This spectacular high altitude trek is not for the faint-hearted as its physically demanding and culminates at 3,750m (12,303ft) above sea level, by one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. You will feel exhausted but elated as you gaze out with exceptional views over the Andes once you complete the final footsteps by Mt. Cotopaxi.
8 days | Ecuador | Tough
What to expect
What you will do
Ways to pay
All you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
The Ecuador Challenge for Shelter is graded as tough due to the high altitude. Anyone undertaking this challenge should have some experience of trekking. Training and high levels of fitness and endurance are required. During the Ecuador Challenge for Shelter, you will be:
The Ecuador Challenge for Shelter is graded as tough due to the high altitude. Anyone undertaking this challenge should have some experience of trekking. Training and high levels of fitness and endurance are required. During the Ecuador Challenge for Shelter, you will be:
During the trekking days you will rise early and pack up before breakfast, then trek carrying only daypacks for 6 – 8 hours. There will be a picnic lunch on route and plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. For each trekking day, you will be given your packed lunch right before you start your trek. When you get back to camp, there will always be tea/coffee stations until dinner is served at camp. The trekking area is remote and home to a wide array of rare flora and fauna. The evenings are spent in basic, though beautifully located, camps where the food and facilities are simple.
During the trekking days you will rise early and pack up before breakfast, then trek carrying only daypacks for 6 – 8 hours. There will be a picnic lunch on route and plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. For each trekking day, you will be given your packed lunch right before you start your trek. When you get back to camp, there will always be tea/coffee stations until dinner is served at camp. The trekking area is remote and home to a wide array of rare flora and fauna. The evenings are spent in basic, though beautifully located, camps where the food and facilities are simple.
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we set up Challenge Safe, an advanced and thorough safety management system. Challenge Safe formalizes our ethos when it comes to safety and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is paramount! In terms of your Ecuador Challenge for Shelter, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we set up Challenge Safe, an advanced and thorough safety management system. Challenge Safe formalizes our ethos when it comes to safety and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is paramount! In terms of your Ecuador Challenge for Shelter, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages.
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages.
Enjoy a five day, four night Galapagos Island Hopping Program.
The cost of the extension (registration fee and balance) are subject to Charity Challenge's standard terms and conditions.
Enjoy a five day, four night Galapagos Island Hopping Program.
The cost of the extension (registration fee and balance) are subject to Charity Challenge's standard terms and conditions.
This challenge is ground only. This means that you will need to book your own flights for the challenge from your home country to Quito, Ecuador, return. It is imperative you email your booked flight details to the Charity Challenge office: flights@charitychallenge.com. Please aim to arrive at the hotel in Quito by mid-afternoon on Day 1 and depart after mid-morning on Day 8.
This challenge is ground only. This means that you will need to book your own flights for the challenge from your home country to Quito, Ecuador, return. It is imperative you email your booked flight details to the Charity Challenge office: flights@charitychallenge.com. Please aim to arrive at the hotel in Quito by mid-afternoon on Day 1 and depart after mid-morning on Day 8.
On arrival into Quito Mariscal Sucre international airport, you will be met by a transfer agent who
will bring you to the group hotel. If you need to take a taxi whist in Ecuador, we suggest to taxi share if possible to reduce carbon missions and cost. Registered taxis have orange licence plates and an orange and white registration number on the side of the car and on the windshield. Official taxis are also equipped with cameras and panic buttons which are linked to the ECU 911 Operations Centre.
On arrival into Quito Mariscal Sucre international airport, you will be met by a transfer agent who
will bring you to the group hotel. If you need to take a taxi whist in Ecuador, we suggest to taxi share if possible to reduce carbon missions and cost. Registered taxis have orange licence plates and an orange and white registration number on the side of the car and on the windshield. Official taxis are also equipped with cameras and panic buttons which are linked to the ECU 911 Operations Centre.
You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge. No visa is necessary for Canadian Citizens for stays of up to 90 days. For citizens of other countries please check travel advice on the Ecuadorian embassy's website.
You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge. No visa is necessary for Canadian Citizens for stays of up to 90 days. For citizens of other countries please check travel advice on the Ecuadorian embassy's website.
