Dates:
January 4 –11, 2026
Duration:
8 days, 7 nights
Guest Count
5 - 15
Price:
$2,950 double occupancy
$3,100 single occupancy
Level:
Medium - Hard
Total Mileage:
53 mi / 85 km
Total Elevation gain:
19,836 ft / 5,956 m
For 8 unforgettable days in carefully selected high quality hotels, cozy lodges, and charming haciendas, the Wild Explorers Team invites you on a one-of-a-kind trail running expedition across Ecuador’s Andes, led by ultra trail runners Rhandi Orme and Allie Gibbons. Alongside a crew of like-minded adventurers, you’ll traverse volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, sweeping páramo grasslands, and ancient highland trails carved into the mountains over centuries.
Your journey begins in Quito, the vibrant capital nestled in the Andes. From there, you’ll head straight into the wild. Run inside the Pululahua Crater, climb beneath the towering presence of Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, and trace the edge of the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater, where turquoise waters shimmer at nearly 4,000 meters above sea level
Each stage of the route brings new terrain and new tests: technical high-altitude trails, wind-swept ridgelines, and remote canyons where silence stretches for miles. This is a journey for runners seeking more than just elevation gain — it’s for those who crave perspective, challenge, and meaningful connection.
Midway through, you’ll recharge at a historic Andean hacienda, where stone walls, warm fires, and nourishing local meals offer a perfect reset before the final leg of your adventure.
Because this isn’t just a retreat. It’s a high-altitude expedition led by two women who know the trail — and the transformative power of running it.
Rhandi and Allie bring years of experience on some of the world’s toughest ultra courses. They’ll guide not just your steps, but your mindset — encouraging you to run with purpose, with presence, and with a deep respect for the wild.
From swinging at the “Edge of the World” to summiting a volcano at 4,600 meters, this is not just a running trip.
It’s a powerful journey into the heart of the Andes — and into your own strength.
LEADING YOUR RETREAT
Rhandi Orme is an accomplished ultrarunner, coach, and endurance athlete whose adventurous spirit has taken her across some of the most rugged terrain on earth. She is a 3-time ultramarathon champion and Ironman triathlete, and competed on the survival reality series Race to Survive: New Zealand – covering hundreds of miles while living off the land.
With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Rhandi is passionate about guiding athletes to discover their strength on the trails. As a mom of five, she leads with both grit and heart – showing that big goals are possible even amidst a full, busy life. Through her retreats and coaching, she blends expertise with a down-to-earth style that makes athletes feel both challenged and supported. Whether leading runs in the Galápagos Islands or the high Andes, Rhandi ensures every experience is equal parts adventure, growth, and community.
Allie Gibbons is an ultrarunner and sports performance coach who thrives on testing limits and finding growth in the hardest miles. From bouncing back after injuries to tackling 200- and (soon) 300-mile races, her journey is fueled by grit, curiosity, and a love for the wild.
Formerly voted Nashville’s Best Trainer two years in a row, Allie now lives and trains out of her self-built box truck, chasing big miles and even bigger landscapes across the country. Her work goes beyond racing as she is passionate about empowering women to take up space in endurance sports and discover just how strong they are.
On the trail, Allie brings equal parts toughness and joy, reminding others that running is not just about finish lines. It is about building resilience, community, and a life that feels fully alive.
Running at high altitude in Ecuador helps improve endurance, increases lung capacity, and boosts red blood cell production, making athletes stronger and more efficient when returning to lower elevations. It’s the perfect natural training ground for trail runners - and you’ll also receive an altitude training guide to help you prepare for the high elevations.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN QUITO
Upon arrival in Quito, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in a quiet and scenic area of the city. After check-in, the experience begins with a short orientation to go over the exciting journey ahead.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring
Ecuadorian flavors and seasonal local ingredients. Your accommodation for the night offers comfort and tranquility — the perfect place to relax and acclimate to the altitude before your Andean adventure begins.
