As we explore Ecuador, a small South American country with fascinating history, wildly diverse landscapes and sights that are second to none.
You will test your lungs as we follow in the footsteps of the Quechua, be delighted by the deep greens and array of other colors in the Amazon Rainforest and hopefully get joyful glimpses of the unique wildlife local to the Galápagos Islands like the giant land tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
From the Amazon to the Andes and the stunning natural beauty of the nearby Islands, this country is asking to be explored and we can't wait to show you around!Known for its diverse landscapes, colorful culture, and endless Spring on the equator, Ecuador is a South American country that should be added to your bucket list. It is home to many notable points of interest from the towering Andes Mountains that surround the sprawling capital city of Quito to the lush Amazon Rainforest and the active Cotopaxi volcano!
There is no shortage of impressive places to explore here and with great weather year-round, the trails will be temperate and perfect for trekking.
Who Goes On A Trip?
Solo Travelers
CONNECT WITH YOUR CURIOSITY
You can arrive solo, but you're never alone. Surrounded by like-minded travelers, you just may find your new travel companion — and a new favorite hobby to boot!
Dating + Daring
ENTERTAIN NOVELTY
You may be partners, but that doesn't mean you want the "typical" romantic getaway. You two are more of the high-adventure type.
Hop on in!
Best Buds
LET MOMENTS BECOME MEMORIES
When's the last time your friends have had an excuse to get away? If smiling and laughing your butts off while exploring beautiful destinations isn't a good enough reason to get together, we don't know what is!
Turning a New Leaf
EMBOLDEN YOUR HEART
Chin up and feet forward! You're looking for change or at least a week to turn your back on whatever you left behind. Escape, refresh, and leave with a new perspective.
Our trail runs will take you into the countryside, where you'll feel like part of the iconic landscapes that drew us here. We'll have crew on course to mind you, markings to guide you, and finish line food to revive you.
You can take these runs at your own pace - or go for gold! At the end of the week everyone earns a finisher medal, plus special awards for our fastest racers.
RUN DIFFICULTY & TRAINING
A typical trip includes 6 trail runs ranging from 7-12K in length. Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
We ask runners to maintain at least a 20-minute trail pace on these runs.
ECUADOR TRAIL RUNS
Exact trails, distances, and the order we run them may vary from trip to trip depending on weather and trail conditions.
Cuicocha Lagoon (9km)
Route: High altitude & elevation gain
Terrain: Mud and stone path
Level: Challenging - we'll hike mostly!
Chasqui Trail (~13km)
Route: High altitude, downhill trail
Terrain: Mix of mud, grass, and stone
Level: Challenging - we'll hike mostly!
Jungle Trail (5-6km)
Route: Flat trail
Terrain: Jungle dirt trail
Level: Easy to moderate
Cacao Trail (5-6km)
Route: Flat trail
Terrain: Jungle dirt trail
Level: Easy to moderate
El Mango Trail (12.8km)
Route: Point-to-point with some elevation gain
Terrain: Double track and loose gravel
Level: Moderate to challenging
Muro de las Lagrimas (9km or 12.5km)
Route: Flat point-to-point
Terrain: Mix of sandy, paved, and wooden pathways
Level: Moderate to challenging
Gallery
About The Host
Cherie has been working with us since our inaugural run in Zion when she worked on the race crew, and since 2014, Cherie has brought the best expos and customer experience to our runners.
Cherie may live in Southern Utah but her soul still lives in Southern California where she grew up surfing and sailing in the sun.
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Will I need a passport or visa?
This is an international running adventure. A valid passport is required for participation. Though every country is different, a good rule to follow is that your passport should not expire within 6 months of your planned travel.
We do not anticipate that you will need a visa. However, visa requirements vary by country and by nationality. If you are unsure, please reach out to us and we will help you determine whether you will need to apply for a visa at all, in advance, or on arrival.
How much does a trip cost?
All trips include the cost of daily hotels, included group activities and entrance fees, domestic transportation in the host country, and most food and drinks.
The cost of your flight to and from the host country is not included to allow participants to choose the travel options that are right for them.