You will need to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
You will need to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
For up-to-date vaccination information please check the Canadian Government Health Advice or visit your local
doctor or travel clinic to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
For up-to-date vaccination information please check the Canadian Government Health Advice or visit your local
doctor or travel clinic to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also recommended, as a preventative as well as for anyone with any pre-existing leg injuries or niggles. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here.
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also recommended, as a preventative as well as for anyone with any pre-existing leg injuries or niggles. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here.
You can expect Andean mountain weather throughout your challenge. Daytime weather can change from hot and clear with temperatures around 25 degrees centigrade to cold and damp with temperatures closer to zero. Night times will be cold, temperatures may drop to below zero. You must be prepared for the worst, as mountain weather conditions are extremely unpredictable.
The route is steep and uneven on all days of the itinerary. This challenge is graded tough, which means that a good level of fitness is required! We recommend that you have some experience of trekking before departure. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are likely to be different from your home country. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimize knee stress). Also see our Fitness Training page.
You can expect Andean mountain weather throughout your challenge. Daytime weather can change from hot and clear with temperatures around 25 degrees centigrade to cold and damp with temperatures closer to zero. Night times will be cold, temperatures may drop to below zero. You must be prepared for the worst, as mountain weather conditions are extremely unpredictable.
The route is steep and uneven on all days of the itinerary. This challenge is graded tough, which means that a good level of fitness is required! We recommend that you have some experience of trekking before departure. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are likely to be different from your home country. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimize knee stress). Also see our Fitness Training page.
This challenge is graded tough, which means that a good level of fitness is required! We recommend that you have some experience of trekking before departure. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are likely to be different from your home country. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress). Also see our Fitness Training page.
This challenge is graded tough, which means that a good level of fitness is required! We recommend that you have some experience of trekking before departure. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are likely to be different from your home country. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress). Also see our Fitness Training page.
The luggage allowance will depend on the airline you are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at around 23kg. However, we suggest that for the Ecuador Challenge for Shelter you should only need around 15kg-17kg. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it, is a good rule. For any valuables, safe deposit boxes are usually provided in Quito for guests’ use in the hotels, but will not be available in campsites. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (passport, travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged. Items of luggage and clothes not required on the trek itself will be securely stored in Quito.
The luggage allowance will depend on the airline you are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at around 23kg. However, we suggest that for the Ecuador Challenge for Shelter you should only need around 15kg-17kg. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it, is a good rule. For any valuables, safe deposit boxes are usually provided in Quito for guests’ use in the hotels, but will not be available in campsites. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (passport, travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged. Items of luggage and clothes not required on the trek itself will be securely stored in Quito.
There will be a number of English-speaking challenge leaders who will be responsible for the logistics and coordination of your challenge. There will also be numerous support and medical staff to assist them. The challenge leaders will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. The itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and so on. While we will do our very best to maintain the advertised itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for any last-minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leaders will have the final say and will act in the best interests of the group.
There will be a number of English-speaking challenge leaders who will be responsible for the logistics and coordination of your challenge. There will also be numerous support and medical staff to assist them. The challenge leaders will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. The itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and so on. While we will do our very best to maintain the advertised itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for any last-minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leaders will have the final say and will act in the best interests of the group.
The group size is intended to be between 20 and 30 people with a leadership and support team, including medical staff.
The group size is intended to be between 20 and 30 people with a leadership and support team, including medical staff.
On arrival and departure, the hotel is well located in central Quito.
Rooms are usually en suite. During the trek we will be camping in two person tents (sharing with someone of the same gender). You should take a good four-season sleeping bag for camping and an inflatable sleeping mat to be as comfortable as possible.
As part of each trekker's commitment to stepping outside their comfort zone, all tent and hotel room pairings will be made by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. No requests please.
On arrival and departure, the hotel is well located in central Quito.
Rooms are usually en suite. During the trek we will be camping in two person tents (sharing with someone of the same gender). You should take a good four-season sleeping bag for camping and an inflatable sleeping mat to be as comfortable as possible.
As part of each trekker's commitment to stepping outside their comfort zone, all tent and hotel room pairings will be made by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. No requests please.
