The volcanoes of Quito

TRAIL RUNNING ADVENTURE NEAR QUITO

If you love both running and mountains, Ecuador is the ideal country for a running vacation! The surroundings of Quito offer beautiful and challenging trails. This multi day experience can be a great start of your holiday, no matter if you are a single runner or if you are with running friends. Acclimatize yourself step by step for the ultimate trail challenge – the traverse of the Pichinchas! This is an alternative itinerary for very fit people and experienced runners.

Full Program

Duration: 5 Days

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD 2023
  • $187601 Pax
  • $125602 Pax
  • $111303 Pax
  • $86404 - 06 Pax
  • $117Single Supplement
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OVERVIEW

  • – Day 1: Trail running into the Pululahua Crater and visit the Equator Monument, overnight in Quito
  • – Day 2: Running in the Metropolitano Park of Quito and explore the historic center of Quito. Overnight in Quito
  • – Day 3: Traverse of Ilalo volcano, 3200 meters and overnight in Quito
  • – Day 4: Hike to Pasochoa volcano, 4200 meters and overnight in Quito
  • – Day 5: Traverse of the Pichinchas, 4776 meters – the ultimate trail running experience

GENERAL INFORMATION

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All the year round

EQUIPMENT LIST
Equipment list for trail running

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate to challenging trail running

ACCLIMATIZATION

A previous acclimatization to the altitude is required. We recommend at least 2 nights in Quito or similar altitude.

INCLUDES

  • Private transportation
  • English speaking trail running expert
  • Accommodation based on double rooms
  • Meals according to the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch or box lunch, D = dinner)
  • Healthy snacks during and after the runs
  • Sufficient liquids
  • Permits and entrance fees
  • All measures for bio security
  • First aid kit and radio communication

NOT INCLUDED

  • Beverages
  • Single supplement
  • Not mentioned meals
  • Trail running equipment
  • Eventually tips
  • Travel insurance

FULL ITINERARY:

Day 1

Trail running in the Pululahua crater and visit of the Equator Monument, overnight in Quito

Just north of Quito is located the huge crater of the Pululahua volcano. This is an inhabited crater and offers good introduction for trail running in a great ambience. Pululahua’s microclimate is influenced by the Pacific lowlands and is more humid and greener than the surroundings. You run through corn fields and agricultural paths into a forest. The beginning is flat but then the ascents and descents alternate. Overall, however, it mainly goes down into the cloud forest. After the run, a rewarding breakfast will be offered before you visit the “Mitad del Mundo” equatorial monument. Return to Quito.

Travel time 3 hours, 2 hours run (ca. 15k) (B-L)

Day 2

Running the Parque Metropolitano of Quito and explore the historic center of Quito. Overnight in Quito

Early morning you start running in the parque Metropolitano, the largest green park in Quito. This park is very popular by local cyclists, runners and hikers as it is a perfect playground and training place. You run a loop on a good trail through a eucalyptus forest. After this training session of approx. 2 – 3 hours, you return to your hotel and later we guide you through the historic center of Quito.
Travel time 1.5 hours, Running 10 to 15 k (2 hours) (B-L)

Day 3

Traverse of Ilalo volcano, 3200 meters and overnight in Quito

Run and hike to the top of an extinct volcano! A few kilometers outside Quito, there is the Ilalo volcano. You will make the traverse from the west to the eastside. On a clear day you will see snowcapped volcanoes around Quito. As certain parts are quite steep and due to the altitude you’re forced to hike. Once you reach the summit, you begin to run down through a beautiful forest on a good trail. You finish at a small village named La Merced, located on the east side of the Ilalo volcano. From here we bring you back to Quito. In the afternoon leisure time.

Travel time 2.5 hours, Running 10 k (700 meters uphill, 600 meters downhill, 2 hours), (B-L)

Day 4

Hike to Pasochoa volcano, 4200 meters and overnight in Quito

After an approx. 45 minutes’ drive you reach the the foothills of the Pasochoa volcano. At 3300 meters you start hiking to the top of this volcano. You cross typical grassland vegetation and for the last section you follow the crater edge to the summit. The view from up here is incredible nice! You observe the snow covered peaks of Antisana and Cotopaxi and the complete Pichincha Massif in case of a clear sky. After a good summit break you hike and run back to the starting point.
Travel time 3 hours, 5 to 6 hours hike (900 meters uphill, 900 meters downhill), (B-L)

Day 5

Traverse of the Pichinchas, 4776 meters – the ultimate trail running experience

Quito is located next to two big volcanoes – “Guagua and Rucu Pichincha”. Those volcanoes are getting more and more popular by local trail runners. Specially the traverse is a highlight and offers stunning views to both sides – to the right Quito and to the left the Ecuadorian low lands. A 4-WD car brings you to 4500m, where we begin our traverse. After 16k and a couple of hours later you finish our most demanding trail run by descending in a cable car at 4000m. Congratulations – you have fulfilled a very demanding trail at high altitude!
Return to your hotel.
Travel time 2 hours, running 3 to 4 hours, 16 k (800 meters uphill, 1300 meters downhill), (B-L)

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