Trekking on the Volcanoes of the Andes
From the glaciers of Chimborazo to the Quechua markets of Otavalo, Équateur reveals its Andean verticality.
Duration
12 days
From
€2,000/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
A trekking itinerary designed for hiking enthusiasts, discovering the spectacular landscapes of Équateur. On foot, we explore varied environments, from high-altitude plains to snow-capped summits, passing through glacial lakes and picturesque villages.
We climb accessible volcanoes, peaking around 4,000 m, offering breathtaking panoramas over the Équateur highlands. The adventure continues with an ascent to the Chimborazo and Cotopaxi mountain refuges, surpassing the 5,000 m mark.
Beyond exploring the Andean giants, we immerse ourselves in local history and traditions, with a visit to the Otavalo indigenous market, the colonial center of Quito, and a well-deserved moment of relaxation in the thermal city of Baños.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Quito and immersion in Otavalo
Upon your arrival at Quito International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide before heading towards Otavalo, an indigenous village nestled in the Imbabura region, in the north of the country.
As you stroll through the colorful streets, with hues reminiscent of the national flag, you will have the opportunity to make first contact with the Quechua Indians, whose traditions and artisanal craftsmanship are renowned throughout the region. An authentic introduction to Andean culture to begin this journey through the heart of Équateur.
Discovering Otavalo and its surroundings
On Saturday, Otavalo comes alive with its weekly market, where Quechua Indians, wearing their felt hats and traditional ponchos, come down from the hills to trade.
The morning is dedicated to discovering the animal market, the local market, and the artisanal market.
In the afternoon, an excursion to Laguna Cuicocha, located at 100 m altitude, on the slopes of the Cotacachi volcano. This crater lake 3 km wide offers a scenic trail allowing you to admire unique landscapes and diverse flora.
A hike along the lagoon allows you to admire varied flora and spectacular panoramas of the Imbabura region.
Ascension of the Fuya-Fuya Volcano
After a transfer from Otavalo, we reach the Mojanda lagoons, starting point of our ascent.
Lagunas De Mojanda → Fuya Fuya (4 263 m)
We begin the climb towards the Fuya-Fuya volcano, which peaks at 4,294 m. The steep but accessible trail leads us to the summit, where an exceptional panorama awaits us: the lakes below, the snow-capped Cayambe volcano in front, and a succession of mountains on the horizon.
Return to Quito in the late afternoon.
Ascent of Guagua Pichincha Volcano and Route to Cotopaxi
Quito → Pichincha Volcano (4 784 m)
Leaving Quito, head west to reach the gates of the Guagua Pichincha volcano, located about ten kilometers away. This active volcano reveals its fumaroles and sulfur deposits, witnesses to its persistent activity.
After a progressive approach, we follow a trail skirting the 6 km wide crater, until we reach the summit at 4,794 m altitude. There, a spectacular panorama unfolds before us.
The ascent completed, transfer to the south, at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano, for the next stage of the adventure.
Ascent to the Illinizas Refuge
Transfer to the start of the hike, La Virgen, located at 4,020 m altitude. The ascent offers a spectacular panorama of the Avenue of Volcanoes, revealing the majestic peaks of the mountain range.
The refuge nestles in the ancient crater of the volcano, at the base of the two summits of the Illinizas:
Illiniza South (5,260 m), impressive with its glacier.
Illiniza North (5,116 m), characterized by its rocky formations.
After this day at high altitude, second night in our family inn.
Trekking Ruminiahui
Chaupi → Parc National Cotopaxi
After breakfast, departure by vehicle towards the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, where our immersion in the Andean highlands begins. Upon arrival, the páramo immerses us in a spectacular landscape, dominated by Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano with its snow-capped cone reaching 5,897 m. Across these vast grassy expanses, it is not uncommon to spot wild horses.
We follow a ridge trail in the páramo, before climbing a rocky spur and scree slopes to reach the crests of the Rumiñahui. Before us, Cotopaxi rises, crowned with eternal snows and fumaroles.
Late afternoon, short transfer to our high-altitude lodge.
Night at Tambopaxi.
Option: For those who wish, possibility to attempt the ascent of Cotopaxi. This day will then be dedicated to rest and preparation for the glacier climb.
Exploration of Cotopaxi National Park
The Cotopaxi Volcano National Park opens its doors to us! Upon entering, the Andean páramo immediately transports us elsewhere. We hike across high grasslands spread at the foot of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on the planet, whose snow-capped cone reaches 5,897 m. It will not be uncommon to see wild horses in these high plateaus.
