Saturday, May 1, 2027

The Andean Running Experience with Hillary Allen

Ecuador

ECUADOR, Ecuador • Trail Running Retreat

Registration closes: Wed, Apr 28 @ 11:59 PM ET

Epic Trails. Real Connections. Wild Adventures.

Join world-class ultrarunner Hillary Allen for an unforgettable 7-day trail running adventure through the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. From towering snow-capped volcanoes to breathtaking high-altitude trails, this experience will take you through some of South America's most spectacular landscapes. Run alongside Hillary, explore remote mountain trails, and discover the incredible diversity of Ecuador. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to learn from her experiences as a professional athlete, gain insights into trail running, resilience, and mental strength, and share meaningful conversations both on and off the trails. But this journey is about much more than running. It's about discovering new places, embracing the unexpected, experiencing local culture, and connecting with a small group of like-minded adventurers who share a love for the outdoors. With the support of Wild Explorers' experienced local guides, you'll experience the Andes in an authentic and personal way, with the freedom to enjoy every moment at your own pace. More than miles, mountains, or performance, this is about the joy of exploration, the friendships we create, and the freedom we find when we run wild.

Pricing & Cancellation Policy

May 1–7, 2027 | Ecuador
Early Bird – Until December 31, 2026
Double occupancy: $2,700 USD per person
Single occupancy: $2,958 USD per person

Regular Pricing
Double occupancy: $2,880 USD per person
Single occupancy: $3,138 USD per person
Booking: A $600 deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy:
Within 30 days of payment: 100% refund, unless otherwise stated on the trip page.
After 30 days of payment, with more than 90 days before departure: 50% refund.
After 30 days of payment, with fewer than 90 days before departure: No refund.
Refunds are subject to administrative fees and non-recoverable costs.
If the trip is canceled due to insufficient participants, guests receive a full refund or may transfer their payment to another trip.
Cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control may result in deductions for non-recoverable expenses.
Important Information:Travel insurance is mandatory, including medical emergencies, evacuation, adventure sports, and trip cancellation coverage. Participants must be physically prepared for high-altitude trail running and acknowledge the inherent risks of adventure travel.
Itineraries may change due to weather, safety, or logistical conditions. Participation by featured athletes may be subject to unforeseen circumstances.
By booking, participants agree to Wild Explorers' full Terms & Conditions and Disclaimer.
Full details:
https://www.wildexplorers.travel/termsandconditions
https://www.wildexplorers.travel/disclaimer

ITINERARY DAY 1 Arrival in Quito – Gateway to the Andes Welcome to Ecuador!

Upon arrival at Quito International Airport, our Wild Explorers team will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Located at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, Quito is surrounded by spectacular Andean mountains and volcanoes. The first day is dedicated to settling in, relaxing, and adjusting to the altitude. In the evening, meet Hillary Allen, your local guides, and fellow runners for a welcome briefing and dinner. We'll introduce the week's adventures, discuss altitude acclimatization, and get to know each other before hitting the trails.

DAY 2 Quito City Trails & Cultural Discovery

Our first running adventure takes place at Parque Metropolitano, one of Quito's largest urban natural reserves. Surrounded by eucalyptus forests and beautiful mountain views, we'll enjoy a relaxed morning trail run designed to help everyone acclimatize to the altitude. After the run, we'll explore Quito's UNESCO-listed Historic Center, discovering its colonial architecture, vibrant streets, churches, and local culture. Later, we'll visit the famous Middle of the World monument and experience standing on the equator, where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. It's the perfect introduction to Ecuador, combining running, culture, and adventure.

DAY 3 Running Among Volcanoes - Cotopaxi National Park

Today we head south into the Avenue of the Volcanoes to discover Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Our trail takes us through vast Andean grasslands, volcanic terrain, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes, with incredible views of the snow-covered Cotopaxi volcano. Running in this extraordinary environment is an unforgettable experience. We'll adjust the pace to the group, taking time to enjoy the scenery, capture photos, and learn about the unique páramo ecosystem. Throughout the day, Hillary will share insights from her experiences in mountain running, including training, resilience, and adapting to challenging terrain.

DAY 4 Quilotoa Crater Lake Adventure

Today's adventure takes us to Quilotoa, one of Ecuador's most spectacular natural wonders. Quilotoa is a volcanic crater filled with emerald-green water, surrounded by dramatic mountain ridges and traditional Andean communities. We'll follow breathtaking trails along the crater rim, enjoying constantly changing views of the lake and surrounding valleys. The combination of altitude, rugged terrain, and incredible scenery creates a memorable mountain running experience. After our run, we'll immerse ourselves in the traditional Andean hacienda lifestyle. We'll explore the farm, meet the animals of the Ecuadorian highlands, and enjoy a hands-on cheese-making experience using traditional methods. It's a unique opportunity to slow down, connect with local traditions, and experience the authentic rural life of the Andes.

