Hiking in Ecuador
Including Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve, Cotopaxi National Park, and El Cajas National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Walking here feels like traversing a vertical world where the air thins rapidly and the landscape shifts from lush cloud forests to jagged, volcanic paramo. The dry season from June to September offers the clearest views of the high peaks, though the weather remains notoriously fickle regardless of the calendar. You will find a mix of well-marked paths near popular hubs and rugged, solitary routes where you are largely responsible for your own navigation and safety.
You often need a registered guide to enter high-altitude national park zones.
Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve
Tungurahua
ProfessorX / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Home to the highest point in Ecuador, this reserve offers challenging hikes toward the Whymper Refuge. The landscape is a high-altitude desert with dramatic volcanic features and herds of wild vicuñas.
Access. Accessible from Riobamba; guided tours are recommended for those intending to reach higher elevations.
Notes. Extreme altitude (base starts above 4,000m); severe weather is common.
Cotopaxi National Park
Pichincha
Ricardo Moncayo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dominated by the iconic snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, this park offers high-altitude hiking across dramatic paramo landscapes. Trails lead visitors to the Jose Rivas Refuge and the base of the glacier, providing an intense alpine experience.
Access. Accessible via a 1.5-hour drive from Quito; high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the park roads leading to the parking areas.
Notes. Extreme altitude; acclimatization is essential. Check volcanic activity status before planning.
El Cajas National Park
Azuay
Ymblanter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A high-altitude wilderness filled with over 200 glacial lakes and unique polylepis forests. The hiking is rugged and windswept, offering a stark, beautiful alpine landscape that feels worlds away from the tropics.
Access. Located about 30km from Cuenca; buses frequently pass the park entrance on the way to Guayaquil.
Notes. High altitude and frequent fog; trail markers can be sparse, so GPS is recommended.
Machalilla National Park
Manabí
waltermera182 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
One of the few coastal parks in Ecuador, featuring dry tropical forest and dramatic cliff-side trails overlooking the Pacific. The hike to Los Frailes beach and the surrounding coastal bluffs provides a unique maritime hiking experience.
Access. Located near Puerto López; easily accessible by local transport or taxi from town.
Notes. Hot and dry; bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Pichincha
yakovlev.alexey from Moscow, Russia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A lush sanctuary perfect for shorter, nature-focused hikes through dense jungle canopy. The area is famous for its 'Waterfall Sanctuary' trail, which connects several impressive jungle cascades.
Access. Accessible via a 2-hour drive from Quito; many trails start near the town of Mindo.
Notes. Can be muddy; insect repellent is essential.
Podocarpus National Park
Loja
Arabsalam / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Known as the 'Botanical Garden of America,' this park features cloud forests and high-altitude paramo. Trails wind through dense, mossy vegetation and past spectacular waterfalls, offering a unique biodiversity-rich hiking experience.
Access. Accessible from Loja or Zamora; the Cajanuma entrance is the most popular for day hikes.
Notes. Very humid; waterproof gear and sturdy boots are necessary due to frequent rain.
Quilotoa Loop
Cotopaxi
Rinaldo Wurglitsch from Vienna, Austria / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
A multi-day trek through remote Andean villages and deep canyons, culminating at the stunning turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa. The route offers a blend of cultural immersion and challenging mountain terrain.
Access. Typically starts from the town of Latacunga; the loop can be hiked independently or with local guides.
Notes. Requires navigation skills or a map; weather in the Andes can change rapidly.
Sangay National Park
Morona Santiago
Sangay National Park — Wikidata / Wikimedia Commons
A remote and rugged park containing three volcanoes and vast, untouched landscapes ranging from glaciers to tropical rainforest. It is a premier destination for multi-day expeditions into the Ecuadorian wilderness.
Access. Access is difficult and often requires local guides and pack animals from towns like Alao or Guamote.
Notes. Remote area; requires significant preparation and self-sufficiency.