HIKING THE ECUADORIAN MOUNTAINS
2024 May 4 - 12
Quito, Cuicocha, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Tena
"Life is about serving others and being the best that you can be."
Hayden Hawks, the accomplished American ultramarathoner celebrated for his excellence in long-distance trail races and ultramarathons, is the champion of CCC UTMB, Penyagolosa, Lavaredo Ultratrail, and achieved second place in the Tarawera Ultramarathon and Western States.
In 2024, he will join Wild Ecuador to share his expertise and passion, running with you through incredible trails, awe-inspiring scenery, and the immersive experience of a world-renowned ultrarunner. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Ecuador's pristine wilderness and discover the thrill of trail running at its finest.
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Why Ecuador?
Ecuador is a trail runner's paradise, offering diverse terrain and challenging landscapes that are perfect for improving your trail running skills.. From the rugged Andean mountains with high-altitude trails to the lush, tropical rainforests teeming with unique wildlife, you'll encounter a variety of terrains to enhance your skills and endurance. Furthermore, Ecuador's welcoming communities and supportive trail running community make it an ideal place to train and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The country's natural beauty and vibrant culture provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable and rewarding trail running experience.
Your trip includes
Duration: 9 days
Group Size: 15 spots
Places: Quito, Cuicocha, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Tena
Accomodation: Double occupancy. Detailed in itinerary
For single occupancy + 280 USD
Meals: Breakfasts: 8 Lunches: 7 and 8 Dinners
Team: Wild Ecuador certified guides and Hayden Hawks
Transport: 8 days
Activity level: Medium
2024 May 4 - 12
Quito, Cuicocha, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Tena
CAMP CONFIRMED
Opt for a personalized guided experience. Your friends, chosen dates, your tailored tour.
Leave the planning to us. Inquire here
You will learn how to:
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Breathe and optimize energy at high altitude
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Selecting the right equipment, technical apparel, and gear for your trail adventures
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Gear/Pack management
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Efficiency in your running
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Techniques to use poles
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Run at night
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Nutrition and supplement guidance: Pre-Race, During Competition, and Post-Finish Line
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Activities
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Trail running Cuicocha Lake
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Trail running Cotopaxi
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Trail running Quilotoa
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Trail running Baños de Agua Santa
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Via ferrata
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Zipline
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Pailon del diablo
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Wildlife watching in the jungle
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Rafting in the jungle
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Quito City Tour
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Middle of the world
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Is This Adventure Suitable for Me?
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Best suited for individuals who are in good physical condition, accustomed to running and hiking in mountainous terrain, and capable of comfortably participating in these activities for at least four hours a day. Due to the high elevation of Ecuador, this tour involves high altitudes. We have designed our itinerary to allow you to gradually acclimate to it.
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Please make sure that your physical fitness aligns with the itinerary described below, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Who Should Consider This Adventure?
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This adventure is designed for trail runners interested in learning new techniques or improving their skills while connecting with fellow enthusiasts and sharing their passion.
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Runners seeking a week of trail adventure while combining exciting activities, cultural experiences, and moments of awe in breathtaking natural environments.
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Runners preparing for an ultramarathon, such as QUITO TRAIL BY UTMB, and aiming to familiarize themselves with the course.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Arrive Quito, Take it easy to acclimate to the altitude. Accommodation in Quito.
Day 2: Hiking lake Cuicocha Loop
You will drive to Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake in Ecuador that features a popular trail
called the Cuicocha Loop. The loop offers breathtaking views of the lake, its islands, and the
surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Otavalo and explore artisan
indian market. At night, you will sleep in an antique hacienda surrounded by nature.
Distance: 12,5km / 7,7mi
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 400m / 1562 ft
Highest Point: 3.500 meters (11.483 feet) asl
Difficulty: Moderate
Necessary equipment: Hydration (at least one liter), waterproof jacket.
We suggest the use of trekking poles
Day 3: Rumiñahui
Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park area, where Rumiñahui, a stratovolcano is located.
The Rumiñahui trekking summit offers a challenging and rewarding experience for those
seeking adventure in the high-altitude landscapes of Ecuador. The trek encompasses various
terrains, including rocky paths, high-altitude paramo. The trail can be steep and demanding,
requiring a good level of physical fitness and endurance. Following the trek, you will stay in a
beautiful hacienda with a spectacular view of Cotopaxi.
Distance: 12km / 7,4mi
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 741m / 2431 ft
Summit: 4.630 meters (15.190 feet) asl
Difficulty: Moderate
Necessary equipment: Helmet, Hydration (at least one liter), waterproof jacket.
