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Elevate your run: Ecuador’s Ultimate Running Adventure

This is a dream trip that takes you through the breathtaking Andes mountains and the beautiful highlands of Ecuador.

Dates: Nov 22- 30, 2025

Price: 3300 USD (All - inclusive, read details below)

A 25% deposit is due to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the start of the expedition.

(View the cancelation policy below in the section ("Price and Details")

Join an extraordinary trail running adventure through one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Ecuador—a country of stunning contrasts where towering volcanoes, lush cloud forests, and Andean highlands create a breathtaking backdrop for exploration on foot. From high-altitude ridgelines to rugged volcanic trails, this journey is designed for runners seeking adventure, connection, and an unforgettable experience in nature.
 

Each day, we venture into a new ecosystem—starting at the pristine Chocó Andino, a breathtaking cloud forest teeming with life, and gradually acclimatizing as we ascend deeper into the awe-inspiring Ecuadorian Andes.
 

You’ll share trails, stories, and laughter with an incredible group of like-minded runners while exploring a country rich in natural beauty and culture.
 

From charming haciendas to eco-lodges nestled deep in nature, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a smooth, awe-inspiring journey. Pack your gear, embrace your adventurous spirit, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will fuel your passion for the trails forever.

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This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions

Ecuador Trail Running

Is this tour suitable for me?

This tour is perfect for trail runners of all levels who can comfortably cover 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) per day with an elevation gain of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters). Expect 4 to 6 hours of outdoor activity each day, blending running with other exciting experiences. While the daily mileage is manageable, the high-altitude terrain presents a unique challenge, so the more prepared you are, the more rewarding the journey will be. Don’t worry—we’ve designed the itinerary to help you adjust smoothly to the altitude.

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If you ever need a break from running, alternative activities will be available so you can still enjoy your day, and a support vehicle will be with us each day if you need assistance.

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At the end of each adventure-filled day, you'll relax at a carefully selected accommodation, where you can unwind with a glass of wine, enjoy a good book, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Andes.

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For comfort during the runs, all you'll need is a light running vest with your essentials. Please ensure your physical condition aligns with the demands of the itinerary below. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out—we're here to help!

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General Recommendations:

We recommend arriving in Quito at least one day before the tour begins to ensure a smooth start. We’d be happy to assist with arranging accommodations and transportation for your arrival."

Itinerary

Day 1 | Quito​​​ - Arrival and Acclimatization Day

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Welcome to Quito! Nestled at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level, this vibrant city serves as the perfect gateway to your adventure. Upon arrival, we’ll take care of airport pick-ups and hotel check-ins to ensure a seamless start to your journey. In the evening, join us for a comprehensive safety briefing where we’ll cover important trip details, followed by a welcoming dinner to officially kick off the adventure

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Day 2 | Yunguilla – Pululahua
 

After a hearty breakfast, we'll make our way to the village of Yunguilla, nestled in the lush cloud forest of the Chocó Andean region. Once there, we'll lace up our trail running shoes and hit the trails, winding through verdant paths that offer our first breathtaking views of the Andean highlands.

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Our journey will lead us to the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world. Along the way, you'll experience diverse terrain, from vibrant forests to expansive grasslands, as you immerse yourself in the unique beauty of this biodiverse region.

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We'll finish the day at your hotel, perched at the edge of the volcanic crater. Here, you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch while taking in panoramic views of the stunning landscape—a perfect reward for the day's adventure.

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The afternoon is yours to relax, enjoy the hotel’s amenities, and recharge for the next day’s adventure.

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  • Transfer to Yunguilla: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

  • The route: 11,04 mi / 17,7 km  - High gain/loss +2,766 ft / 843 m | -3,281 ft/ 1,000 m approx.

  • Approximate running time: 3 to 5 hours.​

  • Highest point at 8,852 ft / 2,698 m

  • All meals included

  • Accommodation Hotel El Crater or similar option

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Day 3 | Pululahua
 

Today's adventure takes us deep into the heart of the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, where the landscape transforms from the crater’s rim to its lush, fertile base.

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Run through a stunning dormant volcano, experiencing misty forests and vast volcanic plains. The diverse wildlife and breathtaking views will amaze you.

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After the run, we'll enjoy a hearty lunch before heading to a cozy lodge in Insinliví to relax and recharge for the next leg of the journey.

