Enjoy 8 days of incredible travel through the most mystical forests of the Andean Chocó, located just one hour from Quito in northwest Pichincha. Stay in rustic lodges offering excellent, often strictly organic cuisine. You will be accompanied by experienced naturalist guides with deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

If you want to experience the best hiking tours in Ecuador, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Day 1 

Pick-Up and Transfer to Yunguilla Eco-Lodge

Pick-up from Quito Airport or any hotel in the Quito area, Transfer to Yunguilla Eco-Lodge (approx. 1 hour)

Overnight stay at Yunguilla Eco-Lodge

Day at Yunguilla Community and Andean Forest Exploration

In the morning, wake up surrounded by the beautiful landscapes and lush Andean cloud forests of the Yunguilla community. After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the community farm, where you will learn about the local sustainable projects and community-based initiatives that have made Yunguilla a model for conservation and rural tourism.

The surrounding montane forest offers excellent opportunities for hiking and nature observation. One of the trails leads to the El Chochal viewpoint, located at 3,000 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Andean landscape.

Several other trails are available, offering hikes from 1 to 8 hours. These routes follow ancient pre-Columbian paths or pass through primary cloud forest, where it is sometimes possible to see signs of the Andean spectacled bear and other wildlife.

Meals during the day feature traditional Yunguilla cuisine prepared with fresh local products. Lunch or dinner will be served in local family homes, at Tahuallullo Lodge, or at the community’s panoramic restaurant, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 

Overnight at Yunguilla Community.

Visit to Pululahua Volcano

Visit the spectacular Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world, located just north of Quito. This unique area offers stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and excellent hiking opportunities. Most tours begin with a visit to the famous Mirador del Cráter Pululahua, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the enormous volcanic crater and the fertile valley inside it. From the viewpoint, visitors can take hiking trails that descend into the crater, exploring local farms, forests, and scenic paths. After breakfast, we will enjoy a hike around Pululahua Volcano, taking in the beautiful landscapes while observing bromeliads, orchids, and other native plants along the trail. Later, we will visit local family-run cheese and marmalade producers, where you can learn about traditional production methods and taste regional products.

Overnight in the Yunguilla community.

Andean Bear and Puma Trail through the Andean Cloud Forest

After breakfast, we depart for Ali Mountain in the Andean cloud forest. Our hike begins at an elevation of 8,500 feet (2,600 m) and gradually descends to 6,200 feet (1,900 m), where we arrive at the beautiful Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve.

These forests still maintain much of their original wildlife, and species such as pumas and ocelots continue to roam freely. The cloud forest is also home to an incredible diversity of birds, orchids, and other unique plants. Although sightings are rare, we may even be lucky enough to glimpse the Andean bear, the only bear species native to South America.

Late in the afternoon, we will arrive and be warmly welcomed at Santa Lucía Ecolodge, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the cloud forest.

Overnight at Santa Lucía Ecolodge.

Morning at Santa Lucía Ecolodge – Cloud Forest Adventure

Wake up to breathtaking 360° views from the mountaintop lodge, where dense cloud forests stretch as far as the eye can see and clouds drift mysteriously above and below you. It’s a perfect moment for photography and soaking in the magical landscapes.

Start your day with a leisurely walk through the lodge’s orchid garden, discovering vibrant native orchids, bromeliads, and other unique plants. For the more adventurous, explore the primary forests in the lower parts of the Santa Lucía Reserve, home to a variety of Andean wildlife including spectacled bears, pumas, toucans, and colorful hummingbirds.

Whether you prefer a gentle nature walk or an immersive forest hike, this morning offers a rare chance to connect with one of Ecuador’s most pristine cloud forest ecosystems.

Overnight at Santa Lucía Ecolodge 

Santa Lucía Ecolodge – Choose Your Adventure

Today you can choose between two unforgettable experiences:

Option 1 – Sunrise at the Cock-of-the-Rock Leks:
Wake up very early at 4:00 AM for a visit to the famous Cock-of-the-Rock leks, home to one of the most spectacular birds in the world. Depending on the season, 10 to 40 male birds gather at sunrise, performing an extraordinary display to attract females—a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Enjoy a boxed breakfast during the excursion, and on the way back, explore stretches of pristine primary forest, observing its remarkable biodiversity. Later, we will descend to our next lodge in the rainforest, continuing our journey deeper into Ecuador’s spectacular landscapes.

Option 2 – Waterfall Adventure and River Swim:
After breakfast, venture to stunning waterfalls, where you can swim in the refreshing river surrounded by primary rainforest and unique riparian habitats. The area teems with vibrant birds, exotic insects, and lush plant life, offering a full sensory experience of the cloud forest. Enjoy lunch by the river before returning to the lodge in the afternoon. Later, we will descend to our next lodge in the rainforest, continuing our journey deeper into Ecuador’s spectacular landscapes.

Overnight at butterfly and bird julio tours ecolodge

Butterfly and Bird Julio Tours Ecolodge, Delicia Community – Nature and Cultural Exploration

Welcome to the Delicia community, home of our lodge nestled in lush tropical forests. Begin your day early, observing and photographing birds and hummingbirds from the lodge’s dedicated observation platforms—a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

After breakfast, set off on a walk along one of the Pre-Inca trails of the Yumba culture, where tropical forests and open landscapes unfold around you. On shorter walks, we can visit ceremonial sites used by the Yumbos, connecting with the fascinating cultural heritage of the region.

For a refreshing break, explore a nearby waterfall and enjoy a cool swim in the natural pool beneath it, surrounded by the vibrant sounds and sights of the rainforest.

Overnight at butterfly and bird julio tours ecolodge

Morning Hike and Cultural Exploration in Nanegal

After breakfast, enjoy another opportunity to explore the trails around the Nanegal area. Highlights include a visit to the famous Yumba Rock (Piedra Yumba) along the Alambi River, an important cultural and historical site of the region. Hike through lush forests and scenic landscapes while learning about the local heritage and biodiversity.

At 4:00 PM, we will transfer you to your hotel in Quito or to Quito Airport, concluding your unforgettable journey through Ecuador’s cloud forests and Andean landscapes.

End of Itinerary

Trip Information