We suggest the use of trekking poles
Day 4: Illiniza Norte
Early in the morning depart from Cotopaxi National Park to the trailhead near the Illiniza
Ecological Reserve. You will start the trek to the Illiniza Norte base camp, situated at an
elevation of around 4,600 meters. This is a challenging and exciting adventure, offering
stunning views of the Ecuadorian Andes. The trail takes you through high-altitude paramo,
rocky terrain, and possibly some scree slopes. Illiniza Norte is part of the Illiniza volcanic
complex and stands as the sixth-highest peak in Ecuador. In the Afternoon we will rest in
hacienda located in El Chaupi.
Distance: 13km / 8mi
Time: 7-9 hours
Elevation Gain: 1.176m / 3858 ft
Summit: 5.1267 meters (16.817 feet) asl
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 5: Quilotoa Loop (Insilivi - Chugchilan)
Your journey starts early in the morning on the way to Insilivi, a small village in he hurt of the
Andes. Begin your hike from Isinlivi to Chugchilán. The route is known for its scenic views and
can be a bit challenging in parts. You'll pass through the Toachi Canyon, encountering
stunning vistas and small communities along the way. Spend the night in Chugchilán.
Distance: 12,5 km / 7,7mi
Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 651m / 2136 ft
Highest Point: 3200 meters (10500 feet) asl
Difficulty: Moderate
Necessary equipment: Hydration (at least one liter), waterproof jacket.
We suggest the use of trekking poles
Day 6: Quilotoa Loop (Chugchilan – Quilotoa)
Early in the morning we start the highlight of the circuit to “The Quilotoa Crater Lake”, The trail
offers some challenging ascents and descents, but the reward is the spectacular view of the turquoise
lake inside the volcanic crater. In the afternoon, you will return to Quito, Free time to explore
Quito. Farewell dinner and overnight in Quito.
Distance: 13,4 km / 8.3mi
Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1143m / 3750 ft
Highest Point: 3881 meters (12732 feet) asl
Difficulty: Challenging
Necessary equipment: Hydration (at least one liter), waterproof jacket.
We suggest the use of trekking poles
Day 7: Back Home
Day 2: Cuicocha Loop
You'll head to trail around Cuicocha Lake. The Cuicocha Loop is a 12km trekking trail that surrounds
the stunning lake, located in the crater of an extinct volcano.
In the afternoon you'll visit the ‘’Plaza de Ponchos‘’ in Otavalo, one of the largest and liveliest craft
markets in South America. You will sleep in antique hacienda.
Activities: Cuicocha Loop & visit ’Plaza de Ponchos‘’
Distance: 12,5km/ 7.7mi
Elevation Gain: 400m/1,562ft
Trail time: 4-5hours
Highest Point: 3.500m / 11,483 ft
Accomodation: **** Hacienda
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Day 3: Cotopaxi
You'll head to Cotopaxi National Park for an exciting trail around the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.
You'll run through amazing paramo landscapes, lakes, and forests. In the afternoon, we'll stay at traditional Hacienda that offers a unique cultural and historical atmosphere.
Activity: Cotopaxi Trail
Trail or Hike Distance: 12,3 km / 7,6mi
Elevation Gain: 300m/984ft
Trail time: 3-4hours
Highest Point: 4200m / 13.779 ft
Accomodation: **** Hacienda
(Optional night run)
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Day 4: Quilotoa Trail
Your journey starts towards the highlight of the circuit to “The Quilotoa Crater Lake”, The trail offers some challenging ascents and descents, but the reward is the spectacular view of the turquoise lake inside the volcanic crater. In the afternoon, you'll rest at an old hacienda of this region.
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Activity: Quilotoa Trail
Distance: 12,8km/7,9mi
Elevation Gain: 700m/2.296ft
Trail time: 4-5 hours
Highest Point: 3930m / 13,780 ft
Accomodation: *** Hacienda
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Day 5: Baños de Agua Santa
Baños is famous for its spectacular natural beauty, rejuvenating hot springs, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. This town is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, You will have an adventure with zipline and via ferrata.
Activity: Zipline, Via Ferrata
Distance: 4km/2,48mi
Elevation Gain: 100m/328ft
Trail time: 4-5hours
Highest Point: 2300m / 7,545 ft
Accomodation: **** Hacienda
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Day 6: Baños Trail
Baños offers adventurers the opportunity to explore the lush beauty of the Andean region, with trails surrounded by lush vegetation, crossing suspension bridges, and enjoying panoramic views. You will hike to a spectacular famous swim with a privileged view of the Tungurahua Volcano.