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  • The route: 8,74 mi / 14,06 km- High gain/loss +2,657 ft / 810 m | -3,293 ft/ 1,004 m approx.

  • Approximate running time: 3 hours​

  • Transfer to Insinliví: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

  • Highest point at 9311 ft / 2838 m

  • All meals included

  • Accommodation: Llullullama Lodge or similar option

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Day 4 | Insinliví – Chugchilán

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Our two-day journey to the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon begins today, taking us through the rugged Andean mountains, deep valleys, and vast landscapes. We’ll cross rivers and pass through traditional Quechua communities, offering an authentic glimpse into Ecuador’s vibrant culture and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

 

Today's run takes us from Insinliví to Chugchilán, following the scenic Toachi Canyon and climbing to high plateaus through quaint highland villages—a perfect end to the day.

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  • The route: 7.45 mi / 12 km  - High gain/loss +2,427 ft/740 m | -1,574 ft/480 m approx.

  • Approximate running time: 4 - 5 hours​

  • No transfer is required; the trail starts right at our lodge

  • Route's highest point at  10,498 ft /3,200 m

  • Sleeping altitude 3,200 m/10,498 ft

  • All meals included

  • Accommodation: Mama Hilda or similar option

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Day 5 | Chugchilán – Quilotoa – Cotopaxi area

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After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to the Quilotoa Lagoon for a stunning run around its azure-colored crater, surrounded by towering mountains and likely under clear blue skies. The route offers breathtaking views, especially from the crater rim.

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After the run, we'll enjoy lunch and continue to our beautiful lodge in Cotopaxi National Park, nestled near the towering Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at 19,347 feet (5,897 meters). This national park is truly one of Ecuador's most enchanting spots.

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  • The route: 6.5 mi / 10.5 km  - High gain/loss +3,608 ft/1100 m | -1,574 ft/480 m approx.

  • Approximate running time: 4 - 5 hours​

  • No transfer is required; the trail starts right at our lodge

  • Route's highest point at  12,859 ft /3,920 m

  • Sleeping altitude 3480 m / 11417 ft

  • Transfer from Quilotoa to Cotopaxi area: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

  • All meals included

  • Accommodation: Chilcabamba Lodge​ or similar option

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Day 6 | Cotopaxi National Park – Rumiñahui Volcano

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Start your day with a cup of fresh coffee while enjoying a breathtaking view of El Cotopaxi and the surrounding volcanoes. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including wolves, pumas, bears, rabbits, Andean condors, horses, and foxes.


After several days at high altitude, our next adventure will be a hike/run towards the summit of El Rumiñahui for an EPIC challenge. In the local Quichua language, its name translates to "stone face."


The mountain will rewards us with epic views of El Corazón, Los Ilinizas, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi.


The downhill run is enjoyable, incredibly scenic, and undoubtedly one of the trip's highlights. The mountain rewards us with stunning views of Cotopaxi and Sincholagua. The downhill run is scenic and one of the trip's highlights.

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  • Route to Rumiñahui summit: ​13.6 miles / 21.89 km -High gain/loss +2296 ft/ 700 m | -2296 ft/700 m approx.

  • Shorter route to Rumiñahui summit: 7mi / 11km  - High gain/loss +2296 ft/ 700 m | -2296 ft/700 m approx.

  • Approximate running time: 5 - 7 hours

  • Route's highest point at 15,157ft/4,620 m

  • Transfer to trail's head: Approximately 30 minutes​

  • Sleeping altitude 3480 m / 11417 ft

  • Accommodation: Chilcabamba Lodge​ or similar option

  • All meals included

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Day 7 | Cotopaxi National Park – Base Camp / Horseback Riding

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For today's adventure, we will hike up to the Cotopaxi Base Camp at an altitude of 4,810 m / 15870 ft. This trek offers a rewarding challenge as you ascend through the striking Andean landscape, with panoramic views of the surrounding páramo and volcanic terrain. Standing at the base camp of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes is an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, enjoy a thrilling downhill run, a fun way to experience the rugged volcanic terrain and let gravity do the work!

 

Alternatively, if you wish to rest your legs, you can opt for a horseback riding adventure. No prior experience is necessary. This is an opportunity to give your legs a break and explore the unique Andean landscape of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes." The memories of colossal volcanic rocks, páramo terrain, and stunning vistas of the surrounding volcanoes will stay with you forever.


