Quito Area

 There are numerous fine day walks around Quito, which provide excellent opportunities to acclimatize after arrival.

Consider also basing yourself in the Otavalo Area for superb walking options.

There is a plethora of great walks here, from short explorations to multi-dayers:

The Pichincha Volcanoes: a pair of volcanoes (one active) to the west of Quito. Ruca Pichincha is accessible by cable car from Quito, to 4,000m where you can tailor your walking to fit your state of acclimatization. Superb views as well as geological fascination.

Pululahua Crater: Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, north of Quito is a fascinating place to explore on foot, a deep caldera some 5km across with exceptionally rich and varied vegetation and wildlife on its slopes, and covered on its outside in dense forests with farmland on its fertile floor.

Bellavista Nature Reserve: This magnificent tract of steep cloud forest harbours an extraordinary diversity of bird and plant life, including a delightful selection of humming birds. Explore these mysterious, often misty slopes on an excellent network of paths.

Cerro Atacazo: Another spectacular, eroded volcano with superb views, in the western cordillera. A steady ascent until you reach the crater rim, where the (visual) fireworks really start. You can get close to the top (an hour or so) with a 4WD, so a good acclimatization day walk.

El Chaupi: A gorgeous walk across rough paramo, taking in three minor peaks. Huge views of surrounding volcanoes, and also of lovely farmland valleys, so a delightful variety to enjoy. This is a (relatively) lower-level walk, so a good acclimatizer.

Cerro Pasochoa: This heavily eroded extinct volcano has superb views of the Avenue of Volcanoes. It is a day walk but would be demanding if you are fairly recently arrived. There are several approaches, and you can choose from a selection of trails on its slopes.

Papallacta Lake District: Beautiful glacially scoured lakes and mountains near Ecuador's best hot springs.

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