Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Quito, Ecuador

1. Cotopaxi National Park

Volcanic landscape with the active Cotopaxi Volcano, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views.

Unique Flora & Fauna: Home to diverse species like the Andean condor and the puma.
Altitude Training: Ideal for acclimatization before tackling higher peaks.
Volcanic Landscape: A rare opportunity to hike through a volcanic terrain.

Multi-day trek through beautiful villages, farms, and the stunning Quilotoa Lake.

Stunning Scenery: Hike around the caldera of a dormant volcano with panoramic views.
Cultural Immersion: Experience local Kichwa culture in traditional villages.
Photography Opportunities: Capture the beauty of Ecuador's landscapes and people.

Another dormant volcano offering guided hikes, with unique cloud forest ecosystems.

Guided Tours: Explore the reserve with experienced guides and learn about its ecology.
Cloud Forest: Walk among the clouds in this unique ecosystem.
Endemic Species: Spot rare orchids and birds found only in Ecuador's cloud forests.

Active volcano with challenging hikes offering close views of the eruptions.

Volcanic Activity: Experience the thrill of witnessing an active volcano up close.
Scientific Interest: Learn about geology and volcanic activity from park guides.
Adventure Hiking: Test your hiking skills on challenging trails around the volcano.

Remote park housing three active volcanoes, offering challenging and adventurous hikes.

Challenging Hiking: Experience remote and rugged terrain on your adventure.
Volcanic Landscapes: Explore the unique landscapes created by active volcanoes.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare animals like the Andean bear and spectacled bear.

Highest peak in Ecuador, offering challenging climbs and beautiful views.

Peak Climbing: Test your climbing skills on the tallest peak in Ecuador.
Climate Change Research: Contribute to research on climate change at the equator.
Stargazing Opportunities: Experience clear, dark skies perfect for stargazing.

Easy trail leading to a beautiful waterfall and swim spots.

Swimming Opportunities: Cool off in the refreshing pools at the base of the waterfall.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning shots of the cascading waterfall.
Family-Friendly: Easy trail suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Remote park with unique flora and fauna, offering challenging hikes.

Challenging Hiking: Experience remote and rugged terrain on your adventure.
Unique Wildlife: Spot rare animals like the Andean condor and mountain tapir.
Biodiversity Research: Contribute to research on biodiversity in Ecuador's rainforests.

Remote reserve housing Cayambe Volcano and diverse ecosystems.

Volcanic Landscape: Explore the unique landscapes created by active volcanoes.
Remote Trails: Experience off-the-beaten-path trails in a remote reserve.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare animals like the spectacled bear and Andean condor.

Hike through diverse ecosystems, including alpine tundra and cloud forest.

Diverse Ecosystems: Explore various ecosystems within the same park.
Volcanic Landscape: Experience volcanic landscapes at Antisana Volcano.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare animals like the Andean condor and spectacled bear.

Easy trail leading to a beautiful waterfall and natural pools for swimming.

Swimming Opportunities: Cool off in the refreshing pools at the base of the waterfall.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning shots of the cascading waterfall.
Family-Friendly: Easy trail suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Refuge offering guided hikes to spot unique wildlife.

Guided Tours: Explore the refuge with experienced guides and learn about its ecology.
Unique Wildlife: Spot rare animals like the spectacled bear and Andean condor.
Biodiversity Research: Contribute to research on biodiversity in Ecuador's rainforests.

Relax at hot springs surrounded by beautiful landscapes after a long hike.

Hot Springs: Relax and soothe your muscles in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean landscapes.
Family-Friendly: A great destination for families and those seeking relaxation.

Easy trail leading to a beautiful lake surrounded by wildlife.

Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare birds and other wildlife around the lake.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy beautiful views of the Quarry Lake and surrounding landscapes.
Family-Friendly: Easy trail suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Waterfall surrounded by lush greenery offering opportunities for swimming.

Swimming Opportunities: Cool off in the refreshing pools at the base of the waterfall.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning shots of the cascading waterfall.
Family-Friendly: Easy trail suitable for all ages and experience levels.