At ages 82 and 73, an American couple challenged themselves with a high-altitude trek through Ecuador’s Andes. Despite physical obstacles, they completed the 22-mile journey with determination and awe.
When a friend completed the Quilotoa Loop — a scenic, high-altitude trek in the Ecuadorian Andes — it sparked the curiosity of an older couple. Though in their 80s and 70s, they were no strangers to long-distance walking. The 22-mile route, which climbs up to 13,000 feet along the rim of a volcanic crater lake, called to them. This April, they decided to take on the challenge themselves. Despite the difficulty, they say the experience was unforgettable.
Before setting off, the couple spent two days in Quito to adjust to the elevation. They then traveled two and a half hours by Uber to a quiet hostel in the mountain village of Sigchos. With the rainy season keeping most hikers away, they were the only guests. Local farmers and shepherds — toughened by daily life at high altitudes — made up most of the people they saw.
That night, after enjoying a home-cooked meal of potato soup, beans, cheese, corn, and bread, the woman had a restless sleep. She worried about the couple’s endurance and the chance of heavy rain during the hike.
Each morning, they rose before 7 a.m., fueled by hearty breakfasts. Although their daily distance ranged between six to eight miles, the high elevation demanded more effort. The steep, muddy terrain posed constant challenges.
The woman had a metal plate and pins in her ankle, which caused stiffness and pain. Her husband still dealt with fatigue after undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma the year before. Despite their conditions, they pressed on, taking slow and steady steps.
On the first day, the couple encountered a surprise. Just an hour outside Sigchos, a massive mudslide blocked the trail — a hazard not shown on their map app. They were forced to backtrack and find another route.
Eventually, they crossed a creek and began climbing the other side of a canyon, trudging through slick, mossy paths. They finally reached a paved road and spotted their destination, the village of Isinlivi. Though it appeared nearby, it took another hour of steep hiking to arrive. The six-mile hike, which included a 1,450-foot climb, took them six hours to complete.
Their first night’s hostel in Isinlivi exceeded expectations. It felt like a boutique retreat, complete with homemade meals, a fireplace, wifi, a bar, a spa, and even yoga classes. With only one other family staying — a couple from Israel and their adult son — the owner offered the American couple a private cottage for the price of a single room. Though the man wanted to rest another day, his wife encouraged them to continue the hike. She later admitted she wished they had stayed.
Other hostels along the route weren’t as luxurious but still offered unique touches, such as steam rooms infused with eucalyptus leaves. On the second night, the woman stayed in the warm steam for a full hour, listening to the rain outside and breathing in the fresh scent.
The third day presented the toughest challenge — a 3,650-foot climb to the crater rim. When the woman reached the top and looked into the turquoise lake below, she felt both awe and exhaustion. Their destination, the tourist village of Quilotoa, was still more than an hour away.
Unfortunately, they missed a trail turnoff and added another hour to their journey. Rain poured down for the first time during the trek, soaking them thoroughly. At the hostel in Quilotoa, the caretakers welcomed them with a wood fire and a warm meal of lentil soup and homemade bread.
Despite the strain and discomfort, the couple described the experience as mystical. The simple act of walking, surrounded by vibrant green ridges, deep valleys, and grazing llamas and cows, filled them with wonder. The woman said the landscape made her feel like she was seeing the color green for the first time.
Back at sea level, she now carries the memory of the strong, resilient farmers and shepherds she met along the way. Their strength inspired her. The trek reminded both her and her husband of what they are still capable of, even in their 70s and 80s.
SEO Title: Couple in Their 70s and 80s Hike Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop
SEO Description: At 82 and 73, a couple completed the 22-mile Quilotoa Loop trek in Ecuador, proving age is no limit to adventure and endurance.
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