Accomodation: Hotel El Crater Pululahua
Meals Included: Welcome dinner
DAY 2
TRAIL RUN IN PULULAHUA CRATER – CULTURAL EXPLORATION IN QUITO’S HISTORIC CENTER
Start your day with an unforgettable trail run inside the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve — one of the only inhabited volcanic craters in the world. Surrounded by lush cloud forest and volcanic ridges, the trails here offer stunning views and a unique opportunity to run through rich biodiversity and ancient geological formations.
After the run, enjoy a nourishing local lunch, followed by a short visit to the Mitad del Mundo monument, where you can literally stand on the equator. In the afternoon, return to the city and explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Quito, walking its cobbled streets and visiting colonial churches, plazas, and artisan shops.
Duration: 2h - 2h30 aprox
Altitude: 2200 - 2600m / 7217 - 8530 ft
Distance: 12km/ 7.4mi
Elevation Gain: 700 m + / 2300 ft +
Difficulty: Easy (run-walk to acclimatize to the altitude)
Activities: Yoga and a cultural city tour.
Accomodation: Hotel El Crater Pululahua
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 3
EPIC TRAIL RUN IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
An unforgettable high-altitude adventure awaits as we set out on a trail run through Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most iconic landscapes in the Andes. Running beneath the towering, snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, you’ll traverse open páramo grasslands, volcanic rock paths, and winding trails framed by wild horses and breathtaking views.
This run offers not only a physical challenge but also a deep connection with the raw, silent power of the Andes. The crisp mountain air and vast open terrain create the perfect setting to experience the solitude and majesty of Ecuador's highlands. After the run, we’ll enjoy a lunch surrounded by nature before heading back to our cozy lodge for rest, reflection, and the chance to gather with the group around a warm fire.
Duration: 2h - 2h30 aprox
Altitude: 3800 - 4000m / 12460 - 13123 ft
Distance: 12km/ 7.4mi
Elevation Gain: 200 m + / 656 ft +
Difficulty: Easy (run-walk to acclimatize to the altitude)
Accomodation: Tambopaxi Lodge or similar
Meals Include: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUNNING: ISINLIVÍ TO CHUGCHILÁN & ANDEAN RITUAL CEREMONY
Today’s adventure begins on one of the most breathtaking trails of the Ecuadorian Andes: the Isinliví to Chugchilán route. This scenic run and trek takes you through dramatic canyons, lush valleys, and remote Andean farms. Along the way, you’ll pass small hamlets, cross rustic suspension bridges, and be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and deep gorges.'
This route is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a journey through rural life in the highlands, offering a glimpse into the daily rhythm of the communities that call this land home.
Upon arrival in Chugchilán, settle into your charming mountain lodge and enjoy a well-deserved rest. The evening is yours to relax, connect with fellow travelers, or explore the quiet beauty of this remote Andean village.
Duration: 3h - 3h30 aprox
Altitude: 2800 - 3200m / 9180 - 10500 ft
Distance: 14km/ 8.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 770 m + / 2526 ft +
Difficulty: Moderate
Include Andean ritual.
Accommodation: Mama Hilda or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 5
CRATER RIM RUN: QUILOTOA LOOP
Get ready for one of the most iconic runs in the Ecuadorian Andes: the Quilotoa crater rim loop. Today, you’ll trace the edge of this spectacular volcanic caldera, with panoramic views of the emerald-colored lagoon below and the rugged Andes stretching beyond the horizon.
The trail follows a mix of soft volcanic sand and rocky paths, undulating along the rim at over 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). Every step offers breathtaking scenery and a profound sense of connection to the ancient forces that shaped this land.
This high-altitude run is both challenging and awe-inspiring, a highlight of the journey that combines raw beauty, solitude, and deep presence. After completing the loop, savor a traditional Andean lunch at a historic hacienda, then immerse yourself in its daily life: explore the grounds, discover how the estate operates, and join in the hands-on experience of making cheese.