Activity: Trail running Baños
Distance: 15 km / 9,3 mi
Elevation Gain: 520m/1076ft
Trail time: 4-5 hours Easy or high Level (depend of the group)
Highest Point: 2800m / 9,186 ft
Accomodation: **** Hacienda
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Day 7: Tena
Travel to Tena, in the Amazon rainforest and the capital of rafting and kayaking. You will enjoy a day of rafting on the crystal-clear river, known for its thrilling rapids and beautiful landscapes. In the afternoon, optional activities such as visiting indigenous communities, nighttime canoe rides, or exploring local markets. At night you will stay in a lodge in the middle of the jungle.
Activity: Rafting
Distance: 25km/15,5mi
River time: 3-4hours
Accomodation: Eco Lodge cabins
Day 8: Jungle trail & Quito - Middle of the World
We will have an exciting trail running into the jungle. It's a challenging and exhilarating experience, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a lush, tropical environment, with a high likelihood of encountering diverse wildlife and unique plant life along the way.
Activity: Jungle Trail
Distance: 11,6km/7,20mi
Elevation Gain: 200m/656,68ft
Trail time: 3-4hours Easy or high Level (depend of the group)
Highest Point: 850m / 2,788 ft
Accomodation: **** Hotel Quito
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Visiting the Middle of the World Monument is a unique and awe-inspiring experience. This iconic
landmark marks the exact spot where the equator passes through the country, providing an opportunity
to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. Farawell
Dinner.
Accomodation: **** Hotel
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Day 9: Quito / Breakfast and departure
After breakfast, we will say goodbye with a lot of experiences to share when we return home.
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We retain the authority to modify the schedule without prior notice as a result of weather conditions, compliance with National Parks regulations, unforeseen circumstances, or notifications.
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FAQ
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TRIP INCLUSIONS
• Everything outlined in the tour description
• The full itinerary of planned activities
• Transfer in and transfer out from the airport
• Accommodations for the entire 8-night tour, 2 nights hotels stay in Quito, Luxury Antique Haciendas, one Mountain refuge sharded, Eco Lodge in the Amazon.
•All transportation during the tour
• A local certified guide accompanying you throughout the journey
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
• Flights to and from other countries
• Insurance is highly recommended for all participants and must cover various aspects relevant to outdoor activities, including accidents, repatriation, personal liability, and other related aspects. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances).
• Snacks
• Tips to the guide
• Any acommodation for extra days in Quito
• Meals and alcoholic beverages (unless specified)
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Extra expenses: souvenirs, massages, spas.
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ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT
Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre (UIO)
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PARTICIPANTS:
Min 5 - Max 15
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CANCELLATION POLICY
Price: 2870 USD, price for the first 6 runners to sign up
• After your trip is confirmed, the initial 25% deposit becomes non-refundable. Nevertheless, you do have the choice to transfer this deposit to any of our other trips within the coming year.
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The payments can be made in four installments. Please contact us if you would like this option.
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• If you decide to cancel within 60 days or less before the trip's scheduled start date, no refunds will be issued.
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We suggest that you arrive one day before the camp starts.
We retain the authority to modify the schedule without prior notice as a result of weather conditions, compliance with National Parks regulations, unforeseen circumstances, or notifications.
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How acommodation and food looks like
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ANDES LOCATIONSThe Andes is the most visited region in Ecuador. It has cultural and natural diversity that makes it breathtaking. You can find paramos to beautiful volcanos and mountains such as Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Antisana, Chimborazo, hot springs, deserts, and lagoons like San Pablo Cuicocha. In addition, plenty of places like old cities, indigenous markets, and cloud forests exist in small areas. We can provide accommodation, logistics, and all the required conditions for your productions.
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AMAZON LOCATIONSThis region offers incredible places and people to make something unique: the magnificent Tayo´s Cave, Cuyabeno, and Yasunà (the most biodiverse on Earth). We also can find multiple nationalities like Shuar, Huaorani o Waorani, Achuar, and many more. Therefore, our most important accomplishments are getting permission and being welcome to remote places.
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GALAPAGOS LOCATIONSGalapagos, couldn't be better for diving. You shall expect visibility from 50 to 80 feet or 15 to 25 meters in most places. Reef fish, sea lions, sting rays, golden rays, eagle rays, invertebrates, morays, garden eels, turtles, marine iguanas, white tip reef sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, whales, pelagic fish. In solid land, you can find 13 main islands. Marine iguanas, Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin's finches, flightless cormorants, flamencos, waved Albatross, Galapagos Fur Sea, Penguin, Lava Herons, and many more popular animals. We can arrange the logistics, planes, transportation, permits from Galapagos National Park, and all needed for your production.