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18th Apr 2026 - 25th Apr 2026
8 days/Ecuador /Challenging
Join us on this brand new adventure for 2026 as we take on one of the most famous treks in Ecuador.
Spend 5 days hiking in the remote Andean Highlands to reach the spectacular Quilotoa crater lake. Take in the incredible vistas and discover remote villages before visiting the mesmerizing emerald green lake set within the volcanic crater.
There is even a chance to extend your stay and hop on over to the Galapagos Islands for some more hiking, swimming and snorkelling to get up close to wildlife in one of the most precious and diverse ecosystems in the world.
This trip is rated as challenging for someone of good fitness levels.
You will be trekking at altitude for 5 consecutive days, over varying and sometimes challenging terrain. While the distances may not appear long you will be trekking between 6-8 hours a days with some tough steep sections. The weather is unpredictable and changeable and you will carrying your own backpack each day (your backpack could weigh 6-7kg) over hilly, uneven and rough terrain with basic accommodation and bathroom facilities.
The steep terrain and high altitude will make the going tough at times. The path can be exposed in places, especially when we are exploring the crater itself.
The terrain is mountainous so there will be lots of uphill and downhill areas. There are some steep sections with lots of ascents and descents so trekking poles are recommended, particularly for those with knee issues. It is not for the faint-hearted and some days will require a lot of endurance.
Underfoot you will find rocky or grassy trails, uneven and muddy tracks as well as scree slopes. It is critical that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients while carrying a heavy backpack.
The weather in the Andes Mountains is hard to predict and you may experience all four seasons in a day!
The higher the altitude the colder it gets. The lower altitudes experience warmer and softer climates than those villages found higher up.
The rainy season lasts from October to May but won’t rain all the time and most days start off with clear blue skies and lots of sun.
You are likely to experience average day time temperatures of around 20°C and night time average lows around 7°C during the trek.
Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate for this time of year but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. Should this happen the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately safety of the group as a whole.
A team of trek chefs will prepare hearty meals during the trek.
Breakfast is eaten as a group in the mess tent (hot drinks, bread, butter and jam, pancakes, scrambled eggs or oatmeal etc.) and the cooks will prepare delicious traditional Andean food for lunch and dinner. This will include dishes such as soup, chicken, beef or lamb, fish with potatoes, quinoa, rice or pasta. Snacks include fruit, chocolate, sandwiches, hot drinks and popcorn.
Local Ecuadorian specialties include ceviche, seafood prepared in lemon juice; lechón, suckling pig; and cuy,whole roasted guinea pig.
Most dietary requirements can be catered for if we are notified in advance.
The trip is accompanied by local professional English-speaking guides who have an excellent knowledge of the culture and trekking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be accompanied by a team of support staff and a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.
You must be 18+ to participate on this trek unaccompanied. It may be possible to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. The ideal candidate would be fit, healthy and determined, open to adventure and adaptable to unexpected changes.
The kit list for this trip can be downloaded here.
London – Quito
We fly together from London and arrive in Quito. This well-preserved colonial city, considered the cultural capital of South America, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Upon arrival, we transfer to a central hotel where we will all meet for dinner, trek briefing and overnight stay.
Meals: Dinner
Quito – Ruminahui Volcano
We leave Quito early in the morning and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance to visit the impressive Ruminahui volcano. This rocky mass, whose Quichua name means “Rocky Face” has three main summits with the north one being the tallest and most technical. We commence our trek which will take us from Limpiopungo Lake at the bottom of this beautiful mountain towards the central summit of 4.630m. At this point we will enjoy amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes. We then travel to a local Hacienda for dinner and overnight stay.
Trek distance: Approx. 5 miles, elevation gain 305m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Sigchos– Isinlivi
Today our trek follows the Toachi canyon where we will take in stunning views of indigenous villages, sierra landscapes, and a glimpse into the traditional life of rural communities.
Trek distance: Approx. 5.5 miles, elevation gain 525m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Isinlivi – Chugchilan
It’s a very picturesque trek today through rugged Andean landscapes, with some steep climbs that take us through small highland communities. We follow the Toachi canyon and trek along the river. On a clear day we may catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Chimborazo. Our destination is the town of Chugchilán (3200m), nestled in front of an immense ravine and perfumed with the scent of the surrounding eucalyptus trees.
