Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Quito, Ecuador

1. Cotopaxi National Park

Volcano Cotopaxi's active summit offers thrilling hikes. The highest active volcano in the world, it boasts stunning views and unique ecosystems.

High Altitude: Prepare for high altitudes as the summit is at 5,897 meters.
Weather Unpredictability: Be prepared for sudden weather changes due to its location in the Andes.
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide for safety and information during your ascent.

A multi-day trek through scenic villages and the Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its stunning turquoise water.

Multi-Day Trek: Pack enough supplies as you'll be camping during this multi-day hike.
Remote Locations: Enjoy the solitude of remote villages and beautiful landscapes along the way.
Stunning Landscapes: Experience breathtaking views of the Quilotoa Crater Lake and surrounding mountains.

Relax in natural hot springs after a day of hiking or explore the nearby Andean cloud forest.

Natural Hot Springs: Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich natural hot springs.
Andean Cloud Forest: Explore the diverse flora and fauna found in the Andean cloud forest.
Day Trips or Overnight Stays: Choose between a day trip or overnight stay for a more relaxed experience.

Hike the Rumiñahui trail to the summit of Pichincha, a dormant volcano overlooking Quito.

City Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding countryside.
Day Hike: This is a day hike, suitable for most fitness levels.
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide to help navigate the trail and ensure safety.

Hike through pre-Incan ruins while learning about ancient Ecuadorian cultures.

Historical Significance: Discover the secrets of an ancient civilization.
Moderate Difficulty: This hike is suitable for most fitness levels with a moderate difficulty.
Guided Tours: Learn more about the site's history by hiring a knowledgeable guide.

Explore the Ilaló Coca Reserve, home to diverse wildlife and unique Andean ecosystems.

Wildlife Spotting: Look for rare species like the Spectacled Bear and Andean Condor.
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Hiking Trails: Choose from various hiking trails, each offering different views and experiences.

Visit the Tambopaxi Reserve for close encounters with rescued wildlife like jaguars, ocelots and anacondas.

Rescued Wildlife: Support a rescue center while learning about native Ecuadorian animals.
Guided Tours: Take guided tours to learn more about each species and their habitats.
Adventure Park: Experience zip-lining, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures in the park.

Explore the remote Llanganates National Park, home to the enigmatic Mache Chindul Glacier.

Remote Location: Prepare for a challenging trek through rugged terrain.
Rare Species: Look for the Andean condor, spectacled bear and other rare species in this national park.
Guided Tours: Hire a guide to navigate the remote trails and ensure safety during your adventure.

Conquer the Pasochoa Volcano, the perfect introduction to high-altitude hiking.

Acclimatization: Use this hike as an opportunity to acclimatize before tackling higher peaks.
Day Hike: This is a day hike, suitable for most fitness levels.
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide to help navigate the trail and ensure safety during your ascent.

Hike to the summit of Iliniza Norte or Sur for a challenging adventure with stunning views.

High Altitude: Prepare for high altitudes as both summits are over 5,000 meters.
Technical Difficulty: These hikes require technical climbing skills and experience.
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide for safety and information during your ascent.

Visit the Yunguilla Reserve to observe the unique spectacled bear in its natural habitat.

Rare Species: Look for the endangered spectacled bear, native to Ecuador.
Guided Tours: Take guided tours to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Andean Cloud Forest: Explore the diverse flora and fauna found in the Andean cloud forest.

Hike around three beautiful lakes nestled among volcanic peaks in the Mojanda area.

Stunning Landscapes: Experience breathtaking views of the Mojanda Lakes and surrounding mountains.
Moderate Difficulty: This hike is suitable for most fitness levels with a moderate difficulty.
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide to help navigate the trail and ensure safety during your adventure.

Hike through the Machi Chindul Reserve to observe condors and other high-altitude birds.

Rare Species: Look for the majestic Andean Condor, one of the world's largest flying birds.
High Altitude: Prepare for high altitudes as this reserve is located at over 4,000 meters.
Guided Tours: Take guided tours to increase your chances of spotting wildlife and learn about the ecosystem.

Explore the Papallacta Ice Cave, a unique geological formation filled with stunning ice formations.

Ice Formations: Marvel at beautiful ice stalactites and towers within the cave.
Weather Conditions: Be aware of unpredictable weather conditions due to its location in the Andes.
Guided Tours: Take guided tours for safety and information during your exploration.

Hike through El Cajas National Park, a unique landscape of tundra-like grasslands and cloud forests.

Diverse Ecosystems: Experience diverse ecosystems found within the park.
High Altitude: Prepare for high altitudes as the park is located at over 3,000 meters.
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide to help navigate the trails and learn about the ecosystems.