Some places remind you just how beautiful Ecuador truly is, and Cerro Puñay is definitely one of them.
This April, during the rainy season, I decided to return to Cerro Puñay with a group of friends for a weekend adventure. I had been there before, but this time felt different. The rain had made the trail more challenging, the ground muddier, and the climb more intense—but somehow, that made the experience even better.
We left Guayaquil on Saturday morning by car, taking the highway through La Troncal. The drive from Guayaquil to Cerro Puñay takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way, making it a perfect weekend escape from the city.
The road trip itself was part of the experience. Once we passed Zhud, the scenery became spectacular—green mountains, fresh air, and the kind of landscapes that remind you why Ecuador is such a hidden gem. The road was in great condition, and I really enjoyed that part of the journey.
Before starting the hike, we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant near the entrance. The food was simple, delicious, and affordable—breakfasts and lunches were around $3.50 to $4, which made the trip even better.
At the entrance, parking was available right in front, and the access fee was only $1 per person.
We started hiking around 1:30 PM. The trail to the summit took us a little over two hours, and we arrived around 3:45 PM. It is not an easy hike, especially if you are not used to climbing. We made several stops along the way to catch our breath. Because of the rainy season, parts of the trail were muddy and slippery, making the ascent feel harder than my previous visit.
Still, the path is very well marked, so there is no real risk of getting lost. Surprisingly, I even had phone signal at the summit.
And then comes the reward: the view.
Honestly, the view from the top is incredible. You feel like you are standing above the clouds. The sunset is unforgettable, and waking up for sunrise the next morning is something I would recommend to anyone visiting. Watching the sky change colors while the mountains slowly appear through the clouds is one of those moments that stays with you.
There are no cabins or shelters at the summit, so if you plan to stay overnight, you need to bring your own tent and all your camping gear. Even though it was not extremely cold for us, temperatures can drop to around 2°C at night, so warm clothing is essential. I strongly recommend bringing a good jacket, extra socks, a flashlight, and rain protection—especially during the rainy season.
Camping there makes the whole experience special. It is not just a hike—it becomes a full escape from the city, from routine, and from noise.
Cerro Puñay is one of those places that proves you do not need to leave Ecuador to experience something extraordinary.
Sometimes, all you need is a tent, good friends, a mountain trail, and a sunrise above the clouds.
