6 Day Northern Andes Hike in Ecuador

Imagine embarking on an unforgettable 6-day hiking adventure through the breathtaking Andean highlands! Your journey begins with the stunning Laguna Mica in the Antisana Ecological Reserve, where you'll witness the raw beauty of paramo landscapes and potentially spot Andean condors soaring overhead. Next, you'll conquer the slopes of Pasochoa, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

The adventure continues in Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic, snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano. Here, you'll hike through unique high-altitude ecosystems. Prepare for charming trails and cultural immersion as you hike around the quaint village of Isinliví. The turquoise waters of Quilotoa crater lake will captivate you with their serene beauty, offering opportunities for a descent into the caldera. Finally, you'll challenge yourself with the rewarding ascent to the Corazón Summit, boasting incredible vistas of the Avenue of Volcanoes. This expedition promises a blend of challenging hikes, awe-inspiring scenery, and cultural encounters in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Day 1: Visit Chakana Reserve and Hike at La Mica Lagoon

Early in the morning, start your adventure with a visit to the Chakana Reserve, located between 3,300 and 4,600 meters (10,827–15,091 feet). Its dramatic cliffs and valleys provide a haven for wildlife, making it one of the best places to spot Andean condors, particularly from the Isco viewpoint that overlooks their nesting sites. Hike the páramo trails in search of Andean birds and, with luck, the elusive spectacled bear!

Later, head to La Mica Lagoon at 3,900 meters (12,790 feet) in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of the Antisana Volcano and spot deer, páramo foxes, and rabbits. Discover the natural beauty through three easy, interconnected trails:

• Micaloma, 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles)
• Gallaretas, 1 kilometer (0.6 miles)
• Patourco, 1.4 kilometers (0.8 miles)

Each trail offers unique views of the lagoon, native flora, diverse birdlife, and the stunning páramo landscape. Enjoy lunch before transferring to your lodge.

Highlights

• Isco viewpoint
• Andean condor
• Mica Lake
• Spectacled bear

Meals

• Box lunch

Total hike duration

• Approximately 5 hours

Elevation gain

• Micaloma trail: 149 meters / 488 feet

Group type

• Private

Day 2: Hiking to the Pasochoa Summit

After breakfast, set out for Pasochoa, a beautiful extinct volcano rising to 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). Follow the popular route from the Pasochoa Hydroelectric Station, a 3.1-kilometer (1.8-mile) trail that takes approximately 3 hours to reach the summit. Although short, the trail is steep and rewarding, offering sweeping views of the Avenue of Volcanoes, including the iconic Cotopaxi.

You can choose to return from the main summit or continue along a scenic ridge that connects three smaller peaks. This beautiful hike combines nature, challenge, and stunning mountain views. Enjoy a box lunch before descending and returning to the lodge.

Highlights

• Pasochoa
• Andean condor
• Cloud forest

Meals

• Breakfast
• Box lunch

Total hike duration

• Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes

Elevation gain

• 556 meters / 1,824 feet

Group type

• Private

Day 3: Limpiopungo Lake and Cotopaxi Refuge, Transfer to Isinliví

Start your day early by exploring Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). Begin with a gentle 3.5-kilometer (2.2-mile) loop around Limpiopungo Lake at 3,892 meters (12,769 feet), where you might spot Andean birds and capture stunning photos of Cotopaxi’s snowy cone on clear days.

Next, drive up to the Cotopaxi parking area at 4,600 meters (15,090 feet) for a challenging 45-minute to 1-hour hike up volcanic sand to the José Ribas Refuge at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). Take in the high-altitude landscape while warming up with hot chocolate, and enjoy a traditional lunch at the refuge. Finally, descend to the parking area and transfer to Isinliví.

Highlights

• Limpiopungo Lake
• Cotopaxi Volcano
• Andean wildlife

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Total hike duration

• Approximately 3 hours

Elevation gain

• Limpiopungo trail: 148 meters / 485 feet
• Trail to the refuge: 234 meters / 767 feet

Group type

• Private

Day 4: Cultural Activities or Hiking around Isinliví

Spend the day immersed in the culture and nature of Isinliví, a peaceful Andean parish ranging from 3,200 to 4,650 meters (10,490–15,250 feet). Just minutes from your lodge, visit the Don Bosco Artistic Center, a wood workshop showcasing handmade furniture, decorative boxes, and wall art.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Isinliví offers a variety of scenic hikes through terraced hillsides, river canyons, and traditional farmlands. Whether you choose a gentle walk or a more demanding trail, you will enjoy serene landscapes, fresh mountain air, and glimpses of daily life in the rural Andes.

Highlights

• Don Bosco Artistic Center
• Local farms
• Toachi Canyon

Meals

• Breakfast
• Box lunch
• Dinner

Group type

• Private

Day 5: Hiking Around Quilotoa Crater Lake

This morning, head to the stunning turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake at 3,914 meters (12,842 feet), nestled in the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. Hike 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) down into the crater, which takes about 40 minutes to reach the lake’s edge, where kayaks are available for rent. Paddle across the water and enjoy the panoramic views, surrounded by dramatic crater walls.

The return hike to the rim takes about an hour, followed by a hearty lunch. Alternatively, for those who prefer to stay above, a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) rim trail offers breathtaking viewpoints on a moderate 4- to 5-hour hike.

Highlights

• Quilotoa Lake
• Shalala Viewpoint
• Quilotoa Lookout Points
• Kayaking at the Lake

Meals

• Breakfast
• Box lunch
• Dinner

Total hike duration

• Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes

Elevation gain

• Rim trail: 578 meters / 1,896 feet
• Trail to the lake: 357 meters / 1,171 feet

Group type

• Private

Day 6: Hike to Corazón Summit and Transfer to Quito or Airport

On your final day, aim for the summit of Corazón, a 4,790-meter (15,715-foot) volcano known for its heart-like shape when viewed from a certain angle. After an early morning drive to El Chaupi, begin the 6.9-kilometer (4.2-mile) ascent, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

The route starts through open páramo and grassy hills before becoming steeper and rockier near the ridge. Once at the top, enjoy lunch with a unique view, especially on clear days when you can take in the unforgettable sights of Cotopaxi, Antisana, and the Ilinizas.

After the descent, which takes about 3 hours, your driver will safely take you to your hotel in Quito or directly to the airport.

Highlights

• Corazón Volcano
• Ilinizas Volcano
• Páramo Ecosystem

Meals

• Breakfast
• Box lunch

Total hike duration

• Approximately 7 hours

Elevation gain

• 1,124 meters / 3,687 feet

Group type

• Private