Resources for running in Ecuador · Trail Running Ecuador

Before you run here

Four short guides with their sources. Checked October 5, 2026.

Quito and Cuenca are above 2,500 m, and several highland races go above 4,000 m. Altitude sickness can start from about 2,450 m.
If you are coming from the coast or from abroad, arrive early: two or three nights at the height of Quito or Cuenca before going higher protect you a lot.
For the first two days, keep exercise light and skip alcohol.
A headache with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness is altitude sickness. Don't go higher while it lasts.
Shortness of breath at rest, confusion or stumbling are an emergency: go down at once and call 911.
If you are thinking of taking medication to prevent it, ask a doctor first.

Each race publishes its list in the rules or the runner's guide. Read it before you sign up: there is usually a kit check, and runners without the kit can be disqualified.
Mountain races almost always ask for a waterproof jacket, a space blanket, a whistle, a headlamp, a charged phone, and water (often 1 to 2 litres) with some food.
At altitude the weather changes fast. Some races switch on a cold-weather kit (hat, arm or leg cover, jacket) or a hot-weather kit (more water) a few hours before the start, announced by email and social media.
Save the organizers' emergency number in your phone and download the map before you go: there isn't always signal on the páramo.

Highlands: two rainy seasons, February to May and October to November.
Coast: the rainy season runs from December to May.
Amazon: it rains all year; the wettest months are March to May and October, the driest August and September.
In the rain, páramo and forest trails turn to mud and rivers rise. Check whether the race has a bad-weather route, and wear shoes with good grip.
2026–2027: El Niño is strengthening. In September 2026 the ERFEN committee warned that the last quarter of the year will decide whether the coast and Galápagos get above-normal rain.
For the forecast on race days, check INAMHI.

Both systems measure effort in km-effort: each kilometre counts 1 and each 100 m of climb adds 1 more. A 45 km race with 1,500 m of climb is 60 km-effort.
ITRA points (0 to 6): earned by finishing an ITRA-evaluated race, according to its effort. They count once the organizer uploads the results; you only need an ITRA account (membership isn't required).
UTMB Index: UTMB's own index, separate from ITRA's, in four categories: 20K, 50K, 100K and 100M. It becomes active when you finish a UTMB Index or UTMB World Series race in that category within the last 24 months.
Running Stones are entries in the draw for the finals in Chamonix (UTMB, CCC and OCC). You earn them at by UTMB races such as Quito Trail by UTMB: 1 for a 20K, 2 for a 50K, 3 for a 100K and 4 for a 100M. To enter the draw you need at least one from the last two years and a valid UTMB Index in the category.
The races in Ecuador that count for the UTMB Index are in the calendar. See UTMB Index races

For maps without signal and calling for help from your phone.

Organic Maps
Offline maps based on OpenStreetMap, useful as a lightweight backup for navigation and landmarks.
Mapy.com
Topographic maps and route planning with offline mode; check coverage and download limits before an outing.
ECU 911 app
Page for the ECU 911 emergency app.

Official maps to download before you go.

Cajas National Park map (PDF)
The official Cajas National Park map with routes, trails, services and checkpoints.
Official maps of Ecuador
National cartographic downloads from the Instituto Geográfico Militar: physical, geographic, thematic and hazard maps.
Open-access cartography
Continuous base maps, metadata and official geospatial services for GIS research before exploring new routes or areas.

Worth reading before a trip to El Cajas.

Routes and trails in Cajas National Park
The official ETAPA EP page with visitor routes, natural context and park information.
Cajas National Park management plan (PDF)
An official technical document covering zoning, management and the protected area's ecological context.
Cajas National Park rules and recommendations
The park administrator's official guidance on permitted activities, signs and visitor rules.

To check a race, a protected area or a public service at the source.

Asociación Ecuatoriana de Trail
The national source for the TRYMEC championship, rankings, regulations and qualifying events for Ecuador's trail and mountain running teams.
National system of protected areas
Ecuador's official protected areas portal, with area profiles, categories and administration details.
Cajas National Park · ETAPA EP
The local administrator of Cajas National Park: access, information, routes and visiting rules.
IGM Geoportal
Maps, geospatial services and downloads from Ecuador's Instituto Geográfico Militar.
Servicio Integrado de Seguridad ECU 911
The official site of Ecuador's ECU 911 emergency service.

Rankings, points and rules for trail and mountain running.

International Trail Running Association
An international reference for race profiles, ITRA points and trail running sporting criteria.
World Mountain Running Association
The world mountain running organization, with the sport's calendar, regulations and news.

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