Spend 3 days hiking through some of the most incredible landscapes in the Andes. Pass indigenous and mestizo villages, meet local farmers, and take in the spectacular scenery—canyons, páramo highlands, and snowy peaks. Spend the nights in comfort in cozy hostels with fireplaces.
Day 1: Departure from Quito, Tigua & Quilotoa Get picked up from your hotel and begin the drive toward Quilotoa. Head south past the towns of Latacunga and Pujilí, and stop to visit a local indigenous home to learn about traditional clothing. Next, visit Tigua and see some of its famous native paintings. Continue to Quilotoa Volcano, and descend to the lake in the center of the crater. Get the chance to ride through the landscape on the back of a mule, before spending the night in a local hostel.
Day 2: Quilotoa & Chugchilan Depart from Quilotoa Crater and start a 5- to 6-hour hike that descends to cross the Toachi Canyon River and then ascends to Chugchilan, between 12,796 feet (3,900 m) and 10,499 feet (3,200 m). Along the way, soak up the incredible sights of the Andes from the trail, and sleep peacefully in a beautiful hostel.
Day 3: Isinlivi & Return to Quito Eat breakfast and then depart for the village of Isinlivi. Hike for about 4 hours, 1,300 feet (400 m) back down into the Toachi Canyon River, and relax by the water before you climb 1,000 feet (300 m) back up to Isinlivi, covering a distance of about 7 miles (12 km). Eat lunch before you drive back to Quito.