is found about 37mi south of Quito in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, whose cone-shaped centerpiece, 19,350ft Cotopaxi Volcano, is the world's tallest active volcano. Don't attempt to climb higher than the José Ribas refuge 15,750ft without a guide, proper equipment and a good deal of previous snow and ice climbing experience. Further south, the town of Baños makes a good base for short walks and ambitious climbs, and it has the added bonus of having toasty thermal springs nearby.

Near Cuenca in the southern highlands, the Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas offers rugged hiking in bleak terrain scattered with beautiful lakes. Ecuador's highest peak, the 20,700 ft Chimborazo, is not for day trippers - if you're not an experienced climber, stick to the area around the mountain, which is easier. 

Tours by "Isla Blue Tours" Although Ecuador is a relatively small country with the densest population of any South American country, it offers many remote areas ideal for trekking and hiking excursions. 

Hiking programs are from 1 day to several days in the high altitude regions of the Andes mountains, passing glaciers and high mountain peaks and in the Amazon tropical rainforest region, hiking through primary jungle and climbing active volcanoes. The treks are suited to everyone in fairly good physical conditions and have the will to endure a few days away from civilization and roughing it out in the wilderness. The high altitude treks are also ideal for acclimatization purposes, if you are thinking of climbing some of the high volcanoes.

All treks start and end in Quito and are guided by Erich. All the treks are in remote areas, and guided by native guides who live in the region and know it very well. 

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