Tungurahua Volcano Trek from Baños: Martinez Refuge at 3,800m

Climb to the refuge and stand where three volcanoes come into view

A full-day trek from Baños to Martinez refuge at 3,800 meters, where you walk through the high-altitude landscape surrounding Tungurahua volcano and see across to Chimborazo and Carihuayrazo. The route covers four kilometers uphill through Sangay National Park with a private guide in English or Spanish, private transport from your hotel, entry tickets and brunch. The walk takes around three and a half hours depending on your pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek to Tungurahua Volcano Refuge

• Start at Baños office
• Drive to Sangay National Park
• Ascend 4 km to refuge
• Observe flora and fauna
• Hike 3.5 hours to viewpoint
• Enjoy panoramic volcano views
• Have a snack at refuge
• Return to Baños

The experience

The day starts at the office in Baños, where you board a private vehicle for the drive into Sangay National Park at 2,800 meters. From there, the real climb begins: four kilometers uphill to Martinez refuge, gaining elevation as you move through the flora and fauna of the high slopes. The refuge sits at 3,800 meters, high enough that the air thins noticeably and the landscape opens up into the kind of view that makes the effort worthwhile.

Once you reach the refuge, the panorama spreads across three volcanoes. Tungurahua dominates the immediate landscape, but from this vantage point you can also see Chimborazo and Carihuayrazo in the distance. The walk itself takes around three and a half hours, though the actual time depends on your own pace and fitness level. There is no fixed schedule pushing you along. A guide leads the way and handles the route. You move at a rhythm that works for you.

The day includes a brunch at the refuge before the descent back to Baños. Private transport means you do not coordinate pickups or wait for other groups. The vehicle is yours for the full excursion. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so communication is straightforward from start to finish.

What’s included

• Private vehicle transport from Baños to Sangay National Park and back.
• guide in English or Spanish.
• entry tickets to the park and refuge.
• brunch at the refuge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The meeting point will be in the ECUADOR 24 tourist agency, is two blocks from the central Church, on Avenida Luis A. Martínez and November 12, next to a cafeteria and in front of the hotel Plants and whites.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Turismo Ecuador 24

Is this one for you?The route climbs steadily for around three and a half hours, so this trek suits someone comfortable with sustained uphill walking at high altitude. The private guide and vehicle mean you move at your own pace without waiting for other groups, which works well if you want to take breaks or move faster as the terrain and your fitness allow.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Under 14: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How steep is the four-kilometer climb to Martinez refuge?

The route gains 1,000 meters of elevation over four kilometers, so it is a steady uphill trek. The actual steepness varies across the route, and your guide adjusts the pace to match the group's fitness level.

What is the view like from Martinez refuge at 3,800 meters?

From the refuge, you see Tungurahua volcano directly, and across the landscape Chimborazo and Carihuayrazo are visible on clear days. The altitude gives you a perspective on the surrounding peaks that you cannot get from the city.

What happens if the weather turns bad on the day of the trek?

High-altitude weather can change quickly. Your guide assesses conditions on the day and decides whether to proceed to the full refuge or turn back at a lower point. Visibility and safety determine how far up the mountain the group goes.

Do I need special gear or equipment for this trek?

Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, layers you can add or remove as you climb, and a rain jacket. Bring water and sun protection. The guide and transport are provided. You bring your own trekking gear.

Is this trek suitable for someone visiting high altitude for the first time?

The trek reaches 3,800 meters, which is high enough that some people feel altitude effects. A moderate level of physical fitness is necessary, and the climb takes time. If you have just arrived in Ecuador, spending a day or two at lower elevation first helps your body adjust.