DAY 5 Running Between Mountains and Waterfalls Cloud Forest Trails & Adventure

Welcome to Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador's adventure capital, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Today we'll discover a completely different side of Ecuador. Leaving the high-altitude páramo behind, we'll explore lush green mountains, cloud forests, waterfalls, and spectacular trails overlooking the Pastaza River valley. Our trail run will take us through the beautiful surroundings of Baños, offering exciting terrain, impressive viewpoints, and plenty of opportunities to experience Ecuador's incredible biodiversity. After the run, we'll have time to explore the town, discover its impressive waterfalls, and unwind in the famous natural hot springs, fed by geothermal waters from the nearby Tungurahua volcano. Surrounded by lush mountains, these thermal baths offer the perfect opportunity to relax tired muscles and recharge after a day on the trails. It's a day that perfectly combines mountain adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation.

DAY 6 Running Beneath Tungurahua Volcanoe & The Swing at the End of the World

We'll start the morning with an unforgettable trail run along the lush slopes of Tungurahua, one of Ecuador's most iconic active volcanoes. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, cloud forests, and breathtaking views of Baños. Along the way, we'll visit the amous Swing at the End of the World (Casa del Árbol), perched high above the valley with spectacular views of Tungurahua. For those feeling adventurous, it's a chance to swing out over the mountains and experience one of Ecuador's most iconic attractions. After our morning adventure, we'll begin the scenic journey back to Quito, traveling through the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes. In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner with Hillary and the Wild Explorers team, celebrating a week of incredible trails, shared adventures, and new friendships.

DAY 7 Last Adventure in the Andes Rucu Pichincha & Departure
For our final day, we'll have the opportunity to experience one of Quito's most iconic mountain environments: Rucu Pichincha. Rising above Ecuador's capital, this volcanic mountain offers breathtaking views of the city, surrounding valleys, and distant Andean peaks. We'll enjoy a final mountain run and hike in this spectacular setting, celebrating the end of an unforgettable week of adventure. Afterward, private transfers will be arranged to Quito International Airport for your onward journey. The adventure may end here, but the connections and memories will last far beyond the finish line. Important Departure Information: To fully enjoy our final mountain adventure, we recommend arranging a late check-out with your hotel and booking your departure flight for 6:00 PM or later. This will allow enough time to return from the mountains, freshen up, and transfer to the airport without rushing.

DAY 7 Rucu Pichincha; Departure

For our final day, we'll have the opportunity to experience one of Quito's most iconic mountain environments: Rucu Pichincha. Rising above Ecuador's capital, this volcanic mountain offers breathtaking views of the city, surrounding valleys, and distant Andean peaks. We'll enjoy a final mountain run and hike in this spectacular setting, celebrating the end of an unforgettable week of adventure. Afterward, private transfers will be arranged to Quito International Airport for your onward journey. The adventure may end here, but the connections and memories will last far beyond the finish line. Important Departure Information: To fully enjoy our final mountain adventure, we recommend arranging a late check-out with your hotel and booking your departure flight for 6:00 PM or later. This will allow enough time to return from the mountains, freshen up, and transfer to the airport without rushing.

INCLUDED

- 7 days / 6 nights in carefully selected hotels, cozy lodges, and charming haciendas.
- Mountain routes and trail running experiences across Ecuador’s most iconic landscapes
- Meals according to the itinerary
- All transfers including airport pick-up and drop-off from Quito UIO
- Private luggage transport between all locations throughout the itinerary
- Expert local guides and Wild Explorers staff companion at all times
- All entrance and activity fees for a seamless, worry-free experience

NOT INCLUDED

- International flights to/from Ecuador
- Meals and snacks beyond what is specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages unless otherwise specified
- Visa fees (if needed)
- Extra accommodation in Quito before or after the tour
- Personal gear and trail running equipment
- All participants must hold valid personal travel insurance that covers outdoor and adventure activities. Your policy should include, at minimum: medical and accident coverage, emergency evacuation and mountain rescue, repatriation, trip cancellation, and personal liability.
- Wild Explorers does not provide insurance on behalf of participants. It is your responsibility to ensure your coverage is active and appropriate for the nature of the trip before your departure date.

Event's current local time: 3:14 AM ET

Linked Events