Ecuador Active Adventure - 8 Days

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way to the hotel. Set high in the Andes and straddling the equator, Quito is one of South America’s most atmospheric capitals. Its historic centre is among the best-preserved colonial quarters on the continent and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its churches, plazas and centuries-old architecture.

Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and begin exploring independently. You can wander through the old town, visit a local café, or simply relax after your journey and adjust to the altitude.

Later in the day, we gather at 6 PM at the hotel to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead with a welcome briefing. This first day is designed to ease you into Ecuador and provide time to rest before the adventure begins.

Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Isinliví. Today we travel south along the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park for our first walk in the Ecuadorian Andes and an important acclimatisation day. We begin by hiking through the high-altitude páramo around Limpiopungo Lagoon, set on the lower slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano.

As we circle the lagoon, we enjoy sweeping views of Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. This open landscape is home to wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions, and we may spot wild horses, cattle and Andean birdlife along the way. The mostly flat terrain allows us to ease into trekking at altitude while taking in the dramatic scenery.

After completing our walk, we continue by road to the small Andean village of Isinliví, where we settle into our lodge for the night. This evening provides time to rest, acclimatise and talk through the days ahead with our guide.

Trekking Time: approximately 2 hours

Trekking Distance: approximately 8 km

Isinliví – Chugchilán. After breakfast, we begin our trek through the striking landscapes of the Toachi Canyon, following narrow trails used by local communities for generations. As we walk, we pass cultivated fields and small villages that offer insight into everyday life in the Andean highlands.

We descend into the canyon to the Toachi River before climbing steadily back up towards the highlands. The constantly changing terrain and viewpoints make this a rewarding and varied walk. By the afternoon, we arrive in the village of Chugchilán, located within the Quilotoa Loop, where we have time to explore and connect with the local community.

Biking Time: approximately 4 hours

Biking Distance: approximately 13.5 km

Chugchilán – Quilotoa – Chimborazo Region. Early this morning, we set out along ancient footpaths that link remote Andean communities. Locals still use these trails to transport goods and travel between villages, and along the way, we may witness traditional bartering practices that remain part of daily life.

Our route takes us down into deep canyons before a steady ascent to the rim of the Quilotoa crater. On reaching the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views over the vivid blue waters of Quilotoa Lake. We enjoy time at the crater, including a picnic lunch overlooking this remarkable natural landmark.

Later in the day, we transfer by road to a historic hacienda in the foothills of Chimborazo Volcano, where we settle in for the evening surrounded by classic Andean landscapes. Here, we will enjoy a chocolate-making experience offers the chance to learn about traditional cacao processing from the local community.

Trekking Time: approximately 2 hours

Trekking Distance: approximately 8 km

Llanganates National Park - Papallacta. After breakfast, we prepare for another active day as we travel a short distance to the Jatunyacu River, one of the most scenic rafting rivers in Ecuador and a major tributary of the Amazon. Before setting off, our rafting guides provide a full safety briefing and ensure everyone is comfortable with the equipment.

We then take to the water for an exhilarating white-water rafting experience, navigating class III rapids as the river winds through lush rainforest and steep canyon walls. Between the faster sections, there are moments of calmer water where we can take in the surrounding jungle scenery and enjoy the flow of the river.

At the end of our rafting journey, we stop for a picnic prepared by our guides. From here, we begin our journey back up into the Andes, climbing steadily through changing landscapes as we make our way to Papallacta.

On arrival, we settle into our hotel near the hot springs. In the evening, we have time to relax and soak in the naturally heated volcanic pools, allowing our bodies to recover after several adventurous days.

Papallacta – Otavalo - Pijal - Otavalo. Today, we travel north through the Andean highlands to the town of Otavalo, home to one of the most well-known indigenous markets in South America. Here, we explore the vibrant stalls filled with traditional textiles, handcrafted jewellery and local artwork, while learning about the customs and daily life of the Otavalo people.

From Otavalo, we continue into the rural Andean countryside to the village of Pijal, where we are welcomed by the women of the Sacha Warmi community project. This initiative supports local families by creating sustainable income opportunities based on traditional knowledge and skills.

We spend time with the women, taking part in a hands-on cultural experience that includes food preparation using fresh, locally grown ingredients. We also learn about traditional textile production and the importance of preserving these practices for future generations. Lunch is shared together, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect and exchange stories.

Later in the day, we return to Papallacta and have time to relax in the volcanic hot springs, surrounded by cool mountain air and cloud forest scenery..

Otavalo – Cuicocha Crater Lake – Quito. This morning, we set out towards the Cotacachi–Cayapas Ecological Reserve, home to the striking Cuicocha Crater Lake. Formed within the caldera of an active volcano, the lake is known for its deep blue waters and steep crater walls, set against a backdrop of cloud forest.

We begin a guided trek along the crater rim, following a well-maintained trail that circles the lake. Along the way, our guide introduces us to native plant species and explains the volcanic history that shaped this landscape. Weather permitting, there may be views of surrounding peaks rising above the crater.

After completing the trek, we take a boat ride out onto the lake, allowing us to experience the caldera from within and observe signs of volcanic activity beneath the water’s surface.

We then begin our journey back to Quito, where we check into our hotel.

Hiking Time:4.5 hours

Hiking Distance: 4.82 km

. After our final breakfast, you travel back to Quito. You then say goodbye to your fellow travellers and tour leader before making your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe Travels!