Hayden Hawks (IG: @HawksHayden)
Tour: Ecuador Trail Running Retreat
Ecuador is one of my favorite places on this Earth and I want to share it with you!
I have teamed up again with @wildexplorers.travel to put on this retreat.
We had so much fun last year and it was honestly one of the coolest experiences of my running career! You will experience Ecuador from the high mountains in the Andes to the deep jungles of the Amazon. We will run, raft, explore, sight see, eat, and so much more. The food is wonderful, the accommodations are great, and the vibes are out of this world. You will truly get the local experience with local guides and knowledge.
This retreat is available to everyone! No specific talent level is required and we have
runners/routes for everyone! All will have a great time.
Amanda Brooks (IG: @runtothefinish)
Tour: Galápagos Running Retreat
It was genuinely one of the most unique experiences of my life and yes the WILDLIFE is EVERYWHERE.
Pace?
One of the benefits to booking with a RunToTheFinish group is we aren't out there to be speed demons. This is a relaxed pace group and on days like the Volcano there's hiking. You'll never be at risk of being lost or left, but the group will likely spread out some days more than others.
If we have a 7 mile planned and you want to go shorter or longer, most days that's also easily adapted.
Aimee Moore (IG: runningwithsam)
Tour: Galápagos Running Retreat
Wild Explorers made exploring the Galapagos Islands such a surreal experience. Everything was so well coordinated—from getting off the plane on Baltra Island to volcano explorations, to dinners, snacks, and hotels. I could spend my time focused on seeing every last sea lion, tortoise, and iguana, knowing that the Wild Explorers team knew the islands so well and had chosen the best adventures for us.
Tour: Galápagos Running Retreat
While in the Galápagos Islands we ran/hiked up to the top of Sierra Negra an active volcano. I was mesmerized by the majestic views! Going to the Galapagos was that item on my bucket list I thought may never happen. So when I saw the opportunity, I took it! Start checking those items off! If you don’t have a bucket list…make one! It truly is a soul fulfilling experience to live it out!
Tanya Badillo (IG: @tanyabadillo)
Tour: Andes and Amazon Expedition
Traveling with Wild Ecuador was a DREAM come true! We got to explore different cities, landscapes, and we pushed ourselves to surpass our limits.
I can’t express how easy it was to work with them for our group trip. They really took care of every detail and always made sure that each one of the participants had everything they need to have an enjoyable adventure. The food selection was delicious and the transportation vans were really comfortable and in excellent conditions! They like to work with a personalized itinerary and I was beyond happy with all of the adventures and activities I got to share with the group.
Ecuador is a country full of diversity and life and I really felt we had the best adventure guides to show us the most thrilling experiences! I was able to enjoy the trip to the fullest knowing at every turn that we were safe and every aspect of the trip was taken into account. I fully recommend Wild Ecuador to plan your next adventure in this beautiful country!
Emanuel Marcu (IG: markultratrail)
Tour: Andes and Amazon
This was an unforgettable adventure running trip through Ecuador, and it was nothing short of amazing! Our journey took us across some of the most stunning landscapes imaginable.
Each day brought a new challenge and a new reward as we ran through the mountains, including visits to the breathtaking Cotopaxi and Lake Quilotoa. The highlight was reaching altitudes of up to 5,000 meters and running toward the iconic Chimborazo – an experience that left me in awe of both nature’s beauty and our own resilience. The group I was part of turned this adventure into something truly special. Not only did I get to run alongside Hayden Hawks @hawks_hayden , but I also formed lasting friendships with fellow runners who shared the same passion and spirit.
Exploring the heart of Ecuador with this group made every step, every challenge, and every view even more meaningful. Beyond the incredible landscapes, I was touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Ecuadorian people. Their genuine kindness and welcoming spirit added a unique layer to the journey, making this adventure more than just a run – it was a life experience. For anyone seeking an exhilarating adventure that combines physical challenge with stunning natural beauty, this trip is an absolute must.
Tanya Carrier (IG: @track.tanya.run)
Tour: Galápagos Women’s Running Retreat
An adventure of a lifetime! Wild Explorers team were so amazing! They did everything they could to make the trip truly special. Each day planned perfectly to get the most out of the time we had!
Thank you for the best adventure vacation!
This was never on my list. I had never even heard of it until Rhandi Orme posted the trip. Now I’m telling everyone about it and it will be on their lists. I’m so lucky
Brandon Talisesky (IG: @btally88)
Tour: Andes and Amazon Retreat
I participated in the inaugural trail running camp this past year. It really is an incredible experience - one of my favorite trips I’ve even been on.
