Hiking Ecuador: Andean Paths, Peaks & People

13 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Group Tour
Trek across extinct volcanoes and tall Andean peaks to learn about Incan ruins and Ecuador’s stunning landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.
$5,399
From$3,999
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Camp for two nights along the Camino Real and discover the ancient Temple of the Sun with local experts
    • Hike part of the “Avenue of Volcanoes” and ride pack mules along the edge of a collapsed caldera
    • Delve deep into the Ecuadorean culture by exploring an organic rose farm, colorful local markets, and a Panama hat factory (which wasn’t invented in Panama!)

What's this trip about?

    Trek across extinct volcanoes and tall Andean peaks to learn about Incan ruins and Ecuador’s stunning landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • 50 Plus
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

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Itinerary

Day
1 In Transit to Program, Arrive Quito, Check-in, Registration Quito Sheraton Quito Hotel Evening: After transferring to the hotel, we will check in and enjoy free time.

Day
2 Orientation, Old Quito, Aerial Tram, Acclimation Walk Quito B,L,D Sheraton Quito Hotel Activity note: Teleferico cable ride travels from about 9,680 feet at the base station to 13,290 feet at the summit station. Acclimation walk will be on irregular terrain at a ...
Day
3 Hiking to San Pablo Lake, Otavalo Indian Market Otavalo B,L,D Hacienda Cusin Activity note: Moderate hike on irregular terrain; elevation range 10,007 – 11,400 feet; approximately 5 miles/ 3 – 4 hours hiking with stops. The drive from San Pablo Lake to Otavalo is...
Day
4 Hike at Cuicocha Lake, Cotacachi Town Otavalo B,L,D Hacienda Cusin Activity note: Moderate hike on irregular, undulating terrain; elevation range 10,007 – 11,483 feet; approximately 6 miles/ average 4 hours hiking. Drive from our hotel to Cuichocha Lake is about ...
Day
5 Avenue of the Volcanoes, Valley of the Pastocalle Cotopaxi B,L,D Hacienda La Ciénega Activity note: Moderate hike on unpaved roads and paths over irregular terrain; elevation range 10,800 – 11,300 feet; approximately 6 miles/ 3.5 – 4 hours. The drive from San Pab...
Day
6 Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Cotopaxi B,L,D Hacienda La Ciénega Activity note: Moderate to challenging hike on narrow unpaved roads and sandy and rocky trails; elevation range 11,155 feet (park entrance) – 15,750 feet (Jose Rivas hut). Hike at Cotopaxi begins...
Day
7 Quilotoa Crater Lake, Tigua Riobamba B,L,D Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo Activity note: Moderate hike around Quilotoa Crater and a steep, dusty descent towards the lagoon on irregular terrain; average elevation 12,470 feet; hiking for approximately 2 hours. The steep...
Day
8 Transfer to Achupallas, Timboyacu Inca Trail - Ecuador B,L,D Andean Camp Activity note: Moderate to challenging uphill hike on irregular terrain; elevation range 10,990 – 13,450 feet; hiking for approximately 8 miles/ 7 – 8 hours. Campsite elevation approximately...
Day
9 Tres Cruces to San Jose Lagoon Inca Trail - Ecuador B,L,D Andean Camp Activity note: Moderate to challenging hike on irregular terrain; average trekking elevation 13,123 – 14,450 feet; approximately 9.5 miles/ 6 – 7 hours. Campsite elevation approximately 12,470 ...
Day
10 Hike to Ingapirca Ruins, Transfer to Cuenca Cuenca B,L,D Santa Lucia Hotel Cuenca Activity note: Moderate to challenging downhill hike on footpaths, dirt road, pastureland, and potentially muddy areas; approximately 5.5 miles/ 4 – 5 hours. The hike begins at abo...
Day
11 Colonial Cuenca Cuenca B,L,D Santa Lucia Hotel Cuenca Activity note: City walking and some walking on cobbled stone surfaces. Elevation at Cuenca is approximately 8,300 ft. Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a plated breakfast, plus coffee, tea, water. ...
Day
12 Transfer to Guayaquil, El Cajas National Park, Coastal Farm Guayaquil B,L,D Hotel Oro Verde Activity note: Average elevation at Cajas National Park is about 10,335 feet. The drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil is about 122 miles, approximately 4 hours. Breakfast...
Day
13 Program Concludes In Flight B Activity note: Hotel check out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Breakfast: At the hotel we will enjoy a buffet breakfast, plus coffee, tea, water (dependent on flight times; no arrangements a...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,999
Price per day$308
Last Updated: 9/2/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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Meals Included
  • 34 Meals
  • 12 Breakfasts
  • 11 Lunches
  • 11 Dinners
  • The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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