Ecuador

Participants meet at Montréal-Trudeau Airport for the flight to Quito, a city nestled on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, between the eastern and western ranges of the Andes. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and driver, then transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.

Dinner included.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Quito, perched at 2,850 metres above sea level and brimming with colonial charm. Your guided tour starts in Independence Square, where the stately Metropolitan Cathedral stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history. Continue to the breathtaking Church of La Compañía de Jesús, famed for its lavish baroque interior, and visit the historic Church and Convent of San Francisco—one of the oldest and most iconic sites in the capital. After lunch in the heart of the historic centre, travel to the Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and witness playful demonstrations of gravity at the equator. As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner at a panoramic restaurant with sweeping views of the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Begin your day with a scenic cable car ride, offering sweeping views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes—a breathtaking introduction to Ecuador’s high-altitude beauty. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Otavalo, home to one of South America’s largest and most vibrant handicraft markets. This colourful hub is a cultural crossroads between the Andean highlands and tropical lowlands. Wander through stalls brimming with handmade textiles, intricate crafts, and traditional garments proudly worn by the local artisans themselves. Beyond the experience, the day also serves as a gentle introduction to higher elevations, helping your body acclimatize to altitudes over 4,000 metres. Check in at a cozy posada and settle in for the night. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Set off on your first hike along the dramatic ridgelines of Lake Cuicocha, a striking crater lake known for its crystal-clear waters and two picturesque islets. As you walk, take in panoramic views of this volcanic landscape, nestled within a protected nature reserve celebrated for its rich biodiversity—including a remarkable variety of orchids. Towering above it all, the majestic Cotacachi volcano frames the scene, adding to the awe-inspiring atmosphere. After the hike, transfer to your hotel in Machachi. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 12 km / Approximate walking time: 5.5 hours / Elevation: 625m

Transfer to Sigchos, often referred to as “the last refuge of the Incas”. From here, begin your trek through awe-inspiring landscapes of lush valleys, terraced farmlands, and meandering rivers. Along the trail, you’ll encounter farmers tending their fields with age-old tools—an enduring reflection of ancestral traditions still alive today. Your day ends in the welcoming village of Isinliví, renowned for its warm hospitality. Share a traditional meal with local hosts before settling in for the night. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 11 km / Approximate walking time: 5.5 hours / Elevation: +400m, -700m

Embark on a scenic hike through cloud forests, deep canyons, and verdant hills. Follow winding rivers and cross suspension bridges that offer spectacular views of the valleys below—an experience both exhilarating and serene. Your journey leads you to Chugchilán, a charming village known for its artisanal crafts and tranquil ambiance. Check in and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 12 km / Approximate walking time: 6 hours / Elevation: +500m, -400m

Journey through timeless villages where local life remains beautifully authentic—children laughing in the streets, donkeys laden with harvests moving steadily along dusty paths. As the road climbs, you’ll ascend toward the breathtaking Lake Quilotoa, one of Ecuador’s true natural treasures. This volcanic crater lake, with its striking blue-green waters, shifts in colour throughout the day, casting an almost mystical aura over the landscape. After taking in the views, continue to Latacunga for the night. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 10 km / Approximate walking time: 6.5 hours / Elevation: +1000m, -200m

Hike through the páramos—Ecuador’s high-altitude meadows—unique to this region and rich in biodiversity. The gently undulating trail is lined with chuquiraguas, small orange blossoms affectionately known as “the flower of the Andes”. With a bit of luck, you may catch sight of condors or mountain caracaras gliding effortlessly above the peaks. As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes rockier, yet remains manageable for hikers in good physical condition. Reaching the first summit at approximately 4,400 metres rewards you with breathtaking views of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano—an unforgettable highlight of the journey. Afterward, return to Quito, check in to your hotel, and gather for a final group dinner to celebrate the adventure. Overnight in Quito.

Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 12 km / Approximate walking time: 6.5 hours / Elevation: +600m, -600m

Transfer to Quito Airport for your return flight to Montreal.

Breakfast included.