Wild Explorers team organize a great trip and participate in each run - full of great views, experiences, and awesome local cuisine. All logistics are covered from the moment you land in Ecuador until you leave.
Spending a week with Hayden, one of the best ultra runners in the world right now, is also a nice added bonus. I strongly recommend this for those seeking something different, want to learn more about trail running, or want to explore a new part of the world.
Erika Gillette (IG: @elgillette)
Tour: Galápagos Running Retreat
Wild Explorers team are some of the most friendly people I’ve met. They took the time to get to know me and the other travelers. They checked on me from time to time to make sure I was doing fine or had any other concerns. I would definitely travel again with them.
Kimberlee Power & Rymond Power (IG: @kzpow)
Tour: Tailor-Made Amazon Adventure
Wild Explorers team were very professional, but became good friends. We really enjoyed spending time with them. They made sure every need was met. Checking with us without us having to bring anything up. Though there was nothing to bring up except a very fun exciting vacation.
The Galapagos was a fantasy come true. We enjoyed every minute.
Anja Hermosillo
Tour: Galápagos Hiking Retreat
My trip to the Galápagos with Wild Explorers was an unforgettable experience! Our tour leaders, Juan and Cari, were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely great people who made the trip feel smooth and enjoyable.
This trip was promoted by YouTuber Alice Ford, who also served as a tour leader, and she was fantastic, bringing great energy and enthusiasm to the group. Every part of the journey was amazing. Snorkeling at Kicker Rock during the 360° tour of San Cristóbal was an unforgettable experience, and hiking the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela was stunning.
The opportunity to see the incredible wildlife endemic to the islands, like Darwin’s finches, Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, and the iconic giant tortoises was
awesome. Juan, Cari, and Alice went above and beyond to ensure our group had a seamless and enjoyable adventure. I highly recommend exploring the Galápagos with Wild Explorers, this trip was an absolute dream!
Keri Evans
Tour: Tailor-Made Amazon Adventure
Keri Evans @wasatchsolesister
Thanks for the amazing Galápagos experience! I loved running through the wild and seeing all the incredible animals and sea life. If you’re thinking about it, definitely take the trip!
Erik Berg
Tour: Tailor-Made Amazon Adventure
My trip to the Galápagos with Wild Explorers was an unforgettable experience! Our tour leaders, Juan and Cari, were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely great people who made the trip feel smooth and enjoyable. This trip was promoted by YouTuber Alice Ford, who also served as a tour leader, and she was fantastic, bringing great energy and enthusiasm to the group.
Every part of the journey was amazing. Snorkeling at Kicker Rock during the 360° tour of San Cristóbal was an unforgettable experience, and hiking the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela was stunning. The opportunity to see the incredible wildlife endemic to the islands, like Darwin's finches, Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, and the iconic giant tortoises was awesome. Juan, Cari, and Alice went above and beyond to ensure our group had a seamless and enjoyable adventure. I highly recommend exploring the Galapagos with Wild Explorers, this trip was an absolute dream
Gene Smith
Tour: Tailor-Made Amazon Adventure
A highlight of the trip was hiking to petroglyphs, and waterfalls. Lunch was a full course meal with choice of main dish prepared to local practices and presentation. It included ample portions.
The meal was grilled with care and not a boxed lunch as sometimes typical from other tour operators. The horses were healthy, well taken care of, calmly mannered, and easy to ride. The hike to the petroglyphs were informative with breathtaking views. Afterward there was hands on making of a traditional ground sugar cane drink made with fruit and optional alcohol. The fermenting and distillery process was demonstrated. The waterfalls must be seen to appreciate. The water temperature was comfortable with a a pool to swim around and under the waterfall. Wild Explorers guides were professional, knowledgeable, and full of energy. They clearly communicated in both English and Spanish. They customized our tour to our wants and needs. We had a wide range of options for activities to be as physical or relaxed as desired. We felt more like friends with our guides than clients. I recommend this tour and interested in additional tours offered by Wild Explorers.
Paddy Hapunkt
Tour: Tayo´s Cave Expedition
Spending 3 days/ 2 nights inside this spectacular and mystical cave was definitely one of my favorite experiences ever!
After I first read about the stories around that cave and saw the first videos and pictures I was immediately blown and new: I will go there, no matter what! 😆
And like you can see on the first picture, even Neil's Armstrong did a expedition to Tayos in 1976.
Important to know:
- you should be physically fit
- don't be afraid of heights because to get inside the cave you have to abseil 50 meters on your own (it's incredible!)
- don't be scared of Tarantulas, Scorpions and the scariest birds on that planet (the Tayos birds/ oilbirds)
- don't be claustrophobic