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Craters to Clouds - Oso Route (57 miles) - Trail Running Traverse
August 14 -17, 2025
Designed for those seeking a more immersive challenge, the Bear route covers 57 miles of diverse terrain, including rugged paths, challenging ascents, and a deeper journey into the Andes. This is the perfect choice for those wanting to experience a longer, more adventurous trek through Ecuador’s wild beauty.
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
We use private vehicles for this expedition. Once you arrive in Ecuador, ground transportation is arranged for you including your airport arrival and departure transfers within the scheduled itinerary. Transportation outside the scheduled itinerary (early arrival/late departure) is available at an additional cost. We will offer transfers from the airport and central Quito to Craters to Clouds on the morning of August 14th. Outgoing transfers on the evening of August 17th will offer options to the airport and central Quito as well.
At 10:00 AM, a shuttle will pick up participants from both Quito airport terminals and nearby hotels. For those already in the country, an additional shuttle will depart from Plaza Foch in Quito at 11:00 AM.
Itinerary
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1
At 10:00 AM, a shuttle will pick up participants from both Quito airport terminals and nearby hotels. For those already in the country, an additional shuttle will depart from Plaza Foch in Quito at 11:00 AM. The group will then embark on a city tour of Quito, followed by lunch at the equator monument. In the afternoon, participants will travel to Yunguilla, where they will settle in before a 4:00 PM technical meeting. This gathering will provide an opportunity to get to know each other, review the trek details, and address any questions. The day will conclude with a farm-to-table meal, followed by free time to prepare and rest before the trek begins the next morning.
10 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
The journey begins at the edge of the Pululahua crater. Descend into the Geobotanical Reserve Pululahua, winding through one of the world’s few inhabited volcanic craters. After reaching an elevation of 5,000 ft, start the ascent to the Yunguilla Sustainable Preserve at 8,800 ft. Along the way, you'll encounter the first glimpses of the cloud forest. Miles: 21 Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner Accommodations: Community of Yunguilla
10 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
After an early breakfast, we will begin the most challenging day of the week. We will cross through the community of Yunguilla and see how the people work in harmony with nature to farm and restore the environment at the same time. We will traverse the old growth cloud forest through the Santa Lucia Reserve. This zone is home to 400 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of plants. This route will traverse steep ridges and weather permitting the group can take in breathtaking views of Pululahua crater, Cotacachi Mountain and the dense forest canopy. The 20 mile day will end at Maquipucuna Ecolodge where you will be met with a warm meal, a river perfect for ice baths and comfortable accommodations. Miles: 19 Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner Accommodations: Maquipucuna Ecolodge
10 hours • Admission ticket included -
4
We will start our third day at the Ecolodge Maquipucuna within the pristine mountain rainforest where we will ascend back to Yunguilla through a trail that is more than 1,000 years old. This historic trail dates back to the Yumbo indigenous culture. The Yumbos predate the Incas in this region. This path was used as a thoroughfare for trade between the Andes mountain region and the coastal region. These paths are called “Culucos” after hundreds of years of foot traffic they have been worn down creating a type of eco-tunnel in some places the walls tower up to 13 feet. Arriving at the community of Yunguilla we will recognize the incredible accomplishment of all participants with a special meal and celebration. After our celebration, shuttles will depart Yunguilla at 8:00 PM, heading to the airport and to Quito for those continuing on to other excursions in Ecuador. Miles: 14 Meals: Breakfast, Trail Provisions, Dinner Accommodations: None
10 hours • Admission ticket included
Welcome: July 16th, 2026
Pululahua - Yunguilla: July 17th, 2026
Santa Lucia - Maquipucuna: July 18th, 2026
Maquipucuna- Yunguilla: July 19th, 2026
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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