OVERVIEW
DETAILED ITINERARY
Hike Pasochoa Volcano
We will pick you up at 8:00 am. Then we will drive for two hours to get to Pasochoa parking lot. We will then hike through a large forest and when we are in the middle of it, the 4230-meter summit will appear. There is a steep slope on the ascent, but once there we will have beautiful views. We will drive to El Chaupi village. Overnight at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
Max Altitude
4,200 meters (13.779 feet)
Meals
Box Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
11 km (round Trip)
Duration
5 to 9 hours (including summit time)
Summit Corazón Volcano
From El Chaupi village, we will start early in the morning after breakfast at 7:00 am. We will drive up to the trailhead (13,120ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazón summit. The hike is about 4-6 hours long. Return to the Lodge.
Max Altitude
4788 meters (15,78 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Box Luch, Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
8 y 15 km (round Trip)
Duration
4 hours (including summit time)
Summit Iliniza North
We start early in the morning after breakfast at 7:30 am. We will drive up to the “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3.900m). From there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,580ft/4.750m). After resting, we will continue towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then head up to Illiniza North summit. It will take us 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit. The way back to the parking lot takes around 2 hours. Drive back to El Chaupi.
Max Altitude
5.126 meters (16.818 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Box Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
10 km (round Trip)
Duration
6 to 8 hours (including summit time)
Quilotoa Lagoon Rest Day
We’ll leave from El Chaupi in the morning and drive to Quilotoa Lagoon. During the tour, we will stop at an Indian hut and visit the Tigua community to observe their leather crafts. The tour will take about 4 hours, then we’ll arrive at the viewpoint to admire the crater and lagoon. We will descend along a varying road for about an hour to the bottom of the lagoon, where we can take photos and rest. After lunch, we’ll return to El Chaupi after a 3-hour drive.
Max Altitude
3,914 meters (12.841 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
108 km Transfer
Duration
2 (hours hike)
Cotopaxi Refuge
From El Chaupi, we will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until reaching the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From there, we’ll drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m/14,763 ft), then hike for about an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge. We will have dinner and rest until midnight before making our final ascent.
Max Altitude
4,864 meters (15,958 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Cotopaxi Refuge (Jose Rivas)
Distance
1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
Duration
1 hours
Cotopaxi Summit
Midnight will be our wake-up time, and departure to the top will be around 01:00 am after a light breakfast. The climb will take about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit, we’ll take time to take pictures of the crater and surroundings. Then we’ll descend back to the refuge, waking about 2 to 3 hours. After packing our belongings and eating, we’ll head down to the parking lot, where transportation will be ready to take us to Quito.
Max Altitude
(5,897 meters / 19,347 feet)
Meals
(Breakfast/-/)
Accomodation
(-)
Distance
Climb 10 k (round trip).
Duration
5 to 6 hours to the summit.
SERVICES
Include
- Acclimatization Climbing Program
- Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers – 1 guide
- A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
- Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Land transportation and transfers
- Accommodations:
- 4 nights at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
- 1 night at Jose Rivas Refuge
- All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
Not include
- International flight tickets
- Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
- Insurance of any kind
- Tips
- Travel accident and health insurance
- Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
- Other non-specified expenses
IMPORTANT DETAILS
In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons
High Season: June to August / December to January
Low season: February to May / September to November
Ecuador is a fantastic destination that offers plenty of options for travel lovers. In addition to the Andes, Galápagos and Amazon Jungle are also part of this amazing land.
About this tour
Difficulty: Demanding
Places: ✅ *Available
Trip-code: Number 🔺Ec +593
Duration: 6 days
Participants: Minimum: 2 Maximum: 12
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
Legend Booking-information
EZZ – Single room supplement
- On this trip, places are still available.
- On this trip, only a few places left.
- This trip is sold out / closed.