This day will be slightly shorter than the others, giving us a chance to rest our legs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenge: La Integral de los Pichinchas. In the afternoon, we’ll head back to Quito and get ready for an incredible day ahead.


The hike to Cotopaxi's base camp: 1,2 mi / 2 km - High gain/loss +984 ft/300 m | -984 ft/300 m approx.

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  • Approximate running time: 2 - 3 hours

  • Route highest point at 15,781 ft /4,810 m

  • Alternative activity: 3 hours of horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park

  • Route's highest point at 12,859 ft /3,920 m

  • Sleeping altitude 3480 m/11400 ft

  • All meals included

  • Accommodation: Go Quito Hotel or similar option

 

Day 8 | Integral de los Pichinchas

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After breakfast, we will tackle the iconic Integral de los Pichinchas route, a favorite among trail runners and mountaineers alike. This exhilarating run takes us across four summits: Guagua Pichincha, Padre Encantado, Cerro Ladrillos, and Rucu Pichincha. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Quito, the surrounding valleys, and distant Andean peaks. The trail combines technical sections with sweeping vistas, making it a truly epic experience.


For those feeling tired from the previous runs, there is an option to take a shorter route to the Rucu Pichincha summit, where you can meet the rest of the group. This alternative route is still challenging and rewarding but with reduced distance and elevation gain.

 

After the run, we'll share a hearty lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing at our accommodation. We’ll take time to look back on the highlights of the week and enjoy our last night together.

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Full route​​

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  • Distance: 8.19 mi / 13,18 km

  • Elevation gain/loss: +2,854 ft / 870 m | -4,865 ft / 1483 m approx.

  • Approximate running time: 5 - 7 hours

  • Route's highest point: 15,696 ft / 4,784 m​

 

Short route to Rucu Pichincha

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  • Distance: 5.6 mi / 9 km

  • Elevation gain/loss: +1,969 ft / 600 m | -1,640 ft / 500 m approx.

  • Approximate running time: 4 - 5 hours

  • Route's highest point: 15,180 ft / 4,627 m​

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Sleeping altitude: 2,760 m / 9,055 ft.
All meals included
Accommodation: Go Quito Hotel or similar option

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Day 9 | Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre

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After unforgettable days exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes, it’s time to say goodbye.

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We aim to be at the airport at 11:30 AM, ensuring you have plenty of time for your onward travels.

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  • ​Transfer to Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (40 min)

  • Breakfast included

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​​The entire tour is done in English.

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*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances. â€‹

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This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions​​

Some of the amazing runs that we have curated for this trip

Handpicked accommodations in unique haciendas and eco-lodges  

How Challenging ?

Orange Level.png

Medium effort. This is a trail running trip where you can expect 3 - 6 hours of running per day at high altitudes, with up to 1,456 meters of elevation loss/gain. Previous trail running experience is highly recommended.

Price and Details

The tour includes:

  • Everything described in the tour

  • All of the scheduled activities: trail running, horseback riding, yoga, etc.

  • Airport transfers 

  • All accommodation during the tour (8 nights)

  • Most lodges and haciendas in twin or double rooms

  • All transfers during the tour

  • All meals during the tour (8 breakfasts, 3 packed lunches, 4 lunches, 8 dinners)

  • Guiding from local certified guides

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The tour excludes:​

  • Transport to Quito (e.g. flights)

  • Travel insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for outdoor sports; such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, trip cancellation, personal liability, etc.

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

  • Expenses for extra activities, such as; massages, spas, saunas

  • Any accommodations for extra days in Ecuador

  • Tips for the guides

Price: 3300 USD

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25% deposit is due to secure your spot, the remaining balance is due 90 days before the start of the trip. Once the trip is confirmed your deposit is non-refundable, however, it can be transferred to any other trip. 

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​Participants: 

min 8 - max 16

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Start: Quito (Mariscal Sucre International Airport)

End: Quito (Mariscal Sucre International Airport)

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We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.

 

This tour is operated by Terra Expeditions LLC and governed by the Terms and Conditions

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Cancellation policy:

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  • Trip pending: a 25% down payment is fully refundable

  • Trip confirmed: A 25% non-refundable down payment is required. You can transfer it to another trip within the next year, as long as it's more than 90 days before your original trip's start date.

  • 90 days or less before the trip starts no refund available

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