Private Journeys

Active Ecuador: Andean hikes and Cotopaxi volcano

9 days from £3,710pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

Places visited

Overview & Highlights

High-altitude Andean hikes suitable for keen walkers. Views of both wilderness and farmsteads and traditional settlements are stunning throughout. Arrive at a welcoming country lodge at the end of the day.

Ecuador is an ideal destination for hikers. This lodge to lodge trek will appeal to those who wish to avoid camping, and to meet local people. The walks are always picturesque, with views over snow-dappled mountain landscapes, plains of rough wind-battered grass and icy lagoons. The thrill of arriving at the rim of a volcanic crater cannot be exaggerated, nor can the feeling of achievement when you arrive at the snow-line of Cotopaxi, one of the highest Andean volcanoes.

There are simple but warm and cosy rural farms and inns to stay in, where you will receive a warm welcome and be able to relax after the day’s exertions.

The tiny republic sits at the crossroads of the equator and the high Andes and encompasses an extraordinary diversity of geography and climate. It's easy to get around, so journeys tend to be short and scenic, leaving you plenty of time for your hikes.

Half day walk to La Viudita
Trek around Quilotoa crater
Full day trek to Pasachoa volcano summit
Full day trek to Cotopaxi National Park
Climb to snow line of Cotopaxi volcano

THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA

Millie Davies

Travel Expert

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Outline itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Quito. Transfer to countryside hacienda in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Day 2

3hr gentle acclimatisation walk.

Day 3

By road to a rural inn via a traditional market. Overnight at mountain lodge.

Day 4

Walk from Quilotoa to Chugchilán, 3,900m, 7hrs Overnight at mountain lodge.

Day 5

Trek around the Quilotoa volcano’s crater, 6hrs. Overnight on countryside hotel.

Day 6

Climb to Pasochoa volcano summit 4,200m, 7hrs. Overnight at mountain lodge.

Day 7

Hike the Cotopaxi Trail.

Day 8

Climb to the snow line on Cotopaxi volcano, approx. 5,100m. Return to Quito.

Day 9

Transfer to Quito airport for flight home.

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Things to do

We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.

Hike the Quilotoa Loop

Visit Cotopaxi National Park

Visit a traditional Andean market

Accommodation

Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Quito

Casa Gardenia

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes

Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes

Hostal Mama Hilda

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes

Hacienda La Alegria

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes

Hosteria Tambopaxi

Itinerary Essentials

What our clients say

The Iguacu Falls were spectacular and most likely the most impressive Falls I will ever see. We were absolutely spellbound by the magnitude, scale and layout. Obviously, Machu Picchu takes your breath away. Nature and man-made wonders at their best!
The trip surpassed our expectations and I have already recommended Journey Latin America to friends and even to people I talked to on a bus in Machu Picchu, one of whom was from the U.S.A.
PK, Ashton-Under-Lyne
Apr 2017
As a long-term confirmed do-it-yourself traveller, the smoothness and ease of this tour converted me. I loved the parts of South America that I saw, and would like to see more. I will certainly travel with JLA again, though I will attempt to link up with tours led by my tour leader whose expertise I grew to trust completely, and who was great fun. I just haven't decided yet where I will go next.
AC, Derry
Nov 2018
Climbing Villarica Volcano on a beautiful sunny day. Reaching the summit to see incredible views over the Andes and Lake District, the skyline peppered with snowy cones of of the volcanos, then peering into the gently smoking crater to see lava bubbling beneath us. Totally awesome!!!
AP, Norwich
Nov 2018
There are several experiences we enjoyed on this trip. The lguacu Falls are amazing, couldn't stop taking photos. In the Pantanal the variety of birds was superb and we were lucky enough to see an ocelot. We greatly enjoyed our holiday, we were a small group of two couples so were pleased that the trip still went ahead with these low numbers.
JT, Hemel Hampstead
Sep 2013
Most memorable experience? - It was the feeling that it had been planned by people at JLA who love the continent and want their customers to enjoy it too. There was great selection, variation and pacing. Above all, the quality of the experience was exceptional - from our consultant right from the outset through to tour leader and a host of local guides, drivers and hotels. A 101 organisational arrangements went like clockwork and the highest levels of professionalism and quality were always evident. So THANK YOU, JLA for our best holiday anywhere, anytime - WE WILL BE BACK !!!
RH, Havant
Dec 2015
An amazing mix of experiences right from the start - sites/sights/sounds/climates/flora/fauna/city/country & so on!
DR, Baldock
Oct 2013

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Our expert's view

Millie Davies - Travel Expert

Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

Get in touch Meet our experts

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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

Get in touch Meet our experts

Millie Davies - Travel Expert
Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.
Sally Dodge - Travel Expert
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Ben Line - Travel Expert
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert
Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.
Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert
After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.