Duration: 4h - 4h30 aprox
Altitude: 3500 - 3900m / 11400 - 12800 ft
Distance: 13.5km/ 8.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 1286 m + / 4214 ft +
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Include: Andean Farm experience
Accommodation: Posada de Tigua or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 6
JUNGLE EDGE RUN: AROUND BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA
Today, you’ll explore the lush cloud forest and canyons surrounding Baños de Agua Santa, one of Ecuador’s adventure capitals, on a powerful run along the Cara de Perro Trail. This steep and scenic route climbs from the valley floor to high ridgelines, offering epic views of waterfalls, deep gorges, and, on a clear day, the mighty Tungurahua Volcano.
The trail is named for a rock formation resembling a dog's face, and the route offers a mix of singletrack, stone steps, and forested paths, with constant changes in elevation that will test your endurance and reward you with unforgettable vistas.
After the run, enjoy lunch in town and the chance to soak your legs in natural hot springs. The evening is free to explore the vibrant town of Baños, known for its thermal baths, lively energy, and artisan markets.
Duration: 2h - 2h:30h aprox
Altitude: 1700 - 2400m / 5600 - 7874 ft
Distance: 10km/ 6.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 1000 m + / 3280 ft +
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Casa 593 in Baños de Agua Santa
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 7
BAÑOS RUN: ON THE SLOPES OF TUNGURAHUA VOLCANO AND BACK TO QUITO
Today, you’ll take on a 12 km trail run through the lush Andean jungle and ridges surrounding Baños de Agua Santa. The route climbs steadily to the iconic Columpio del Fin del Mundo, a swing perched on the edge of a cliff with stunning views of the cloud forest and Tungurahua Volcano.
The trail features dirt paths and forest tracks, passing through local farms and misty ridgelines. At the top, you’ll experience the thrill of the swing and take in breathtaking mountain views. After descending, enjoy lunch in Baños. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Quito.
Duration: 2h - 2h:30h aprox
Altitude: 1700 - 2400m / 5600 - 7874 ft
Distance: 12km/ 7 mi
Elevation Gain: 1000 m + / 3280 ft +
Difficulty: Moderate
Include: Massage
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 8
HIGH ANDES SUMMIT RUN: RUCO
PICHINCHA
(OPTIONAL RUN)
Today you’ll have your transfer to the airport, or, if you prefer, you can choose an optional adventure to the iconic Ruco Pichincha summit (4,696 m), starting from the entrance of the Teleférico. This 18 km out-and-back trail combines ridgeline running, rocky climbs, and breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.
The final section requires a short scramble to the summit, where sweeping panoramic views await. Please note that if you decide to take on this hike, you’ll need to arrange your own post-hike plans—whether that’s continuing on to your hotel in Quito or heading to the airport later in the day.
Check out: 12:00
Duration: 3h - 5h aprox
Altitude: 2900 - 4500m / 9500 - 14700 ft
Distance: 10km/ 6.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 1000 m + / 3280 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Include: Round-trip transportation to the Teleférico
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Emanuel Marcu
(IG: markultratrail)
We had so much fun 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.
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.
Brandon Talisesky
(IG: @btally88)
Who can join this retreat?
Participants should ideally be comfortable running around 30-40 miles per week on varied terrain and should have experience with trail running and hiking that includes some elevation gain. This ensures you’ll fully enjoy the adventure and keep up with the group.. You will be guided throughout the entire tour by our expert guides.
What if I’m the slowest in the group?
No worries. This retreat is about enjoying every step at your own pace. You will run comfortably, take in the incredible landscapes, and fully enjoy your journey. Speed does not matter here, joy does.
What if I’m traveling solo?
Solo travelers are more than welcome. About 90 percent of participants come alone. This is your chance to meet like-minded adventurers, form friendships, and share unforgettable experiences. For double occupancy, we will pair you with a same-gender roommate for comfort and safety.
Is this just for male runners?
Absolutely not. This retreat is open to everyone. Whether you come alone, with a friend, or a partner, you will feel included and supported.Our guides are both men and women, ensuring a balanced and welcoming experience for all.
If for any circumstance I cannot run one day?
We have private transportation available. If you need a break, the group will meet you at the next checkpoint so you will not miss out on the fun or the views.
What measures do you take to ensure the safety of individuals with food allergies, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, during activities?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, including gluten-free and dairy-free meals. Please let us know about any allergies or restrictions well in advance so we can plan accordingly and ensure your meals are safe and suitable.
