4 curated Hiking spots in Ecuador, each with its own note and source.
Azuay · Best time: Jun–Sep · All levels
This páramo highland lies between 3,100 and 4,450 m and holds over 200 glacial lakes. Marked loops run from 5.7 km with 190 m of ascent (Laguna Toreadora – Lagunas Unidas) to 12.4 km with 410 m at Mirador Tres Cruces. Weather changes fast; June to September are the drier months.
Sources: komoot
Imbabura · Best time: Jun–Sep · All levels
The loop around the crater lake covers 11.7 km with 760 m of ascent and about four hours of walking; the high point is 3,474 m, the low point 3,085 m. Counter-clockwise puts the steep climb first. The trail is well maintained, but the altitude calls for acclimatisation.
Sources: Outdooractive
Pichincha · Best time: Year-round · Beginner
Mindo sits at 1,250 m in the Mindo-Nambillo cloud forest, where more than 500 bird species have been recorded. Trails lead to several waterfalls of varying height with pools at their base. In 1994 Mindo became the first place in Ecuador to join the Christmas Bird Count.
Sources: Tourismusministerium Ecuador (ecuador.travel)
Cotopaxi · Best time: Jun–Sep · All levels
The Quilotoa Loop covers 35 km in three stages: Sigchos–Isinliví 12 km, Isinliví–Chugchilán 13 km, Chugchilán–Quilotoa 11 km with 975 m of ascent. The crater rim reaches 3,914 m. There are no ATMs along the route and rain is common in the afternoon, so start early and carry cash.
Sources: Much Better Adventures