Quito, Ecuador-hiking-areas
Top Hiking Areas in Quito, Ecuador 🌲🏞️
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is uniquely situated between volcanic slopes and the equatorial line. This geographical position offers hikers a diverse range of trails with breathtaking views. Here are some of the best hiking areas to explore 👩🦰🧗♂️:
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Cotopaxi National Park 🌋
- Location: Approximately 50 km south of Quito.
- Trail Length: Varies from short day hikes to multi-day treks.
- Highlights: Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, offering an unparalleled hiking experience. The summit offers stunning panoramic views.
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Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve 🌎
- Location: Approximately 45 km west of Quito.
- Trail Length: The main trail is around 10 km long, but there are shorter trails available as well.
- Highlights: This extinct volcanic crater offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems and hike inside an active geological feature.
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El Cajas National Recreation Area 🌲
- Location: Approximately 30 km west of Quito.
- Trail Length: Trails range from short walks to full-day hikes, with many options for customizing your route.
- Highlights: El Cajas is famous for its cloud forests and unique “tels” (eroded volcanic hills). It’s also a great spot for birdwatching.
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Tungurahua Volcano 🌋
- Location: Approximately 160 km south of Quito, in the province of Chimborazo.
- Trail Length: The hike to Refugio Juan Falcon can take up to 8 hours and is about 9 km long.
- Highlights: Tungurahua is a still-active stratovolcano that offers an exhilarating hiking experience with scenic vistas.
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Quilotoa Loop 🏞️
- Location: Approximately 3 hours south of Quito, in the province of Chimborazo.
- Trail Length: The loop is approximately 30 km long and can be completed in 2-4 days, depending on your pace.
- Highlights: This loop takes you through picturesque villages and the stunning Quilotoa caldera, with its vibrant blue lake.