Ecuador: Quilotoa Volcano & Crater Lake Trek 2026

Itinerary

Ecuador: Quilotoa Volcano Trek Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday 18 April 2026):

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

Day 2 (Sunday 19 April 2026):

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.

Day 3 (Monday 20 April 2026):

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.

Day 4 (Tuesday 21 April 2026):

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.

Day 5 (Wednesday 22 April 2026):

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.

Day 6 (Thursday 23 April 2026):

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.

Day 7 (Friday 24 April 2026):

Quito – London
Transfer back to Quito airport for the overnight flight back to London, arriving on Saturday 25 April 2026.
Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: GALAPAGOS

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.

Day 7 (Saturday 25 April 2026):

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

Day 8 (Sunday 26 April 2026):

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.

Day 9 (Monday 26 April 2026):

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.

Day 10 (Tuesday 27 April 2026):

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.

Day 11 (Wednesday 28 April 2026):

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.

Costs & How to pay

Registration fee: £499
and then either…

Self-funded: £2124

or

Sponsorship: £4250

or

Flexi: £2124 trip costs and £2124 sponsorship for a charity* of your choice

SPONSORSHIP

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to their chosen charity. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.

• A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
• The minimum sponsorship must be paid to the charity 12 weeks prior to departure.
• The amount the charity receives is at least 50% of the minimum sponsorship total.

FLEXI

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.

• A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
• Trip cost balance is payable to Different Travel and your fundraising is payable to the charity 10 weeks prior to departure.
• Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.

SELF-FUNDED

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves. There is no sponsorship required although if you wish to raise sponsorship for a charity you are welcome to do so.

• A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
• Trip cost balance is payable to Different Travel 10 weeks prior to departure.
• You are welcome to fundraise separately for any charity of your choice but this is not mandatory. Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.

*If your chosen charity is not on this list, please seek permission to fundraise for them by taking part in this challenge before making your booking.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: GALAPAGOS

Min 2 pax: £3,920 (twin share basis)

Min 5 pax: £3,300 (twin share basis)

Single supplement: £410 (subject to availability)

• Places are strictly limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis
• A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of £300 is payable at the point of booking.
• A further payment of £600 is due by 18 October 2025.
• The remaining trip balance is due to be paid by 17 April 2026.

Please contact us at accounts@different-travel.com for details on how to pay your deposit or trip costs by instalments.