An eight-day circuit through Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes, this trek links cloud forest, crater lakes and high Andean summits. Expect long days, high passes and intimate cultural encounters with mountain communities.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive to Quito as dusk cools the city and the Andes silhouette the horizon; by night you meet the group and the guides who will shepherd you from cloud forest to glacier. The first true steps happen on Pasochoa’s mossed trails where a broken caldera cradles cloud forest life and birds that treat the canopy like a private highway.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness with previous multi-day hiking experience; able to hike 6–8 hours daily and cope with altitude up to ~5,000 m.
Wildlife
History
The Avenue of Volcanoes follows tectonic uplift and volcanic activity that shaped Andean communities; local indigenous groups have farmed these slopes for centuries using terraces and highland crops.
Conservation
Trails cross sensitive páramo and wetland habitats—stick to established paths, carry out waste, and support local lodges that follow low-impact practices.
Reserve your spot on the Ecuador Trekking tour 8 days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Quito
Spend 24–48 hours in Quito before starting to reduce altitude sickness risk and keep daily exertion conservative for the first days.
Start hikes early
Mornings are generally clearer and calmer—plan summit or rim hikes before noon for best views and safer weather.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots and a pair of gaiters help on muddy trails and volcanic scree sections.
Bring a water system
Carry 2–3 liters and a lightweight filter or tablets—water is provided but having your own supply keeps you mobile on long stretches.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and grip for muddy trails, volcanic scree and high-altitude approaches.
Insulating mid-layer and waterproof shell
Layering handles sun, wind, afternoon rains and cold nights at altitude.
Hydration system (2–3L) + water treatment
Keeps you hydrated between stops and lets you top up safely from natural sources.
Trekking poles
Useful for steep ascents/descents and for reducing knee strain on long days.