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.
Day- by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Summit Iliniza Norte
Day 2: Quilotoa Lagoon Rest Day
Day 3: Cotopaxi Refuge
Day 4: Cotopaxi Summit
Day 5: Baños City Free Day
Day 6: Chimborazo High Camp
Day 7: Chimborazo Summit
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Summit Iliniza Norte
Begin at 8:00 AM with a drive to La Virgen parking lot (3,900 m). Hike 3 hours to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,750 m), then gear up for the ascent to Iliniza Norte summit at 5,126 m. Descend back to the parking lot in about 2 hours and return to El Chaupi for overnight at Iliniza Mountain Lodge.
Max Altitude
5,126 m (16,824 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza Mountain Lodge
Distance
Duration
Full day
Day 2: Quilotoa Lagoon Rest Day
Leave El Chaupi in the morning for a visit to Quilotoa Lagoon, including stops at an indigenous hut and the Tigua community. After reaching the crater viewpoint, hike down one hour to the lagoon’s edge for photos and rest. Return to El Chaupi after lunch.
Max Altitude
3,914 m (12,841 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation
Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
Full day
Day 3: Cotopaxi Refuge
From El Chaupi, drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park entrance. Continue east to the Cotopaxi parking lot at 4,500 m, then hike about one hour to José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m. After dinner and rest, prepare for the final summit ascent starting at midnight.
Max Altitude
4,864 meters (15,958 feet)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
José Rivas Refuge
Distance
-
Duration
Half-day hike and acclimatization
Day 4: Cotopaxi Summit
Wake before midnight to prepare for departure at 1:00 AM to summit Cotopaxi at 5,897 m (19,347 ft). After a light breakfast, begin the 6–8 hour climb. At the summit, enjoy views and photos before descending 2–3 hours back to the refuge. After packing and a meal, descend to the parking lot for transport to Baños. Overnight at a hotel.
Max Altitude
Summit at 5,897 m (19,347 ft)t)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
-
Duration
Full-day climb and transfer
Day 5: Baños City Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Baños, a charming town offering a variety of activities available for purchase. Options include hiking the waterfall route, exploring the cloud forest, and, for an additional cost, rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horseback riding,and more. Overnight at the hotel.
Max Altitude
1,820 m (5,971 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
-
Duration
Full day free to explore
Day 6: Chimborazo High Camp
Meet your guides at 9:00 AM and drive to Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Arrive at Hermanos Carrel Refuge, then hike 2 to 3 hours to High Camp at 5,300 m. Settle into tents, prepare and check gear in the afternoon. After dinner, rest until 11:00 PM. A light breakfast will be served before the early ascent.
Max Altitude
5,300 meters (17,388 feet)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation
Tents at High Camp
Distance
-
Duration
Half-day hike and acclimatization
Day 7: Chimborazo Summit
Begin your Chimborazo summit climb at midnight. The ascent to the 6,268 m (20,702 ft) summit takes approximately 5 to 7 hours. After enjoying the views and rest at the top, descend back to the refuge in 3 to 4 hours. Once there, pack your gear and transfer to Quito.
Max Altitude
6,268 meters (20,702 feet)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
-
Distance
-
Duration
Full-day climb and transfer
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.
