Ecuador Volcano Ultra is a 80km ultra marathon in Quito, Ecuador. Distance: 80km. Elevation: 3,500m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 47/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 16h. Surface: trail. Established 2017.

80km challenging mountainous volcanic trail high-altitude

Ecuador Volcano Ultra

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

"80km through Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes at 4,200m. Cotopaxi views."

Challenging

Distance 80km

Elevation Gain ↑3,500m

Surface trail

DNF Rate 15%

Cutoff 16h

What Makes It Unique

A mountain ultra through Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes at altitude.

The Course

A high-altitude ultra through Ecuador's "Avenue of the Volcanoes" — a highland corridor between two Andean ranges lined with the highest active volcanoes on earth. The route runs at 3,500-4,200m through the páramo (high-altitude grassland unique to tropical mountains), past volcanic lakes, and through indigenous Q'uechua villages. Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Chimborazo (6,263m) are visible on clear days. The thin air at race altitude reduces oxygen by 35-40%, and the equatorial sun at 4,000m burns with an intensity that surprises runners from temperate climates.

Profile

mountainous

Topology

loop

Aid Stations

Highest Point

4,200m

No Crew Access

No Pacers

Yes Mandatory Gear

Runner Experience

Scenery 5/5

Organization 3/5

Community 3/5

Aid Stations

Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.

Post-Race Culture

Post-race gathering with awards, food, and shared stories. The ultra community spirit is strong at Ecuador Volcano Ultra.

Race Day Weather

Temperature

8°C

Humidity

55%

Rain Chance

25%

Conditions

Ecuadorian highlands — cool, thin air, unpredictable weather.

Stats & Records

Established

2017

Finishers

150

Avg Finish

12:00:00

Entry

Entry Cost

USD 100

Opens

February

Sells Out

months

Max Starters: 250

Official Website →

Lore & Trivia

Ecuador's volcano ultra takes runners through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" — a highland corridor between two Andean ranges lined with the highest active volcanoes in the world. The route passes within sight of Cotopaxi (5,897m), Chimborazo (6,263m — technically the farthest point from the earth's centre), and a dozen other volcanic peaks. At 3,500-4,200m, every step is an altitude test. Ecuador's indigenous running tradition dates back centuries — Chasqui messengers ran these same highland routes connecting the Inca Empire.

▸ Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes was named by Alexander von Humboldt in 1802.
▸ Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at 5,897m.
▸ Quito sits at 2,850m — runners start pre-acclimatized.
▸ Established in 2017.
▸ Total elevation gain: 3500m.

Running the Avenue of the Volcanoes — Cotopaxi on one side, Chimborazo on the other, and you're gasping at 4,000 metres in between.

— An Ecuador Ultra runner On the volcanic corridor setting

Notable Editions

2021

Cotopaxi Eruption Scare

Increased volcanic activity at Cotopaxi in the months before the race raised concerns about course safety. The race proceeded on a modified route, with runners casting nervous glances at the smoking volcano on the horizon.