My 2025 Fuya Fuya Hiking Day Trip: An Honest Review

I mean, you’ve probably seen pictures of the huge volcanoes in Ecuador and thought about hiking one. That was definitely me, anyway, before I booked this day trip to Fuya Fuya. It’s almost this legendary day hike from Otavalo, so a lot of people talk about it. So, I decided to give it a go this year to see if it lived up to the hype, you know? To be honest, standing in the Andes, with the cold wind on your face, is a feeling that is really quite hard to put into words. It’s pretty much an experience that sticks with you. This isn’t just about bagging a peak; basically, it’s about feeling the vastness of the mountains around you and, seriously, pushing yourself just a little bit.

What to Actually Expect from the Drive Up

Frankly, the adventure sort of starts well before you ever put your boots on the trail. The ride up from Otavalo is, like, a whole event in itself. You’ll leave the paved roads behind pretty quickly, and in that case, the journey turns into a bumpy ride on a cobblestone and dirt track that climbs higher and higher. Our driver was absolutely great, taking the corners at a speed that felt just a little exciting but always safe. We were actually pressed against the windows, watching the scenery completely change from green fields to the more rugged páramo. Sometimes you can see local folks herding sheep, a sight that’s really timeless. By the way, this drive is where you really start to feel the altitude. I mean, we were climbing to nearly 4,000 meters, so taking it easy and drinking water was something everyone was doing. It’s actually a really good introduction to what’s coming next.

The First Steps on the Trail: Mojanda Lake Views

Okay, so after the drive, you get out of the vehicle and the first thing that hits you is, like, the amazing view of Laguna Grande de Mojanda. It’s a huge caldera lake with this deep, dark blue water that’s honestly just mesmerizing. The air is so crisp and thin up there; every breath feels more or less significant. So the trail starts off fairly gentle, winding its way through the unique páramo vegetation. The ground is sort of spongy, covered in ichu grass and these funny-looking frailejones plants that almost seem like they belong on another planet. The path is pretty clear at the beginning, you know, and the views back towards the lake just keep getting better with every single step. We spent a bit of time just standing there, trying to take it all in, which was definitely a good idea.

The Scramble to the First Summit

After a moderately easy start, the trail pretty much points straight up. This is where the real work begins, I mean, and your legs and lungs will start talking to you. The path turns from a dirt track into a rocky scramble that honestly requires you to use your hands in some spots. It’s not technical rock climbing or anything, right, but you definitely have to pay attention to your footing. We were all going at our own pace, stopping often to catch our breath and, of course, to pretend we were just admiring the view. The group was actually very supportive, with everyone cheering each other on. That really helps a lot, you know. Still, it’s a very manageable section for anyone with a decent fitness level who has been on a few hikes before.

Is It Really That Difficult?

So, you are probably wondering just how hard this part is. To be honest, it’s a bit of a challenge, mostly because of the altitude. You feel a little breathless more or less constantly. The path is steep, and there are a couple of false summits that kind of play with your mind a little bit. You see what looks like the top, get there, and then, you know, realize you have a little more to go. It’s a pretty classic mountain thing, frankly. It’s arguably more of a mental game than a physical one at some points. As a matter of fact, as long as you are acclimatized, take your time, and drink plenty of water, it’s very achievable. Just don’t expect a simple walk, that’s for sure.

Reaching the True Summit of Fuya Fuya

And then, finally, you get there. You pull yourself over that last rocky bit and suddenly, you are on the top of Fuya Fuya, standing at 4,263 meters (or about 13,986 feet). Seriously, the feeling is absolutely incredible. On a clear day, the views are just panoramic and utterly jaw-dropping. We could literally see everything. The entire Mojanda lake complex was laid out below us, looking almost like a map. In the distance, we could spot the massive shapes of volcanoes like Imbabura, Cotacachi, and even the snow-capped peak of Cayambe. I just stood there for a while, turning in a slow circle, because my brain couldn’t quite process the scale of it all. At the end of the day, this view is why you do the hike.

Tips for the Best Summit Photos

Of course, you’ll want to get some good pictures up there. One good tip is to walk a little way along the summit ridge, so you can get a shot that includes both you and the massive drop down to the lakes. Honestly, that perspective is what shows the scale of the place. Having someone take a picture of you looking out towards the distant volcanoes is also, you know, a classic shot. And by the way, use a wide-angle setting if your camera or phone has one; it’s practically impossible to fit everything in otherwise. The light is often very harsh at midday, so just be mindful of that for your shots.

The Hike Back Down and a Well-Deserved Rest

Getting down is, in some respects, a completely different challenge. It’s a bit faster, of course, but that steep, scrambly section is kind of tough on the knees. You have to be pretty careful with your steps on the loose rock and gravel, frankly. Hiking poles would have been a really smart idea right about here. The view is obviously amazing on the way down, too, with the lake getting closer and closer. Once we reached the gentler páramo trail again, everyone seemed to relax a little, and we were all just buzzing with a kind of tired satisfaction. Getting back to the car felt like a huge accomplishment. After the hike, the tour usually includes a stop for a late lunch, which, to be honest, tastes like the best meal you’ve ever had.

Packing Smart: What You Genuinely Need

So, if you’re going, packing the right gear is kind of a big deal. The weather in the Andes can change in a flash, so you literally need to be prepared for anything. I was so glad I brought layers; I mean, I went from wearing just a t-shirt while climbing in the sun to needing a fleece, a rain jacket, a hat, and gloves at the windy summit. Good hiking boots with ankle support are an absolute must for those rocky parts, seriously. Don’t even think about doing this in sneakers. And obviously, bring way more water than you think you’ll need, and pack some high-energy snacks like nuts or chocolate. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also non-negotiable, you know, since the sun is incredibly strong at that altitude, even when it’s cloudy.

You really do feel on top of the world up there, and every step of the climb is completely paid off by that 360-degree view. It’s honestly a memory I’ll hold onto.

A Few Final Thoughts on the 2025 Trip

So, at the end of the day, is the Fuya Fuya day hike worth it? Absolutely, one hundred percent. It’s a pretty much perfect combination of physical challenge, stunning natural beauty, and that amazing feeling of accomplishing something. It’s an ideal hike for someone who is reasonably fit, has some hiking experience, and is looking for an accessible high-altitude adventure without needing mountaineering gear. Honestly, it was a highlight of my time in the Otavalo area. It gives you a real taste of the high Andes that’s more or less accessible within a single day. You will definitely feel tired afterward, but you’ll also feel incredibly proud and pretty much re-energized by the experience.

Key Takeaways for Your Hike

The altitude is a very real thing, so definitely try to spend a day or two in Otavalo or Quito to acclimatize first.
I mean, the views of Laguna Mojanda from the trail are unbelievably beautiful from the very beginning.
The scrambly sections are sort of challenging, you know, but totally doable for most people who are in good shape.
As a matter of fact, pack layers for four seasons in one day; sun, wind, rain, and cold are all possible.
Seriously, it’s one of the best day trips you can do from Otavalo for an authentic Andean mountain experience.

Read our full review: Fuya Fuya Hiking Day Trip 2025 Full Review and Details

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