Bags transfer
Your suitcases will be moved in our private transportation and delivered from one point to another according to the itinerary, so you can run freely without worrying about your luggage.
Note to the runners:
Altitude & Acclimatization Training: Each participant will receive altitude training guide to prepare for the high elevations.
Guide-to-Runner Ratio: 4 participants per 1 guide, which is a big advantage. Highlight that the back group has the flexibility to do a run/hike combination to accommodate different fitness levels.
Recommended Fitness Level: Participants should ideally be comfortable running around 30-40 miles per week on varied terrain and should have experience with trail running and hiking that includes some elevation gain. This ensures you’ll fully enjoy the adventure and keep up with the group.
"This trail running retreat is not about speed — it’s about the joy of discovery and running at your own pace.
We’ve designed this experience to ensure everyone can enjoy and fully immerse themselves in the incredible landscapes. To make this possible, we have three expert guides who will be with you every step of the way, allowing each participant to craft their own unique running adventure"
Included
In Duration & Accommodation
-
Enjoy 8 days and 7 nights in carefully selected high quality hotels, cozy lodges, and charming haciendas as part of this Ecuadorian adventure. Discover breathtaking landscapes—from majestic volcanoes to vibrant local markets—while staying in comfortable double or single occupancy rooms designed to offer rest and relaxation after each day’s journey.
Meals & Drinks
-
All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8 are included. Savor the flavors of Ecuador with local specialties and fresh, wholesome cuisine crafted to energize and delight you.
Transportation & Luggage
-
Travel comfortably throughout your journey with all transfers included, from and to Quito Airport.
-
Your luggage will travel with our private transportation at all times according to the itinerary, so you can focus entirely on the adventure.
Activities
-
Rejuvenating outdoor yoga sessions to stretch, breathe, and recharge your body and mind.
-
Relaxing massages at the end of the camp.
-
Immersive cultural encounters and breathtaking landscapes at every turn, from volcanoes and highland trails to local markets and vibrant communities.
-
A fully planned itinerary ensures you experience everything Ecuador has to offer without missing a beat.
Guides & Documentation
-
4 participants per 1 guide, which is a big advantage. Highlight that the back group has the flexibility to do a run/hike combination to accommodate different fitness levels.
-
Explore Ecuador with the guidance of passionate local experts who unlock the secrets of each destination.
-
Every moment of your journey will be captured so you can relive the adventure and share it with friends and family.
Other Inclusions
-
Transformative experience with masterclasses on nutrition, techniques, race strategy, and how to improve your runner mentality, allowing yourself to become a better version of you.
-
Altitude training guide to prepare for the high elevations.
-
All entrances and activity fees included for a seamless, worry-free adventure.
-
Professional Photographer
Excluded
-
International flights
-
Meals and snacks beyond what is specified
-
Soft drinks unless specified
-
Alcoholic beverages
-
Visa fees and travel insurance
-
Extra accommodation in Quito before or after the tour
-
Arrival: We provide transfers from Quito Airport to your hotel on the day before the tour begins and on the actual tour start date.
-
Departure: We offer transfers from the hotel to Quito Airport on the day the tour ends.
-
provide a secure link for you to submit your banking information.
-
This tour is governed by Terms and Conditions
Both arrival and departure: Quito - UIO Airport
Participants: Minimum 5 – Maximum 15
-
Double Occupancy Price: $2,950 per person
-
Single Occupancy Price: $3,100 per person
Payment
Option 1 - Total Payment
Option 2 – Two Payments:
Initial Deposit:
$600 to secure your spot
Final Payment:
The remaining balance must be paid at least 60 days before the tour start date. Failure to make full payment by the deadline may result in cancellation of your booking.
What is the cancellation policy for Wild Explorers?
At Wild Explorers, we've designed our cancellation policy to offer a fair balance between traveler flexibility and the upfront expenses required to operate our trips. For full details on cancellations, date changes, and refund procedures, please refer to our complete Terms and Conditions. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected changes.