Trek distance: Approx. 7.5 miles, elevation gain 971m, elevation loss 713m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chugchilan– Quilotoa
Today we head deeper into the mountains on small trails used for generations by small Andean communities for trading and visiting neighbours. We descend gently across fields and open meadow for our final river crossing – marking today’s lowest point at around 3,000m – before we trek relentlessly uphill for the rest of the day. A relatively steep path takes us to the top of the canyon before continuing up on wider tracks, through villages, farmland and forest. The gradient is more gradual than yesterday’s big climb, this is likely to be the most challenging day, with a total ascent exceeding 1100m. We finally reach the crater rim of Quilotoa, a volcano containing Quilotoa Lake, known for its striking vivid turquoise colour. After a trek around about one quarter of the rim we reach 3,800m and then transfer to our accommodation in the mountains.
Trek distance: approx. 7 miles, elevation gain 1157m, elevation loss 486m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Quilota Crater & Papallacta Hot Springs
Today sees an early start for the steep trek down (approx. 280m descent) into the caldera gives us a closer view of the lake. The ash and minerals in the water create the lake’s vivid hue – usually a deep blue or turquoise. At the lakeshore (3,500m), take some time to enjoy exploring the crater – it’s possible to paddle or swim in the chilly water, or simply sit and drink in the views. It’s then a tough and steep climb back up to the top, and a fitting end to our challenge! On returning to the village, we transfer to our hotel for a night where we have the chance to relax in hot springs and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and cloud forests.
Trek distance: approx. 7 miles, elevation gain and loss 280m.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Quito – London
Transfer back to Quito airport for the overnight flight back to London, arriving on Saturday 25 April 2026.
Meals: Breakfast
A 5-day extension to the Galapagos, 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador, to witness wildlife closer than anywhere else on the planet. Swim with sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, sharks, and the only marine iguana in the world. Hike the top of active volcanoes in Isabela Island and search for the famous giant tortoises. A unique opportunity to observe conservation and sustainability in one of the most precious and diverse ecosystems in the world.
Quito – Isabela
Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. Transfer to the airport and board a morning flight from Quito, via Guyaquil, to the island of Baltra. On arrival we transfer to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos, where we board a boat to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of which are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. The crossing takes approximately 2 hrs; depending on the time of year you may spot dolphins and whales (July to October). On arrival transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Snorkelling at Lava Tunnels
Today you’ll take a boat ride (approx. 1 hour each way) to explore the amazing formations of lava along the seashore created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island. In the crystal-clear water of these lava arches, you should spot sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and Galapagos penguins. In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil and go kayaking in Tintoreras where we’ll observe sea lions, penguins, turtles and marine iguanas. You’ll also have the chance to relax on Isabela Island’s white-sand beaches.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. You are free to choose from a variety of local options for dinner.
Hiking Sierra Negra, Kayaking in Tintoreras, Snorkelling at Concha y Perla
After breakfast, you will drive to the highlands of Isabela to start your hike up the Sierra Negra Volcano. This volcano, around 1,500m tall, with an outer diameter of approximately 9km is the second biggest lava dome in the world. The trek will take approximately 2 hours each way and there is a short (6 miles) and a longer (10 miles including Volcan Chico) option. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the highlands before returning to the pier for some time kayaking in the bay. Local wildlife should include penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, iguanas Marinas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays and sometimes Sharks “Tintoreras” juveniles. Our day ends with a short visit to Concha & Perla, a small beach in Puerto Villamil for some snorkelling. This is a beautiful spot, accessed via a short boardwalk through the mangroves. Return to your hotel for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. You are free to choose from a variety of local options for dinner.
Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Station and Highlands
We check out of the hotel and take a boat this morning to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. After lunch we head to the “Primicias” reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz. This is home to the famous Galapagos tortoises which you’ll see on your hike through Primicias’s beautiful landscape. Look out for other highland wildlife here including pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. We then take a short ferry crossing to Puerto Ayora on the island of Baltra to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner.
Baltra Island – Quito – London
Depending on flight times you may have the chance to relax at the beach this morning or take a self-guided walk (3.5 miles) through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach and a nesting site to thousands of marine turtles, and a great place for swimming or snorkelling. Fly from Baltra Island to mainland Ecuador to connect with your flight back to the UK, arriving the following day.
Meals: Breakfast
N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, the ability of the group,and so on. We will do our best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our control. In all such circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.
Min 2 pax: £3,920 (twin share basis)
Min 5 pax: £3,300 (twin share basis)
Single supplement: £410 (subject to availability)
Please contact us at accounts@different-travel.com for details on how to pay your deposit or trip costs by instalments.
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