Ecuador
20,000 ft volcanoes, dense rainforest, and more - all packed into a country the size of Colorado. Whether you visit to climb some of the iconic volcanoes like Chimborazo or Cotopaxi, try adventure sports in Baños, or take a more leisurely trip to explore the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has something for everyone.
Top Adventures in Ecuador
Discover an Andean Playground at Tierra del Volcán
UPDATE: as of August 2017, Cotopaxi is open again to climbing.Though only Ecuador’s second-tallest peak, Cotopaxi (19,347 ft.), the world’s tallest active volcano, is certainly its most iconic. Visible from Quito, the near-perfect volcanic cone is visible from Quito and stretches nearly four miles above sea level. The surrounding national park is a wonderland of adventure and, due to increase...
Hike to the Swing at the End of the World
5.0
6.2 mi
/ 2624.7 ft gain
For those in Banos, Ecuador who want to get their ass kicked with a good day hike, this is the one. The trail begins at a set of stairs up to a small cross. From there the trial turns into a series of switchback for about 1.5 hours, if you're in good shape. In all it takes around 3 hours to get to the actual swing and it's all grueling uphill. So why do the hike when you can just take a city bu...
Backpack to El Altar
4.5
8.1 mi
/ 4000 ft gain
Local Ecuadorian outdoorspeople constantly tout El Altar as the best place in Ecuador for outdoor adventure. Ecuador’s 5th highest peak, El Altar (17,451 ft.) is actually several peaks, the remnants of an ancient volcano that blew its top leaving a ring of glacial peaks surrounding a turquoise laguna. The journey to El Altar can be a bit complicated, as not many people know where it is. By b...
Climb Volcan Antisana
Antisana is the 4th highest peak in Ecuador, after Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Cotopaxi. However, due to it's access restrictions and remote location, it is climbed far less than the others. East of Quito, surrounded by an ecological preserve, you won't find a cushy refugio here to start your hike. However, I'm of the opinion that this is one of the most beautiful mountains I've ever climbed.You'l...
Hike around Cuicocha Lake
5.0
6.2 mi
/ 1000 ft gain
Not very far from the touristy Ecuadorian town of Otavalo and the retirement paradise of Cotacachi is the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. It boasts a rainforest, many volcanic lakes, and waterfalls. The infamous 11,089 foot tall Cotacachi Volcano is located within the reserve, towering near the Cuicocha Lake.You can view the Cotacachi Volcano, as well as the Cuicocha Lake and its two isla...
Hike to the Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
2.5 mi
The Pailon del Diablo, or Devil's Cauldron, is an aptly-named waterfall on the Rio Pastaza, a tributary of the upper Amazon River Basin. The trail begins in a small village called Rio Verde, located about 30 minutes from the recreational haven of Baños. The trailhead for this hike is conveniently located at the end of the Ruta de las Cascadas, a popular bicycling route which begins in Baños and...