MAPS
EQUIPMENT
- Head torch
- Helmet
- Sun Glasses
- Buff/ Warm cap
- Backpack
- First layer
- Second layer
- Third layers (Waterproof Windbreaks, Waterproof pants)
- Mittens/Gloves
- Harness
- Inside gloves
- Carabiners
- Thermal pants
- Ice ax
- Dynamic Rope
- Thermal Lycra
- Gaiters
- Socks Mountain
- Crampons
- Mountaineering boots
- Sleeping Bag
- Battery Groups AAA
- Sunscreen
- Trekking Poles
- Thermo / Canteen for Water
- Energy bars
FAQ
1. What is the best time of year to climb in Ecuador?
Our tours typically include certified guides, transportation, accommodation, meals, and any necessary equipment for your activities. Specific inclusions vary depending on the tour, so be sure to check the detailed itinerary.
2. Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Not necessarily.
- For Cotopaxi: Beginners with good fitness can join a summit program if they complete acclimatization hikes and receive basic glacier training.
- For Chimborazo and Cayambe: Prior glacier experience is highly recommended due to higher altitudes and longer summit pushes.
3. How important is acclimatization?
Acclimatization is critical. To prevent altitude sickness and improve summit chances, we recommend spending 3 to 5 days hiking at altitudes above 3,000 meters before attempting any summit over 5,000 m. Our acclimatization programs are designed to help your body adjust progressively.
4. Is a certified guide required
Yes. For safety and legal reasons, glaciated peaks like Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana require an ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified mountain guide. All our guides meet this standard and have extensive experience in the Andes.
5. What gear do I need?
For glacier climbs, you need:
- Double insulated mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
- Headlamp
- Warm base layers, down jacket, and waterproof outer layers
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses, backpack
We offer rental equipment if you don’t own the necessary gear.
6. Can I rent mountain equipment in Ecuador?
Yes! We provide high-quality rental equipment at our base in El Chaupi, including boots, crampons, helmets, harnesses, and more. Let us know your sizes in advance so we can reserve your gear.
7. What happens if I don’t reach the summit?
Reaching the summit is a goal, but your safety is the priority. If weather, altitude, or health conditions require turning back, our guides will make the best decision for your well-being. We always aim to provide a rewarding and safe experience, regardless of the summit outcome.
8. How many climbers per guide?
- 1:1 or 2:1 ratio for glacier climbs (1 guide for every 1 or 2 climbers).
- This is the international safety standard for climbs on Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and similar peaks.
9. Where do we stay before and after the climbs?
We use Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge, located in El Chaupi (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), as our base for acclimatization and logistics. The lodge offers:
- Comfortable beds
- Hot showers
- Healthy meals
- Breathtaking views of Iliniza, Corazón, and Cotopaxi
- It’s also the perfect spot for nearby acclimatization hikes like Saquihua (3,900 m) and Corazón (4,786 m).
10. How difficult are the climbs?
- Cotopaxi (5,897 m): Intermediate – requires good fitness and acclimatization.
- Chimborazo (6,268 m): Advanced – higher altitude, longer summit push, more demanding.
- Cayambe (5,790 m): Intermediate to advanced – technical sections and glacier travel.
- Iliniza Norte (5,126 m): Non-glaciated – great acclimatization peak.
- Iliniza Sur (5,263 m): Technical glacier climb – advanced climbers only.
11. What fitness level is required?
You should be in good physical condition, with experience hiking for 6–8 hours with a backpack. Cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance are essential. We recommend training hikes, running, or cycling at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
12. Do I need travel or climbing insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes high-altitude mountaineering and emergency evacuation. Make sure your policy clearly covers activities over 5,000 meters.
13. What if I’m traveling solo?
No problem! Many of our climbers come solo. You can:
- Join an existing group (based on dates and availability), or
- Book a private guide for a custom experience.
- Let us know your travel dates and goals—we’ll find the best option for you.
14. How do I get to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge or the starting point?
We offer private transportation from Quito or Latacunga directly to the lodge or trailhead. You can also take public buses to El Chaupi, but we recommend our logistics support for ease and safety.
15. Can I combine several climbs in one trip?
Absolutely! We offer multi-peak packages such as:
- Cotopaxi + Chimborazo (9-day tour)
- Cotopaxi Summit + Acclimatization Package (5-7 days)
- Climb Iliniza Norte, Cayambe, and Cotopaxi in one trip
- These allow you to gradually acclimatize and increase your summit success.
