Hiking Chimborazo
Vicuña Trek in Chimborazo National Park Ecuador
The Vicuña Trek is one of the most spectacular multi-day trekking adventures in Ecuador, taking hikers deep into the remote landscapes of Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. This challenging 4-day expedition crosses high-altitude páramo ecosystems, volcanic valleys, glacial rivers, and ancient Polylepis forests while offering breathtaking views of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain at 6,263 meters (20,549 ft).
Named after the graceful Vicuña, a wild Andean camelid that roams freely across the reserve, this trek offers travelers a rare opportunity to explore one of the most untouched regions of the Ecuadorian Andes while encountering native wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Trekking Through Ecuador’s High Andes
The Vicuña Trek combines high-altitude hiking, wildlife observation, and adventure travel into one unforgettable expedition through the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. Along the route, hikers cross remote mountain trails surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, lava formations, wetlands, and rolling páramo plains that change dramatically each day.
The trek offers excellent opportunities to spot vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, Andean foxes, hummingbirds, hawks, and other native wildlife living within the Chimborazo reserve. The surrounding scenery includes glacier-covered peaks, volcanic ridges, hidden lagoons, and some of the most scenic mountain landscapes in South America.
One of the unique highlights of the Vicuña Trek is the chance to hike through rare Polylepis forests, one of the highest-altitude forest ecosystems in the world. These ancient Andean woodlands create a surreal landscape rarely seen by travelers visiting Ecuador.
Why Choose the Vicuña Trek?
The Vicuña Trek is ideal for experienced hikers and adventure travelers looking for an authentic high-altitude trekking experience in Ecuador away from crowded tourist routes. Due to the altitude and remote terrain, the expedition requires good physical condition and proper acclimatization, making it an excellent challenge for trekkers seeking serious outdoor adventure in the Andes.
At Ecuador Eco Adventure, our trekking expeditions are led by experienced local mountain guides with deep knowledge of the terrain, weather, wildlife, and Andean culture. We specialize in eco-friendly adventure travel and sustainable trekking experiences designed to connect travelers with the natural beauty of Ecuador while promoting responsible tourism practices.
Vicuña Trek Highlights
- Multi-day trekking expedition in Chimborazo National Park
- Spectacular views of Chimborazo and the Ecuadorian Andes
- Wildlife encounters with vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and Andean birds
- Hiking through high-altitude páramo and Polylepis forests
- Remote volcanic landscapes and glacial valleys
- One of the best trekking adventures in Ecuador
- Guided eco-tourism and sustainable adventure travel experience
The Vicuña Trek is perfect for hikers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and mountaineers looking to explore one of Ecuador’s most remote and beautiful wilderness regions while experiencing the unique ecosystems of the high Andes.

Hiking Chimborazo – Vicuña Trek Lodging:
In this trek, we’ll be staying in community lodges and refuges, as our aim is to be inclusive with local indigenous communities and spread the wealth that comes from socially responsible tourism with the people that inhabit the ecosystems of the Chimborazo paramos.
This can be also combined with the Mountain Climbing expedition to Chimborazo summit
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Bird
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Camping
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Hiking
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Mountain
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Rural
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Wildlife
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Activity Level Moderate Hike
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Group Size Medium Group
We start the Trek on request wit at least 2 climbers

- Transportation From and to Riobamba
- All lodging in the refuges
- Camping gear (if needed)
- All meals
- Carrying mules
- National park permits
- Local certified Guides
- Travel insurance and other emergencies
- Single room accommodations
- Liquors, beeers and bootled beverages
- Tips
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
- Day1 Portan Andino
- Day2 Michahuasca carihuairazo
- Day3 Carrel Refuge
- Day4 Polilepis forest
