Running Trails | Living the Life in Ecuador
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Enjoy amazing weather, easy access to high elevations, and stunning views of the breathtaking Andes along Ecuador’s running trails. Lentag, Cuenca, and the Yunguilla Valley are home to some of the best paths, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Cuenca
Cuenca gives runners and hikers access to the nearby El Cajas National Park, which is 20 miles west of the city. It’s a gateway to the northern Andes, where the trekking is accessible, and the weather mild for the most part.
The climb to elevations of about 10,000 feet brings you across grass, shrub, and lichen, and round gnarled trees lining the shorelines of some of the park’s 270 lakes and lagoons. There are vistas of hills and valleys that make up the terrain of the 1,10.2-square-mile park.
Wildlife sightings consist mostly of giant hummingbirds poking at the agave plants. There’s a separate multi-day Inca trail, which may you may want to explore at another time.
Lentag
Runners will love the temperate climate and gorgeous vistas of Lentag. This sparsely-populated area has an elevation of 1,596 meters above sea level and offers miles of wide open space where runners sweep past verdant fields.
Runners can tackle off-road trails or challenge themselves through the steep hillsides of this stunning area in Azuay province.
August is the warmest month, with temperatures of around 81°F at high noon. July is the driest month, while September is the coldest with temperatures dropping to 57°F at night.
Yunguilla Valley
An elongated valley located around 70 miles southwest of Cuenca, Yunguilla Valley is one of the best places for running. In Giron, which is 7,000 feet above sea level, runners will enjoy the sight of the picturesque town at the approach. They’ll also see areas planted to sugarcane and fruit trees, and enjoy the verdant hills that coddle the valley.
If you’re a dedicated endurance runner, Ecuador offers three areas that will test your ultra running skills. Check them out here.