OVERVIEW
Embark on an epic Andean adventure, summiting Ecuador’s iconic volcanoes Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Chimborazo (6,268 m), the highest point on Earth from the center. This expedition combines glacier skills, high-altitude challenges, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes, guided by experts for an unforgettable climb.
Day- by-Day Itinerary
Day1: Hike Pasochoa Volcano
Day2: Summit Corazón Volcano
Day3: Summit Iliniza North
Day4: Quilotoa Lagoon Rest Day
Day5: Cotopaxi Refuge
Day6: Summit Cotopaxi
Day7: Baños City Free Day
Day8: Chimborazo High Camp
Day9: Chimborazo Summit
DETAILED ITINERARY
Hike Pasochoa Volcano
Drive 2 hours to Pasochoa parking lot (3,300 m). Hike through forest to summit at 4,230m (13,878 ft). After descent, transfer to El Chaupi village.
Max Altitude
4,230 m (13,878 ft)
Meals
Box Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
~5–6 hours (hike + drive
Summit Corazón Volcano
Start early at 7:00 am from El Chaupi. Drive to trailhead at 4,000 m (13,120 ft). Hike through Andean grasslands, then scramble sandy slopes to Corazón summit. Total hike about 6 hours. Return to lodge.
Max Altitude
4,000 m (13,120 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Box Luch, Dinner
Accomodation
Distance
-
Duration
~6 hours (hike + drive)
Summit Iliniza North
Begin at 7:30 am, driving to La Virgen parking lot at 3,900 m (12,795 ft). Hike 3 hours to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge at 4,750 m (15,580 ft). After a short rest, gear up and continue ascending 2–3 hours to Iliniza Norte summit (5,126 m / 16,818 ft). Return to parking lot (~2 hours), then drive back to El Chaupi.
Max Altitude
5,126 m (16,818 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Box Luch,Dinner
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
~7–8 hours (hike + drive)
Quilotoa Lagoon Rest Day
Depart from El Chaupi in the morning and drive to Quilotoa Lagoon. Along the way, visit an Indian hut and the Tigua community to see their leather crafts. After about 4 hours, arrive at the viewpoint overlooking the crater and turquoise lagoon. Descend for 1 hour to the lagoon’s bottom for photos and rest. After lunch, drive 3 hours back to El Chaupi.
Max Altitude
approx. 3,914 m (12,841 ft) at lagoon rim
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
~8 hours (drive + tour + hike)
Cotopaxi Refuge
Depart El Chaupi heading south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park entrance. Continue east to Cotopaxi parking lot at 4,500 m (14,763 ft). From here, hike about 1 hour to José Rivas Refuge. Enjoy dinner and rest until midnight when you’ll prepare for the final summit climb.
Max Altitude
4,864 m (15,951 ft)
Meals
Dinner
Accomodation
José Rivas Refuge
Distance
-
Duration
~2–3 hours (drive + hike)
Summit Cotopaxi
Wake at midnight for a light breakfast and gear check. Depart around 1:00 AM to ascend Cotopaxi’s summit at 5,897 m (19,347 ft). The climb takes 6 to 8 hours. Enjoy panoramic views from the top before descending 2 to 3 hours back to the refuge. After packing, descend to the parking lot for transfer to Baños city. Overnight at a local hotel.
Max Altitude
Summit at 5,897 m (19,347 ft)
Meals
(Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
-.
Duration
8–11 hours (climb + descent + transfer)
Baños City Free Day
Enjoy a restful day in the vibrant town of Baños. Choose from a variety of activities like visiting the waterfalls route, hiking in the cloud forest, or, for an extra cost, adventure options such as rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Relax and recharge in this beautiful setting.
Max Altitude
1,820 m (5,971 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
(-)
Duration
Flexible, full day
Chimborazo High Camp
Begin the day with a drive to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve and reach the Hermanos Carrel Refuge. From there, hike up to the high camp (Domes) in about 2 to 3 hours. In the afternoon, review and prepare all climbing gear. After dinner and rest, a light breakfast will be served before the midnight summit push.
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), Transfer (110 km)
Duration
2 to 3 (hours)
Chimborazo Summit
At midnight, begin your climb to the summit of Ecuador’s highest peak—Chimborazo (6,268 m / 20,702 ft). The ascent takes 8–9 hours through glacier terrain to reach the closest point to the sun on Earth. After soaking in the majestic views, descend to the refuge in 3–4 hours. Pack up and drive back to Quito.
Max Altitude
6,268 m (20,702 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
-
Duration
~12–13 hours (climb + descent + drive)
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
- 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)
- 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: 9 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.