Are there discounts available?
We do not currently offer any discounts.
What are the hotels like?
We typically have 3-star lodging booked for you. Rooms will be comfortable, clean, and safe, but no frills; a place that you would feel ok relaxing in!
On some adventures, we have alternative lodging like glamping tents. Check your itinerary and the photo gallery for pictures and additional information.
Who goes on the trips?
From solo travelers to groups, teens to the silver-haired, seasoned thrill-seekers to those ready to step out of their comfort zone for the first time - these trips offer an experience for everyone. Our past adventurers come from all walks of life but all share a love of life and a willingness to challenge themselves.
Seriously. Don't be afraid to come alone. You are sure to leave with new friends, new confidence, and approximately 800 photos of moments that took your breath away!
How much free time will we have?
Our days start between 6:30-7:00 am for breakfast before we head out run the trails. Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
In addition, all will have 2 free evenings- you'll be able to walk around town and maybe stop by that cute pub you passed earlier in the day for dinner!
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with some advance notice. Please fill out your traveler information in Run Signup after you register so that we can make plans successfully.
If you have a particularly specific or complex dietary requirement, please reach out to us. While we cannot guarantee full accommodations, we'll always try our best!
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for attending these running trips. As long as you are comfortable with the runs and activities, we'll be glad to have you whether you're 12 or 112 years old!
Some of our trips do involve alcohol-oriented events like whiskey tastings, so please keep this in mind. For activity-specific restrictions, read below:
What Covid-19 measures are being taken?
While much of these trips is spent in the great outdoors, there's still a level of risk with any travel. Here's what we can do to limit that risk:
First, While we will no longer require the vaccine, we strongly encourage everyone traveling with us to make sure you're aware of the Covid-19 travel restrictions of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.
Second, we have a staff medic on each trip. Please let us know right away if you have any symptoms or just need a test for travel purposes. They will be able to help you locate and schedule Covid testing as needed. We will also have rapid tests and masks on hand.
Lastly, staying healthy is a group effort. We ask all our adventurers to respect each others boundaries and preferences. If you remain unsure of the risks, we encourage you to wait to take a trip until you feel confident joining us!
How difficult are the runs?
Adventures are meant to challenge you. That being said, we welcome runners of various levels and will support you towards the finish line.
Each day we’ll be running/hiking between 7-12K (approx. 3-6 miles). Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill.
We plan for runners to maintain at least a 20-minute per mile trail pace on these runs. If we believe this pace becomes too difficult for a runner, we may ask them to sit out a run or offer a shorter course for them.
Do I have to run every day?
This is your vacation- you should do what you want!
If you want to take a break for a day or two, then by all means do it. Our goal is to make sure you have the best possible experience on the trails, whatever that means for you.
Are there aid stations?
There are no aid stations in these trail runs.
Most adventurers choose to wear a hydration backpack or carry a water bottle in hand (along with a few gels or other snacks as needed).
You are required to bring your own hydration system. Our team loves the hydration options developed by Nathan Sports.
Will we run into animals on the trails?
If you are lucky, you’ll get to see some local wildlife (Moose, goats, whale, oh my!) We will be visiting wild places and encounters with animals are always a possibility. However, we will be on well traveled trails which tend to keep the animals away.
All trips partner with expert guides from the area to provide tips on staying safe on the trails. Mosquitos will vary greatly with the climate and even changes year-to-year. We recommend packing mosquito repellent.
Can I bring someone who doesn't run?
If you want to bring a partner to the event that doesn’t want to participate in the runs, that’s totally fine. They'll still get to join in the daily activities and explore the destination - just not on the trails. They can join us as a fast hiker (20 minutes per mile) if they choose!
Just sign up for the event as a regular participant, but let us know in the registration notes that your partner is not running.
What other activities will we be doing?
Each adventure is different - expect a range of activities like historical tours, boat cruises, hands-on workshops, and more!
For activities specific to this trip, check out the itinerary. You'll also receive a detailed daily itinerary a few weeks before your arrival date.