OVERVIEW
Ecuador and its famous Avenue of The Volcanoes are one of the best places of the world for those who love mountaineering activities, variety of landscapes and challenging surfaces. This time we invite you to a very exciting hiking and ice climbing adventure across the green lands, the secret paths and the snow-covered peaks located along the Ecuador Line.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Arrival to Quito
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where your Trip Advisor will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital. Take the rest of the day to relax and start acclimating to the altitude.
Max Altitude
2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
Meals
Breakfast,Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Comfortable hotel in Quito
Distance
40 km from the airport
Duration
45 – minutes transfer
Hike Pasochoa
We will pick you up at 8:00 a.m. Then we will drive for two hours to get to the Pasochoa parking lot. We will then hike through a large forest and when we are in the middle of it, a 4230-meter summit will appear. There is a steep sloop on the ascent, but once there we will have beautiful views. We will drive to El Chaupi village. Overnight at Iliniza Mountain Lodge.
Max Altitude
4230 meters (13,778 feet)
Meals
Breakfast,Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
40-45 km
Duration
1 hour
Corazón Volcano Summit
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 (15,708 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Box Luch, Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
10 km
Duration
4-6 hours (including summit time)
Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Our adventure starts in the morning at 10:00 am. We´ll drive to La Virgen parking lot (3,900m), the starting point of our trek. From here, we embark on a 3-hour hike through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, ascending to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge. The air thins as we gain altitude, and the beauty of the Andean highlands surrounds us with every step.
Max Altitude
4,700 meters (15,420 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Distance
5 km
Duration
2-3 hour
Iliniza Norte Summit
Our climbing day starts at 5 am. We will have a light breakfast, pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later. We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/ 5.126 m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful surroundings.
Max Altitude
5,126 meters (16,818 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
10 km
Duration
4-6 hour (including summit time)
Cotopaxi Refuge
From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here we will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m/14,763 ft) then we’ll hike up for around an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge. 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 (15,953 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Cotopaxi Refuge (Jose Rivas)
Distance
1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
Duration
1 hour hike
Summit Cotopaxi
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 getting 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 to the refuge, which 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 the Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
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
Baños City Free day
This is a relaxing day; in this beautiful town you can do different activities that can be purchased on behalf of the passengers. 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
1800 meters (5,905 feet)
Meals
Breakfast,Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños City
Distance
60 km
Duration
-
Chimborazo High Camp
In the morning at 10:00 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 the high camp once here; we will stay in the Domes. 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 or Domes
Distance
2.5 km hike
Duration
2 to 3 hours (hike including breaks)
Transfer
Transfer (110 km) – Drive from Baños
Chimborazo Summit
At midnight we will start our climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest volcano, Chimborazo, which will take us about 8 to 9 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
Overnight in 4 – season tents or Domes
Distance
9 km (Round Trip)
Duration
5 to 7 hours to the summit (including breaks)
Transfer
230 km- Drive to Quito
Deaperture to home
After a final breakfast overlooking the Andes, enjoy a private transfer to the airport. Depart Ecuador with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and luxurious moments. Until next time, Ecuador awaits your return!
Max Altitude
2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
Meals
(Breakfast/-/ -)
Accomodation
confortable hotel in Quito
Distance
40 km from Quito
Duration
45- minutes transfer
SERVICES
Include
- Mountain Climbing Local Insurance
- Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM ratio 2 climbers – 1 guide)
- Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Land transportation and transfers
- National parks fees and permits
- Registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity)
- Accommodation:
- 4 nights at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
- 1 night at Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
- 1 night at Jose Rivas Refuge
- 1 night at Hotel in Baños
- 2 nights in Domes (Chimborazo High Camp)
- All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
- Tents, and camping utensils for high camp
Not include
- International flight tickets
- Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
- Insurance of any kind
- Hotels in Quito
- 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: 11 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.
