Will I Survive My First Trek In Loja, Ecuador?

After spending a month enjoying city life in Loja, Ecuador, I finally decided it was time to get out into the countryside and see what all the fuss was about. The only problem? I was completely out of shape. My first trekking adventure in Ecuador took me to the small town of Jimbilla, located about an hour north-east of Loja. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery, it seemed like the perfect introduction to hiking in Ecuador. After a much-needed breakfast, our group set off on a six-hour round-trip trek through some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. The route took us to the stunning Monte Cristi Waterfall before continuing higher into the mountains towards a summit that always seemed just a little bit further away. The scenery was absolutely incredible. Massive valleys, endless green hills, waterfalls, rivers, and views that stretched for miles in every direction. Every time I thought the landscape couldn't get any better, it somehow did. What surprised me most was just how challenging the trek turned out to be. The hills were steeper, the distances longer, and my fitness level considerably lower than I would have liked. Thankfully, the guides were patient, encouraging, and determined to get me to the finish line. Despite the aching legs and occasional questioning of my life choices, this turned out to be one of the best trekking experiences I've ever had. In fact, I'd rank it alongside some of my favourite adventures in Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. The entire trip cost just $13, including transportation and guides, making it one of the best-value adventures I've found anywhere in South America. A huge thank you to the Loja Trekking Club for organising such a fantastic day out. If you're visiting Loja and enjoy the outdoors, I highly recommend checking them out. #Ecuador #Trekking #AdventureTravel #Loja