This day is devoted to an in-depth discovery of the Cotopaxi Volcano National Park. At our own pace, we traverse the Andean páramo, this high-altitude steppe with varied flora that extends at the foot of Cotopaxi, whose icy cone reaches 5,897 m.
We drive up to the high-altitude parking lot, before beginning a 200-meter ascent on foot, leading us to the refuge located at 4,800 m.
If weather conditions and desire permit, there is the possibility of continuing to the Cotopaxi glacier, for an immersion into this spectacular glacial landscape.
Hiking around Quilotoa Lagoon and road to Riobamba
Located at 3,914 m altitude, the lagoon Quilotoa is a crater lake formed over 800 years ago. Its 3 km diameter and 250 m depth make it one of the most spectacular sites in the region.
From the scenic trail that runs along the lagoon, enjoy breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding landscapes.
The complete loop around the lagoon takes approximately 5 hours of hiking.
A trail descends directly to the lagoon, requiring approximately 1 hour for the descent and 1h30 for the ascent, which is more demanding.
Chimborazo Ascent and Route to Baños
Today's challenge: climbing the Chimborazo volcano.
From Riobamba, we take the car to reach the end of the track at 4,800 m. From there, we continue our journey on foot to the Edward-Whymper refuge at 5,000 m.
After an hour and a half of hiking, we arrive at the refuge considered to be the highest on the planet. Depending on the weather, our circuit today can extend to the Whymper needles at 5,300 m altitude. In the meantime, to catch our breath, a picnic is planned in this high mountain setting. Before us, we can see the trail that leads to the summit of Équateur's giant.
We resume our journey at the end of the day, heading towards the spa town of Baños.
Relaxation in Baños
Visit to the thermal city of Baños. Located at 1800 meters altitude in a subtropical zone, the city benefits from numerous hot water pools due to its proximity to Tungurahua volcano. In the morning, explore the tropical fruit plantations. Then enjoy a relaxing bath in the city's thermal springs.
Other outdoor activities are available as options (paid): paragliding, horseback riding or mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, bungee jumping, massages, Spa, etc.
Return to Quito and Discovery of the Capital
After breakfast, a 3-hour transfer to Quito.
Nestled in the heart of verdant hills, Équateur's capital enjoys a pleasant climate and rich historical heritage. Its colonial center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals remarkable architecture through its churches and colonial buildings.
Among the must-sees:
The Church of the Company, a masterpiece of baroque art.
The San Francisco Cloister, emblematic of the country's religious history.
The Cathedral, a testament to the city's colonial past.
For a stunning view over the city, head to the viewpoints, offering a spectacular panorama of Quito and its surroundings.
End of the trip and departure from Quito
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Quito before your transfer to the airport for departure.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flight Europe/Quito/Europe
- Meals and dinners mentioned as "Free" in the itinerary
- Beverages & Tipping
- Everything that is not indicated in The Price Includes
Included
- Private vehicle, very comfortable throughout the circuit
- Professional Tourism & Trekking Guide English-speaking
- Accommodation: Base double room with breakfasts included at the accommodations mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent.
- All meals and dinners included for the guide/driver. Full board except meals and dinners in Quito
- All entrance fees to national parks and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 30 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
Concernant l’achat de billets d’avion :
Annulation : 100 % du prix du billet, car les billets achetés sont non remboursables.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Ecuador for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
To date, this exemption allows for a stay of up to 90 days per 12-month period on Ecuadorian territory.
The authorities may also request:
a return ticket or proof of onward travel (return flight or continuation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Ecuador.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Ecuador for travelers coming from Europe or Canada, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure, particularly regarding:
yellow fever (recommended for certain regions of the country, particularly in the Amazon),
typhoid,
hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. Ecuadorian authorities may also request documents certifying the minor's family situation.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should consult the embassy or consulate of Ecuador in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have coverage for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage options and rates, please follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to purchase one of these policies, the full policy document detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for following the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Ecuador visa-free, provided they present a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry, a return ticket, and mandatory travel insurance upon arrival. Visa exemption conditions and authorized stay lengths depend on nationality; check the rules applicable to your situation with the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 280 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1300 euros return) are additional. The Galápagos represent a separate budget (cruise or inter-island navigation).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match traveler profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Andean Sierra
Accomplice in Ecuadorian adventures, based in Quito
Ecuador is a country where you can shift between completely different worlds in just a few hours. It's this constant diversity—between volcanoes, forests, villages, and encounters—that still fascinates me today.
— Carole
