Ecuador’s Top Hikes: 6 Treks That Are Worth Every Step

A glance at any topographic map of Ecuador reveals the Andean range stretching from north to south. These majestic mountains and volcanoes are prime spots for adventure, attracting travelers seeking the finest hikes in Ecuador.

For both trekkers and avid climbers, the high sierra boasts numerous trails leading to lofty altitudes. Others meander through lower elevations, offering stunning alpine views.

There are hiking options for all fitness levels, and although hiking and climbing are feasible year-round, the peak seasons are from November to February and June to August. If you aim to climb higher, trek alone, or travel off-peak, consider booking a guide.

Located on the equator, where shifting tectonic plates have elevated the land, Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes is undeniably one of its prime attractions and the best spots for trekking in the highlands. The journey from Quito to Cuenca showcases awe-inspiring landscapes, with snow-capped peaks and rugged mountains rising dramatically against the sky.

The Central Highlands are filled with towns that celebrate Indigenous Andean heritage, making hiking an excellent way to engage with the local culture.

Trekking at high altitudes leads you to water-filled calderas surrounded by vibrant grasses and flowers. Guides can assist you in descending into canyons or ascending to hidden lodges and eco-retreats perched above the clouds, providing breathtaking views of the valleys below.

Here are our top six recommendations for the best hikes in Ecuador.

Cotopaxi National Park

Top hike for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts

2.2 miles ( km); 2 hours; easy

As the second-highest peak in Ecuador at 19,347 feet and one of the world’s most prominent active volcanoes, Volcán Cotopaxi presents an exciting guided climb for those eager to trek for two days to reach the summit's breathtaking views.

For those who prefer a gentler experience, the expansive 83,000-acre Parque Nacional Cotopaxi offers tranquil trails in a grassy haven, framed by the stunning peak of the volcano as a central feature.

If you have just a couple of hours, stroll around Lake Limpiopungo – the flat, easy terrain is accessible for all fitness levels. You’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife here, from white-tailed deer to Andean foxes (or colpeo) wandering the grasslands. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring condors or even the elusive spectacled bear on the volcano’s eastern slopes.

Consider horseback riding and staying at one of the park’s charming haciendas, where you can embark on a guided trek to learn more about the stunning flora, fauna, and geology of this beautiful national park, arguably the finest in Ecuador.

Chimborazo

Top high-altitude hiking experience

23.9 miles (38.4 km); 2–3 days; challenging

Traveling south to Riobamba, you cannot miss the imposing presence of Chimborazo, Ecuador's tallest peak and a truly awe-inspiring natural marvel.

Make sure to allocate time for the Devil’s Nose, an engineering marvel of the railway where the train navigates a series of switchbacks through the Andes. Along the way, you'll encounter charming villages and enjoy spectacular views of Chimborazo from the train windows early in the journey.

Once you're acclimatized to Ecuador's altitude, consider tackling the ascent of Chimborazo, but be prepared for a significant challenge. At approximately 20,700 ft, the equatorial summit is the closest point on Earth to the sun, and it is enveloped in glacial ice, necessitating the hiring of a certified guide and the use of crampons and other specialized equipment.

Prepare for an overnight stay at a high-altitude refugio before your final push to the summit. Adequate preparation and a high fitness level are essential for the climb.

Day-hikers and mountain bikers will appreciate the Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo, a wildlife haven for vicuña, llama, and alpaca, featuring numerous shorter trails throughout the park.

From Riobamba, enjoy stunning vistas of the Altar and Tungurahua volcanoes, Parque Nacional Sangay, or Colta Lagoon, which offers some of the most picturesque reflections of Chimborazo—perfect for photography or a peaceful walk.

The Quilotoa Loop

Ideal hike for experiencing highland culture.

25 miles (40km); 3–5 days; moderate

Quilotoa crater, one of Ecuador's most stunning destinations, can be trekked to, through, or around based on your stamina and schedule. Consider staying overnight at one of the eco-lodges in the area, and the next day, enjoy a gentle stroll to the lookout points or a more challenging hike down to the lakeshore.

No matter how you arrive, the crater rim is likely the best selfie spot in Ecuador, with its vibrant teal and emerald waters, rugged rock formations, and dramatic low-hanging clouds providing a breathtaking backdrop.

The extended Quilotoa Loop can take up to five days, offering an immersive experience into local villages and highland culture. You’ll have the chance to learn phrases in the Kichwa language as you pass through quaint communities and lush rainforest.

Several markets are held along the loop, from Zumbahua on Saturdays to Saquisilí on Thursdays. Indigenous markets are a highlight of any trip to the Ecuadorian Andes, so be sure to incorporate them into your travel plans.

Local transport makes everything easily accessible, and it's well worth spending a few days in the area to explore on foot. Tour operators in Quito can simplify the planning process for your itinerary.

Lake Cuicocha

Top day hike

7.5 miles (12km); 4–5 hours; easy

If you're visiting the vibrant market town of Otavalo, a hike around Lake Cuicocha is a great addition to your day. This scenic, flooded volcanic crater is encircled by lush vegetation, offering a stunning four- to five-hour walk along the rim.

Two small lava islands rise from the center of the lake, their shapes reminiscent of the guinea pigs that inspired the Kichwa name for the laguna.

As one of Ecuador's lesser-known caldera hikes, Cuicocha Lake offers a quieter experience compared to the more famous Quilotoa, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature along the trail.

The Otavalo region is rich with attractions if you decide to make it your base. The stunning 59ft Peguche waterfalls, surrounded by a vibrant wall of greenery, are easily accessible by foot or bike from Otavalo.

Additionally, during the Inti Raymi sun festival in June, an Indigenous water-purification ceremony is held at the site, welcoming visitors. Be sure to check with the local tourist office for more information.

Ingapirca and the Inca Trail

Best multi-day hike

25 miles (40km); 3 days; moderate-to-difficult

The Ecuadorian segment of the Inca Trail, which once linked Quito to Cusco, may not be as famous as the Peruvian route to Machu Picchu, but it is definitely worth exploring. This three-day trek offers glimpses of the past, including the impressive remnants of the Temple of the Sun at Ingapirca, despite much of the original pathway being lost to Spanish conquerors.

Ascending to a peak of 13,800ft, the Ecuadorian Inca Trail reaches the same elevation as the highest point on the Peruvian route (Dead Woman’s Pass). This trek to Ingapirca navigates through cloud-covered heights, offering breathtaking views of canyons, lagoons, and rugged mountain landscapes.

Join a hiking tour led by a local guide to uncover the rich narratives of the Inca and the subsequent Indigenous groups’ fight for freedom from colonial powers.

Condor Trek

Best trek in Ecuador

31.5 miles (51km); 5 days; difficult

Celebrated as one of Ecuador’s top trekking experiences, the Trek of the Condor has earned recognition in a National Geographic list of global bucket list adventures. This five-day journey is not for the timid, as it frequently reaches altitudes of 10,000ft amid chilly and challenging weather conditions.

Nonetheless, it’s not a highly technical climb, making it suitable for those who have acclimatized and built up their fitness through prior training. Traverse through Indigenous villages and witness wildlife grazing on the páramo (grassland).

Beginning your adventure from Papallacta allows you to relax in one of the stunning outdoor thermal pools, easing your muscles in preparation for the intense yet rewarding trek ahead.