OVERVIEW:
This itinerary is designed to optimize acclimatization and safety while exploring some of Ecuador’s most breathtaking peaks. With expert ASEGUIM-certified guides, high-quality technical equipment, and well-planned logistics, you will progressively build altitude experience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable climb.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Summit Iliniza Norte
We start early in the morning 08:00, we will be driving up to the “La Virgen parking lot”
(12,795ft/3.900m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,580ft/4.750m). We will relax for couple of minutes and we took the opportunity to put our helmet and harness for continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then head up to Illiniza north summit; it will take us between 2 to 3 hours to get to the summit (5126m), the way back to the parking lot it will take us between 2 hours. Drive back to El Chaupi. Overnight at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
Max Altitude
5.126 meters (16.818 feet)
Meals
Box Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
Distance
10 km (round Trip)
Duration
6 to 8 hours (including summit time)
Day 2: Quilotoa Lagoon Rest Day
We’ll leave from El Chaupi in the morning and will drive the Quilotoa Lagoon; during the tour we will stop at an Indian hut. After we will visit the Tigua community to observe the leather crafts that people make in these places. The tour will take us about 4 hours later, we’ll arrive the viewpoint where you can observe the magnitude of the crater and its lagoon background. We will descend along an irregular road; the walk will take us one hour until arrived bottom of the lagoon, there we will have taken photos and rest. After lunch we will back to El Chaupi in about 3 hours driving.
Max Altitude
3,914 meters (12.841 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
Distance
108 km Transfer
Duration
2 (hours hike)
Day 3: Cotopaxi Refuge
From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m) then we’ll hike up for around an hour to the Jose Rivas Refuge (4,864m). Then we will have dinner and rest until midnight. At this point we will pack our belongings and get ready to make 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 hour
Day 4: Cotopaxi Summit
Midnight will be our wake-up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5.897m) will be around 01h00, not before having a light breakfast and get our stuff ready for the ascent, the climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit we’ll take our time to take pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head down back the refuge, which it will take us 2 to 3 hours. Once at the refuge will pack our belongings, have something to eat and go down to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to take us to Baños city. Overnight in the hotel.
Max Altitude
5,897 meters (19,347 feet)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel Chimenea
Distance
Climb 10 k (round trip), Transfer 115 Km
Duration
5 to 6 hours to the summit, 3-hour transfer to Baños
Day 5: Baños City Free Day
This is a relaxing day; in this beautiful town you can do it different activities that can be purchased on behalf of the passenger. It’s a free day its surroundings offer many possibilities like: the route of the waterfalls, hikes inside the “cloud forest”, besides, depending on our interest, with an extra cost, we could try rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. Night in hotel.
Max Altitude
1,800 meters (59,055 feet)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel Chimenea
Distance
-
Duration
Full day
Day 6: Chimborazo High Camp
In the morning at 9:00 am we will meet with the guides to drive to the Chimborazo wildlife reserve. We will arrive at the refuge Hermanos carrel from there we will start the hike to the High camp in approximately 2 to 3 hours we get to camp once here, we will accommodate in our tents. In the afternoon we will prepare and double check all the gear for the climbing. Where we’ll have dinner and get some rest until 23h00. There will be an early light breakfast served just before getting ready with our gear and start heading up
Max Altitude
5,300 meters (17,388 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Overnight in 4- season tents
Distance
2.5 km (hike),Transfer (110 km)
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Day 7: Chimborazo Summit
At midnight we will start our climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest volcano, Chimborazo, which will take us about 5 to 7 hours. We’ll get to the summit (20,702ft/6268) in the early hours the perfect spot for resting and pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the refuge; it will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in refuge we’ll pack our gear, where our transportation will be ready to drive up to Quito
Max Altitude
6,268 meters (20,702 feet)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
-
Distance
9 km (Round Trip)
Duration
5 to 7 hours to the summit (including breaks)
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:
✓ 2 night at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
✓ 1 night at Jose Rivas Refuge
✓ 2 nights at Hotel Chimenea
✓ 1 night in Domes (Chimborazo High Camp)
✓ All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
Not include
➢ International flight tickets
➢ Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
➢ Hotels in Quito
➢ Insurance of any kin
➢ 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: 5 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
- Warm hat/ Wool Cap
- Sunglasses
- Buff
- Base layers
- Daypack (25–35L)
- Gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking Poles
- Trekking Pants
- Trekking boots or Shoes
- Trekking Sicks
- Fleece jacket or down jacket.
- Quick-dry shirts
- Sun hat or cap
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
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
6.What is the weather like during this trip?
Expect a mix of cool mountain weather (5–15°C / 41–59°F) in Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, and mild to warm weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F) in Baños. Rain is possible year-round, especially in the afternoons, so bring waterproof layers.
7.Can I customize or extend the itinerary?
Absolutely! You can add an extra day in Quito, continue to the Amazon or Galápagos, or upgrade accommodations. Contact us directly to customize your experience.
8. Is this tour family-friendly or suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families with older children (12+), and small groups. You’ll meet like-minded adventurers and be accompanied by local experts every step of the way.
9.How do I book this trip and what’s the cancellation policy?
You can book directly through our website or by contacting us via email at info@cotopaxi-travel.com or WhatsApp +593 981 333 483.
Our cancellation policy offers flexibility — free cancellation up to 15 days before departure. For full terms, visit our booking conditions.
