Distance
Climb
Terrain
Difficulty
Max Runners
The week builds gradually through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, opening with a cable-car assisted 12 km run on Rucu Pichincha above Quito and moving north to a 15 km climb of Imbabura. A 12 km loop of the Cuicocha crater lake and a 14 km ascent of Rumiñahui follow before an optional 10 km run and the midnight push on Cotopaxi.
Sunrise summit of Cotopaxi at 5,897 m
Cable car ascent of Rucu Pichincha above Quito
Imbabura volcano and the Andean páramo
Cuicocha crater lake singletrack
Rumiñahui volcano in Cotopaxi National Park
Otavalo Market, the largest Indigenous market in South America
Night in a restored Andean hacienda
Qualification
Start / Finish
Arrival at Quito International Airport (UIO) with a private transfer to a hotel in Quito's modern district (Dann Carlton Quito or similar)
Transfer to Quito International Airport (UIO) on the final day after returning from Cotopaxi and a relaxed morning in the capital
Getting There
Recovery
What to bring
Valid personal travel insurance covering outdoor and adventure activities, including medical and accident cover, emergency evacuation and mountain rescue, repatriation, trip cancellation and personal liability
Personal trail running equipment and clothing for varied mountain weather
High-altitude mountaineering equipment for the Cotopaxi summit attempt
What you get
7 days / 6 nights in selected hotels, mountain lodges and traditional haciendas
Guided mountain adventures and trail running through Ecuador's most iconic landscapes
An attempt to summit the Cotopaxi Volcano
All ground transportation including airport transfers to and from Quito International Airport (UIO)
Private luggage transportation between each destination
Continuous support from expert local guides and the Wild Explorers team
Exclusive masterclasses led by François D'Haene on pacing, nutrition, altitude adaptation and race strategy
All entrance fees, permits and guided activities
Quito historic centre tour, chocolate workshop and Otavalo Market visit
On the day
Bag drop
First aid on course
Before you enter
Other questions
Altitude is not something you need to fear, but it is something you should respect. Arriving in Quito at least two days before the retreat begins is strongly recommended. The camp is deliberately progressive, with elevation and distances increasing gradually so your body acclimatizes step by step in a safe and controlled way.
No prior high-altitude experience is required. The itinerary is built around progressive acclimatization so your body adapts over the first days before the hardest challenges. The team monitors how everyone is feeling, adjusts the pace when needed and shares practical advice on hydration, nutrition and managing effort at altitude. The Cotopaxi summit attempt is optional, and anyone who prefers not to go for the top can enjoy alternative activities in Cotopaxi National Park.
Pace is not something to worry about. Three professional guides work with the group, which lets participants be divided by level each day. Stronger runners can move ahead at their own rhythm while others keep a steady, comfortable pace. No one is left behind or pushed beyond their limits.
Private transportation is available throughout the trip. If you need a break, the group meets you at the next checkpoint so you still get the views and the experience.
Not at all. The camp is open to everyone, men and women alike, who share the same passion for trail running, mountains and adventure. Whatever your gender, you are welcomed into a friendly, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can progress, learn and have an unforgettable experience.
Quito, Ecuador
Saturday, November 7, 2026
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€652
entry fee