Ecuador as an great outdoor destination offers many climbing,
trekking and hiking opportunities along its territory, most
of them quite close to Quito the capital of Ecuador. This
avoids the long appoaches and expedition-style procedures
often necessary for high altitude climbs in other parts of
the world. Snow-capped volcanoes in a superb mountain scenery
as Cotopaxi, Antisana, Chimborazo, Iliniza South Peak, Cayambe,
Carihuayrazo, Altar and Sangay are waiting for the skilled
climber. Guided by a certified ASEGUIM mountain guide (>>Mountain
Guide Association of Ecuador) many summits and snow peaks
can even be climbed by the novice.
Medium altitude peaks as Pasochoa, Iliniza North, Corazon,
Cotacachi, Imbabura, Rumiñahui, Pichincha, Quilindaña
are interesting and worthwhile aims and well suited as acclimatizing
ground for higher and more challenging summits in the andes
and other mountain ranges. Mountain trails leading to Inca
Ruins (e.g. Ingapirca) and cross-country hikes through indian
villages and andean paramo are also offered by tour operators
in Quito, Baños, Latacunga, Riobamba, Otavalo and Cuenca.
Some well-known and treks and hikes are: the Abraspungo Trekking
from Urbina to the Chimborazo refuge, the Altar Trek from
Candelaria tu Playas de Collanes and Alao, Antizana Trek from
Papallacta to the Cotopaxi National Park, El Angel - Golondrinas
Trek, Piñan Trek, Podocarpus National Park Trekking,
Inca Trail from Achupallas to Inga Pirca, Condor Trek, Cotopaxi
& Illinizas National Park Trekking, the Quilotoa Crater
Lagoon hike and many hikes in the Cajas National Park close
to Cuenca and in the Mojanda, Cotacachi and Cuicocha area
near Otavalo.
