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Hiking the volcanic trails of Ecuador

Set off on an exceptional 9-day adventure through the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, along spectacular volcanic trails. This trek takes you from Quito—with its UNESCO-listed historic centre—to the majestic Quilotoa Lake, passing through picturesque villages and high-altitude landscapes that reach up to 4,400 metres. Immerse yourself in a variety of breathtaking scenery: vibrant artisan markets, majestic volcanoes, and enchanting crater lakes. Each part of the itinerary offers a harmonious mix of hiking, cultural exploration, and peaceful stays in authentic accommodations. The highlight of the journey: the ascent of the Rumiñahui Volcano in the heart of Cotopaxi National Park. A memorable experience rich in nature, local traditions, and warm encounters.

Itinerary

• Day 1: MONTREAL – QUITO : Participants meet at Montréal-Trudeau Airport for the flight to Quito, a city nestled on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, between the eastern and western ranges of the Andes. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and driver, then transferred to your hotel for the night. Dinner included.
• Day 2: QUITO - OTAVALO : After breakfast, begin your exploration of Quito, perched at 2,850 metres above sea level and brimming with colonial charm. Your guided tour starts in Independence Square, where the stately Metropolitan Cathedral stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history. Continue to the breathtaking Church of La Compañía de Jesús, famed for its lavish baroque interior, and visit the historic Church and Convent of San Francisco—one of the oldest and most iconic sites in the capital. After lunch in the heart of the historic centre, travel to the Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and witness playful demonstrations of gravity at the equator. In the late afternoon, transfer to Otavalo (approximately 1.5 hours), followed by dinner and check-in at the hotel for a two-night stay. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Day 3: CULTURAL IMMERSION – ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION : Early in the morning, you set out to explore Otavalo, renowned for its handicraft market, one of the largest in South America. Bursting with colour, this iconic market is a true crossroads of exchange between the Sierra and the tropical regions. You will discover a wide variety of goods, including beautiful handwoven textiles crafted by local artisans, easily recognized by their traditional attire. In the early afternoon, you travel to Mojanda Lagoon for your first introduction to altitude: the ascent of Fuya Fuya Volcano (4,263 m). You hike through high-altitude grasslands known as páramo, whose distinctive Andean vegetation creates a striking and ever-changing landscape shaped by extreme conditions. Before long, the beauty of the surroundings makes you forget the steepness of the trail. Breathtaking views unfold over the lakes below, the glaciated Cayambe Volcano rising directly ahead, and other towering volcanoes forming a spectacular backdrop. Overnight at the hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 3.5 km / Approximate walking time: 3.5 hours / Elevation: 560m
• Day 4: LAKE CUICOCHA : Set off on your first hike along the dramatic ridgelines of Lake Cuicocha, a striking crater lake known for its crystal-clear waters and two picturesque islets. As you walk, take in panoramic views of this volcanic landscape, nestled within a protected nature reserve celebrated for its rich biodiversity—including a remarkable variety of orchids. Towering above it all, the majestic Cotacachi volcano frames the scene, adding to the awe-inspiring atmosphere. After the hike, transfer to your hotel in Machachi. Overnight at the hotel. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included. Distance: 12 km / Approximate walking time: 5.5 hours / Elevation: 625m
• Day 5: QUILOTOA: STAGE 1 : Transfer to Insilivi and begin your trek through spectacular landscapes, where lush valleys, terraced fields, and winding rivers blend together. Along the way, you observe farmers working with traditional tools, living witnesses of an ancestral way of life that remains very much alive. You hike through cloud forests, canyons, and verdant hills, following rivers and crossing suspension bridges that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. You finally reach Chugchilan, a village renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, where you settle comfortably into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included. Distance: 12 km / Approximate walking time: 6 hours / Elevation: +930, -700m
• Day 6: QUILOTOA: STAGE 2 : You will pass through villages where local life remains authentic: children playing in the streets, donkeys carrying their harvests… You then cross another canyon before beginning the final ascent to Quilotoa Lake, one of Ecuador’s natural jewels. This volcanic crater, with its blue-green waters, changes colour with the light of day, creating a mystical and captivating atmosphere. You follow the rim of the crater toward the charming little village of Quilotoa. Overnight at the hotel. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included. Distance: 10 km / Approximate walking time: 6 hours / Elevation: +1000m, -200m
• Day 7: QUILOTOA: STAGE 3 : This morning, you set out to explore the summit of Quilotoa Crater, offering new perspectives at every turn and breathtaking views of the deep crater with its peaceful lagoon at the center. The lagoon’s vibrant colors shift and shimmer throughout the day as the sunlight changes, creating a magical and captivating atmosphere. You then descend to the bottom of the crater to get closer to the emerald-green lake and admire its reflections up close. After replenishing your energy by the water’s edge, you climb back up the crater’s slopes. Next, transfer into Cotopaxi National Park, where you enjoy dinner and spend the night in a beautiful lodge at the foot of the iconic glaciated volcano. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included. Distance: 5 km / Approximate walking time: 3.5 hours / Elevation: 400m
• Day 8: CENTRAL SUMMIT OF RUMIÑAHUI VOLCANO : After a short transfer to the Limpiopungo lagoon, you will hike through the páramos—Ecuador’s high-altitude meadows—unique to this region and rich in biodiversity. The gently undulating trail is lined with chuquiraguas, small orange blossoms affectionately known as "the flower of the Andes". With a bit of luck, you may catch sight of condors or mountain caracaras gliding effortlessly above the peaks. As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes rockier, yet remains manageable for hikers in good physical condition. The final section of the ascent to the central summit takes you across scree slopes up to the crater’s edge. Once at the central summit, at 4,650 m, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the majestic Cotopaxi. Afterward, return to Quito, check in to your hotel, and gather for a final group dinner to celebrate the adventure. Overnight in Quito. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included. Distance: 12 km / Approximate walking time: 7 hours / Elevation: 960m
• Day 9: QUITO - MONTREAL : Transfer to Quito Airport for your return flight to Montreal. Breakfast included.

The Challenge Against Cancer program is a series of fundraising travel campaigns to benefit cancer research. It offers its participants the chance to explore the world and surpass themselves through a variety of sporting activities. This unique adventure carries a deeply meaningful purpose, as the funds raised by participants help to make a significant difference to the advancement of cancer research.

Learn more about the Challenge Against Cancer Program