The food in Quito is varied. During the trek the food will be cooked on camp cookers and will be simple. We cater for vegans, vegetarians and gluten free but please remember that Ecuador has a strong meat-eating culture and provision for dietary requirements is not as common or as comprehensive as elsewhere. There will be a varied menu that changes daily with lots of fruit, granola, corn, bread, cheese, meat, salad, rice, fish, lentils, juice, tea, coffee, water and lots more.
For each trekking day, you will be given a box lunch right before you start the trek, and we will stop enroute to eat somewhere sheltered from the elements, or at a place of interest. When you get back to camp, there will always be tea/coffee stations until dinner is served at camp.
For everyone's health and safety, the consumption of alcohol at campsites is highly discouraged. Please do not pack alcohol in your trekking luggage.
Please let Charity Challenge know ASAP upon registering if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
The food in Quito is varied. During the trek the food will be cooked on camp cookers and will be simple. We cater for vegans, vegetarians and gluten free but please remember that Ecuador has a strong meat-eating culture and provision for dietary requirements is not as common or as comprehensive as elsewhere. There will be a varied menu that changes daily with lots of fruit, granola, corn, bread, cheese, meat, salad, rice, fish, lentils, juice, tea, coffee, water and lots more.
For each trekking day, you will be given a box lunch right before you start the trek, and we will stop enroute to eat somewhere sheltered from the elements, or at a place of interest. When you get back to camp, there will always be tea/coffee stations until dinner is served at camp.
For everyone's health and safety, the consumption of alcohol at campsites is highly discouraged. Please do not pack alcohol in your trekking luggage.
Please let Charity Challenge know ASAP upon registering if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
Currency: The Ecuadorian currency is the US Dollar. They do not accept US $100 bills, and lower denominations are advised. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.
Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Quito, but will not be accepted in the rural challenge areas. Check with your bank regarding any charges applicable.
ATMs: ATM’s are widely available in Quito, and you should ensure that you have enough cash with you for your trek in small denominations.
How much to bring: All accommodation and meals are included within the price of the trip, as well as water during the days of your trek. You will not need to carry a lot of money with you during the challenge, and other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in rural areas away from any foreign exchanges or banks. You will only need money for tips, additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs, and any additional activities outside of our itinerary.
Tipping: We have included tips in your costs and will mke sure the support team are tipped at the end of the challenge.
Currency: The Ecuadorian currency is the US Dollar. They do not accept US $100 bills, and lower denominations are advised. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.
Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Quito, but will not be accepted in the rural challenge areas. Check with your bank regarding any charges applicable.
ATMs: ATM’s are widely available in Quito, and you should ensure that you have enough cash with you for your trek in small denominations.
How much to bring: All accommodation and meals are included within the price of the trip, as well as water during the days of your trek. You will not need to carry a lot of money with you during the challenge, and other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in rural areas away from any foreign exchanges or banks. You will only need money for tips, additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs, and any additional activities outside of our itinerary.
Tipping: We have included tips in your costs and will mke sure the support team are tipped at the end of the challenge.
You will have mobile phone and internet signal during your stay in Quito. After that, you will have extremely limited mobile phone or internet reception. Please ensure you let your family know so that they are not overly worried if they do not hear from you for a few days. Remember! Part of your commitment to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, your donors, and fellow trekkers is that you are entirely offline during this adventure. Please be respectful of this pledge that you have made and keep your phone off or on airplane mode during the entirety of your trek.
You will have mobile phone and internet signal during your stay in Quito. After that, you will have extremely limited mobile phone or internet reception. Please ensure you let your family know so that they are not overly worried if they do not hear from you for a few days. Remember! Part of your commitment to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, your donors, and fellow trekkers is that you are entirely offline during this adventure. Please be respectful of this pledge that you have made and keep your phone off or on airplane mode during the entirety of your trek.
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will always be a staff member at the back of the group to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. Back up support will never be far away and can be called in should there be an emergency. Contact will be maintained between guides and the support team where possible. A phone number for family emergencies will be provided that you can leave with your emergency contact back home.
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will always be a staff member at the back of the group to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. Back up support will never be far away and can be called in should there be an emergency. Contact will be maintained between guides and the support team where possible. A phone number for family emergencies will be provided that you can leave with your emergency contact back home.
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive for any pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive for any pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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