano.

Total trekking time: 1 hour downhill from 10,498 feet to the Toachi River at 9,800 feet, 2.5 hours uphill to 13,000 feet, then 1.5 hours on flat terrain
Total steps: 27,518 (6.9 miles)

Overnight: Andaluza Hacienda
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Early in the morning, you'll drive through valleys and farming villages to reach Chimborazo Volcano. Standing at an impressive 20,702 feet (6,310 m) above sea level, this is the highest mountain in Ecuador and on a clear day, the majestic peak dominates the view for many miles. Chimborazo's location along the equatorial bulge makes its summit the farthest terrestrial point from the Earth's center. Today's visit to this spectacular national park includes a short half-mile hike to reach an elevation of 16,404 feet (5000 m) where the glacier begins. Along the way, you'll try to spot a few of the animals that inhabit this volcanic climate 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. Enjoy a delicious picnic at the base camp before heading down to a more tropical climate in the city of Baños.

Total trekking time: 1.5 hours uphill from 15,748 feet (4,800 m) to 16,732 feet (5,100 m) and then 45 minutes downhill back the same way
Total steps: 14,974

Overnight: Casa de Luis
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Today you'll trek in Llanganates National Park, famous for its amazing landscapes and storied mystery. Legend has it that the Inca General Rumiñahui has a large sum of gold hidden somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range. Expect stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Sangay Volcano (if visibility is good) and witness how the vegetation changes as you trek through different elevations. After this beautiful trek, return to Baños to spend one last night in this magical town. In the evening, enjoy a nice soak in the famous hot springs and, if you wish, experience the thriving nightlife of the town.

Total trekking time: 6 hours, hiking from 10,498 feet (3,200 m) to 12,024 feet (3,600 m)

Overnight: Casa de Luis
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Wake up for you last morning in Baños. Known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the active Tungurahua volcano, it is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the country and you'll find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you'll know why. This pleasant, unspoiled town is the perfect setting for outdoor adventure. Activities include horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and rafting in the surrounding mountains and on the River Pastaza.

This morning, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the cloud forest and journey to the Road of the Waterfalls. Your first stop is Bride's Veil waterfall, where you can cross the Pastaza River by taking the tarabita (cable car). Then, you'll hike down for one hour to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador. After a day full of adventures in the cloud forest, enjoy the scenic ride back to Quito.

Overnight: Swissôtel Quito
Meals included: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Ecuador and transfer to the Quito airport as needed for your flight departure back home.

Meals included: Breakfast