Quilotoa to Chimborazo Ecuador Adventure

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic+

Midscale

For those who love hiking and trekking, this demanding tour offers an excellent chance to explore some of the most stunning landscapes and trails in the iconic natural reserves of the Ecuadorian Andes. The journey will lead you through Quilotoa Lake and Chimborazo reserves, making it a premier adventure.

The expedition is set in the picturesque Quilotoa Lake and the majestic Chimborazo reserve. Also known as the "Vicuñas Trek," this program features a 360º hike around the impressive Chimborazo volcano. While it presents challenges, this captivating adventure is immensely rewarding, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature—whether by staying in refuges, hotels, or camping in remote locations—while enjoying the constant view of Ecuador's highest volcano, whose summit is the nearest point to the sun!

2 People: $2394 pp

4 People: $1930 pp

The rate decreases/increases according to the group size.

Hiking and Trekking

Tour highlights

Stunning Landscapes

Behold the picturesque Quilotoa Lake and the majestic Chimborazo volcano

Challenging Trekking Experience

The "Vicuñas Trek" includes a demanding 360º hike around Chimborazo

In the Land of Vicuñas

You will have the opportunity to observe wild vicuñas, which are present on the heights

Route details

After an early departure, you will head southbound to one of the most authentic indigenous markets in Zumbahua, Ecuador, where vibrant colors and the rich culture of the local people come alive through their handcrafted goods and traditional foods. Here, you will have the opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about their customs, and perhaps even sample some delicious regional delicacies before embarking on your next adventure.

Then you will start your trek adventure from the breathtaking Quilotoa Lake, situated at an impressive altitude of 3,914 meters (12,840 feet), where the stunning turquoise waters reflect the surrounding volcanic landscape. This exhilarating journey will lead you through picturesque valleys and charming villages, culminating in your arrival at the welcoming Chugchilán Village, where you can rest and soak in the beauty of the Andean highlands.

Meals: Lunch (picnic), dinner

Visit: No

Hike: from 3h 30 min to 4h 30 min

Transport: 3h 30 min

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

Required level
– Physical: this trekking tour requires good physical condition. There will be fairly long walks (up to 8 hours). We recommend that travelers wishing to take part in this trekking trip take a stress test before their arrival. This will limit the risks during physical exertion at altitudes around 4000m / 13000ft (in particular preventing coronary and vascular problems).

– Technical: no technical level is necessary. You will not have climbing or ice climbing. We recommend trekking poles and good walking shoes.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic+

Midscale

Guest House

3 nights

Camp Site

2 nights

The prices provided are based on the “Comfort” 2/3*** category. Let us know if you would like this program in the “Superior” 3/4**** or “Luxe” 4/5***** category. The final cost of this trip depends on the way we personalize it specially for you.

«Comfort» category: charming and comfortable accommodation 2/3*** category. Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service.

«Superior» category: charming accommodation 3/4**** category. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service. Spacious and tasteful rooms.

«Luxe» category: top of the range accommodations 4/5***** category offering an irreproachable quality of service. The rooms are luxurious and spacious.

Standard room. A family hostel located in the isolated village of Chugchilan, about 30 minutes far from the Quilotoa lagoon. If you are looking for a beautiful place -without luxe- to relax and enjoy Ecuador’s picturesque Andes, this place is for you.

Horses are available daily for travelers, and the horseback riding tour you can enjoy is one of the most beautiful in Ecuador. Mama Hilda prepares all her dishes with healthy products from local farms. Even desserts and pasta are usually prepared by the friars in an Italian monastery located a few kilometers from the hostel. Mama Hilda offers different types of rooms: dormitory rooms and private rooms with or without a private bathroom. Restrooms are available for travelers as well as a new lounge bar with a superb view of the surrounding volcanoes.

Capacity : 46 people

One of our premier accommodations in Chugchilan, along with the Black Sheep Inn. Mama Hilda offers a little simpler comfort than the latter but is very popular with our travelers because of its location and service.

Services:

Restaurant: Yes
SPA: No
Laundry: Yes
Swimming Pool: No
WiFi: Yes - common rooms

Tour conditions

Included

all transfers, vehicles, drivers and their costs and fees;
accommodation;
national-licensed guides as indicated;
meals (5 breakfasts / 6 Lunches / 5 Dinners);
entrances to sites, museums and national parks specified in the program;
licenses (our guides and drivers).

Extras

international flights;
visits indicated as “Optional” or “at an additional cost”;
drinks in bars, hotels, restaurants or villages;
not indicated meals;
tips.

Foresee between $ 5 and $ 30 per meal not included, per person.

Group size

From 2 to 4 tourists

Duration

6 days

5 nights

It's important to know

Clothing:

-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 breathable warm jacket(type softshell)
-1 waterproof jacket (type gore-tex)
– light t-shirts
– hike shoes
– casual shoes
-1 pair of gloves for high altitude walks
-1 warm hat for high altitude walks
– cap

Additional:

-1 water bottle – sunglasses
– solar cream
– hiking bag (between 25 to 45L)
– hike sticks
– camera
– binoculars
– duvet between 0C et -15C (when nights in a refuge or tent are planned)
– headlamp (for nights in a tent or in a refuge)