Ecuador's Andean Chocó 4 Days Trail Running Adventure

Day 1: Welcome: July 16th, 2026

1. Yunguilla
   10h
   At 10:00 AM, a shuttle will pick up participants from both Quito airport terminals and nearby hotels. For those already in the country, an additional shuttle will depart from Plaza Foch in Quito at 11:00 AM. The group will then embark on a city tour of Quito, followed by lunch at the equator monument.
   
   In the afternoon, participants will travel to Yunguilla, where they will settle in before a 4:00 PM technical meeting. This gathering will provide an opportunity to get to know each other, review the trek details, and address any questions. The
   day will conclude with a farm-to-table meal, followed by free time to prepare and rest before the trek begins the next morning.

Day 2: Pululahua - Yunguilla: July 17th, 2026

1. Pululahua Volcano & Geobotanical Reserve
   10h · Admission ticket included
   The journey begins at the edge of the Pululahua crater. Descend into the Geobotanical Reserve Pululahua, winding through one of the world’s few inhabited volcanic craters.
   After reaching an elevation of 5,000 ft, start the ascent
   to the Yunguilla Sustainable Preserve at 8,800 ft. Along the way, you'll encounter the first glimpses of the cloud forest.
   
   Miles: 21
   Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner
   Accommodations: Community of Yunguilla

Day 3: Santa Lucia - Maquipucuna: July 18th, 2026

1. 10h · Admission ticket included
   After an early breakfast, we will begin the most challenging day of the week. We will cross through the community of Yunguilla and see how the people work in harmony with nature to farm and restore the environment at the same time. We will traverse the old growth cloud forest through the Santa Lucia Reserve. This zone is home to 400 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of plants. This route will traverse steep ridges and weather permitting the group can take in
   breathtaking views of Pululahua crater, Cotacachi Mountain and the dense forest canopy. The 20 mile day will end at Maquipucuna Ecolodge where you will be met
   with a warm meal, a river perfect for ice baths and comfortable accommodations.
   
   Miles: 19
   Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner
   Accommodations: Maquipucuna Ecolodge

Day 4: Maquipucuna- Yunguilla: July 19th, 2026

1. Maquipucuna Reserve
   10h · Admission ticket included
   We will start our third day at the Ecolodge Maquipucuna within the pristine mountain rainforest where we will ascend back to Yunguilla through a trail that is more than 1,000 years old. This historic trail dates back to the Yumbo indigenous
   culture. The Yumbos predate the Incas in this region. This path was used as a thoroughfare for trade between the Andes mountain region and the coastal region. These paths are called “Culucos” after hundreds of years of foot traffic they have been worn down creating a type of eco-tunnel in some places the walls tower up to 13 feet. Arriving at the community of Yunguilla we will recognize the
   incredible accomplishment of all participants with a special meal and celebration.
   
   After our celebration, shuttles will depart Yunguilla at 8:00 PM, heading to the airport and to Quito for those continuing on to other excursions in Ecuador.
   
   Miles: 14
   Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner
   Accommodations: None

Pickup details

We use private vehicles for this expedition. Once you arrive in Ecuador, ground
transportation is arranged for you including your airport arrival and departure
transfers within the scheduled itinerary. Transportation outside the scheduled
itinerary (early arrival/late departure) is available at an additional cost.

We will offer transfers from the airport and central Quito to Craters to Clouds on
the morning of August 14th. Outgoing transfers on the evening of August 17th will
offer options to the airport and central Quito as well.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness