Ecuador Volcano Adventure: Get Ready to Feel the Heat (and Not in a "Spicy Salsa" Way)

Are you ready for a thrill where you get to be a daredevil, and also feel like you are the main character in a deep nature documentary? Well, look no further. You have arrived at the Ecuador Volcano Adventure where you might get so close to an active volcano that you may feel as though you are this close to something that is breathing fire (do not panic; it is all safe... most of the times). This is not a simple banana trek in the bush. This is an absolute chaos where you battle and venture through phreatic eruptions, and it will be as if you are auditioning for a role in an Indiana Jones movie, sans the massive rock trying to rip your head off.

Need assistance for groups and incentives in Ecuador? Contact us. 

Ecuador's Volcanoes: Big, Bad, and Smokin' Hot

Ecuador is home to some of the most dramatic volcanoes on Earth—those that puff out steam and are perfectly capable of making you feel like you’ve stumbled into an action movie. Hiking one of these beauties is like being a superhero, except instead of saving the world, you're just hoping your legs don’t give out halfway up. As you reach the summit, the view opens up like a postcard, minus the airbrushed clouds. It's the kind of scenery that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world... or at least on top of a really big, hot pile of rocks.

Lava, Baby! But Not Too Close, Please

Wouldn’t it be cool to go right up to the edge of the crater of a volcano and look down and simply feel so powerful? At this moment, your breath will pick up as you watch the flames engulfing the pits below (while also making sure to stay behind the safety line, of course). This is a nice way of saying, "oh wow. I have to upload this picture to my Instagram account.” Your excursion is not just enjoyable as your guide speaks about the volcano but also makes you wish there were more treats available on the journey. But the fun part is you can tell everyone how you looked into the glorifying volcano and everyone will believe you and smartly no one has to know that you are actually daydreaming of meals.

The Hike: Steep, Rocky, and Definitely Worth the Pain

This is not your average stroll through the park. Nope. This hike is more like "I swear I saw the top... is that a mirage?" with a side of "I should’ve started working out before this trip." But fear not! The moment you reach the summit and see the volcano’s steaming beauty, you’ll forget about your aching calves and that weird pain in your side. You’ll feel like the king (or queen) of the world—or at least like someone who can now officially say they've hiked an active volcano. (Kinda makes that beach walk look lame, huh?)

Mud, Views, and Reassessing Your Life Choices

A lot of mud, a lot of shoving, but most importantly, a lot of dust - dust is the enemy in this journey. But what the heck, it’s all about enjoying the whole experience, is it not? While The conical volcano looms ahead, focus moves from the bovine shoes furnished with heaps of slush to the picturesque landscape as one continues ahead on the bumpy pathway.

Moreover, the sight is so stunning that one will be hard-pressed to realize that their legs are now caked in mud resembling that found on a 2-year old.

Instagram Moment: "Yeah, I’m Basically an Explorer Now"

So, you’ve scaled a volcano, looked death (well, sort of) in the face, and probably screamed just a little bit on the way up. Time to snap that epic photo! The crater in the background will be a huge hit on social media—unless you look absolutely terrified in the photo (which you probably will, but no judgment here). Bonus points if you manage to get a dramatic shot where the wind is blowing your hair, even though you’ve barely moved in the last hour. #LivingOnTheEdge

Book Your Ecuador Volcano Adventure (Before You Chick Out)

Ready to add some serious adventure cred to your resume? Sign up for the Ecuador Volcano Adventure now and prepare to climb, hike, and maybe even scream your way to the top of a live volcano. It’s not just an unforgettable experience—it’s a hot one. (See what we did there?) So pack your sense of adventure, your camera, and maybe some extra socks because you’re about to tackle one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Just don’t forget to post that picture to prove you were there—because climbing a volcano without an Instagram photo is like it never even happened.

Weather in Ecuador

We asked Daniela at Advantage Travel about their favourite dish from Ecuador and the Ecuadorian Hornado was the winner. 

Prepare yourself for a flavour explosion with Ecuador's crown jewel of street food Ecuadorian Hornado  This roasted pork delight is the culinary superstar of the highlands, and it comes with a sidekick ensemble of potato tortillas, mote (white corn), and a sweet-and-sour pickle party made with onion and tomato. Ecuadorians can't get enough of this dish because it’s a perfect flavour fiesta. You’ll find it in markets all over, tempting you with whole roasted pigs staring back at you (yes, with the head intact – it's like the pig's saying, "I dare you to resist my deliciousness!").

Now, the Hornado game changes from city to city. Some like it salty, others dry, and some juicy. But trust us, the Hornado from Quito is where it's at – it’s like the Goldilocks of roasted pork: just right.

Let’s get set the mood to cook this Ecusdorian Hornado.
Set your speaks to play  Chulla Quiteño

To quote Daniela "This is a traditional song that we listen to during the city's festivities in December, especially when we are playing a traditional card game named "Cuarenta". I enjoy listening to this song during this time of the year because it reminds me of my childhood and youth when we enjoyed the city's traditional celebrations, sharing with family and friends."

Ingredients Ecuadorian Hornado:

• 1 whole pig (okay, maybe just a big ol' pork shoulder if a whole pig is a bit much for your kitchen)
• Salt (enough to make the pork sing)
• Garlic (because garlic makes everything better)
• Cumin (for that earthy goodness)
• A bunch of lard (let’s not kid ourselves, this isn’t diet food)
• Beer (a bottle for the pork, and maybe one for you)
• A bunch of onions and tomatoes (for the pickle party)
• Mote (white corn – go big or go home)
• Potato tortillas (because carbs are life)
• Lemon juice (for that tangy zing)

How to Prepare  Ecuadorian Hornado :

1. Prep Your Pig:If you're using a whole pig, give it a good wash and pat dry. If it's a shoulder, do the same but with fewer existential crises. Rub it down with salt, garlic, and cumin. Think of it as a spa treatment for the pork.
2. Marination Vacation:Let your pork hang out in the fridge for at least a few hours, but overnight is better. It’s like a little marination vacation for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Roasting Time: Preheat your oven to a low, slow 300°F (150°C). Slather that pork with lard, place it in a roasting pan, and pop it in the oven. Roast it for a few hours, basting occasionally with beer. The goal is tender, juicy meat with a crispy, golden exterior.
4. Potato Tortilla Time: While your pork is roasting away, whip up some potato tortillas. Grate those potatoes, mix them with some flour and salt, and fry them up until golden and crispy.
5. Mote Madness:Cook up that mote until it's tender. Think of it as the Ecuadorian version of corn on the cob, but better because it’s in Hornado.
6. Pickle Party: Mix chopped onions and tomatoes with lemon juice, salt, and a dash of sugar. Let it sit and get all tangy and delicious.
7. Final Assembly: Once your pork is done and looking fabulous, slice it up. Serve it alongside the potato tortillas, a heap of mote, and a generous spoonful of the onion-tomato pickle.
8. Dig In and Enjoy: Gather your friends, family, or random people off the street. Hornado is best enjoyed with good company and a big appetite.

There you have it – a dish that’s a party on your plate and a feast for your senses. Whether you’re in Quito or your own kitchen, Hornado is a celebration of flavour you won’t want to miss. 

Why not try this dish in Ecuador on your next group trip? Plan your next trip here

Amazon River cruise in Ecuador : Discover a hidden world

Set forth on an extraordinary journey through the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest,  at Advantage Ecuador, we offer a realm of unparalleled wonders reserved for the lucky few. Brace yourself for a complete immersion in a realm of new scents, sounds, and tastes, far from the everyday.

Certified by Conde Nast Johansens, our Amazonian cruises on our own boats (the Anakonda and the Manatee), offer the possibility to discover one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest

Amazon River cruise in Ecuador: Step onto our boats, which boast spacious suites with panoramic windows and breathtaking sun decks. Marvel at the Amazon's beauty and grandeur as it unfolds before you.

Your guides? Local experts who live and breathe the Ecuadorian Amazon. Get ready for enlightening insights and thrilling adventures. Picture a guided forest walk under the stars, revealing the secrets of the night and its creatures. Glide through the water in a canoe to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of parrot clay licks, a true natural wonder. And these are just a glimpse of the incredible activities that await you.

Unlock the Ecuadorian Amazon's treasures on a cruise like no other. Embark on unforgettable activities, guided by experts who call this mystical land home. Your journey into the heart of the Amazon starts here.

For more information, please contact us. We would be delighted to assist you.