OVERVIEW:
DETAILED ITINERARY
Arrival in the Amazon and Canoe Transfer to the Lodge
Your journey begins in Lago Agrio. From there, we drive to the Cuyabeno Bridge and board a motorized canoe for a scenic ride along the Cuyabeno River. Along the way, you might spot monkeys, toucans, macaws, and even pink river dolphins. Upon arrival at the lodge, you’ll receive a welcome briefing and enjoy your first dinner in the rainforest.
Max Altitude
260 m / 853 ft
Meals
Box lunch + Dinner
Accomodation
Amazon Eco-Lodge
Distance
60 km by car + 2 hours by canoe
Duration
6–7 hours of travel from Lago Agrio
Hike in Primary Forest & Wildlife Watching
Explore the jungle on foot with a certified naturalist guide who will introduce you to medicinal plants, exotic insects, and rainforest survival techniques. In the afternoon, enjoy a canoe ride through the magical Laguna Grande at sunset. With some luck, you’ll spot anacondas, caimans, and countless tropical birds. End the day with an optional swim in the lagoon surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon.
Max Altitude
250 m / 820 ft
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Amazon Eco-Lodge
Distance
4–6 km hiking
Duration
3–4 hours in the morning + 2 hours in the afternoon
Siona Indigenous Community & Shamanic Experience
Today we visit a Siona indigenous village, where you’ll learn about their culture, language, and traditions. Take part in the preparation of traditional yuca bread (casabe), and witness an ancestral shamanic ritual. This cultural immersion offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual and communal life of the Amazon people.
Max Altitude
250 m / 820 ft
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Amazon Eco-Lodge
Distance
3 hours by canoe (round trip)
Duration
Full-day activity
Return to Cuyabeno Bridge and End of Tour
After a final Amazonian breakfast, we begin our return journey by canoe and vehicle back to Lago Agrio. One last chance to say goodbye to the incredible wildlife and rainforest scenery. Estimated arrival time is between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM — perfect for catching your flight or continuing your travels through Ecuador.
Max Altitude
260 m / 853 ft
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
---
Distance
60 km by car + 2 hours by canoe
Duration
5–6 hours back to Lago Agrio
SERVICES
Include
- Bilingual certified naturalist guide
- Ground and river transport from/to Lago Agrio
- 3 nights’ accommodation at an eco-lodge
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
- All excursions and activities mentioned
- Rubber boots and rain poncho
Not include
- Transportation between Quito and Lago Agrio (bus or flight)
- Entrance fee to the Siona community (~$10)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Travel insurance (required)
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.
MAPS
EQUIPMENT
What to Bring
Passport (original or color copy)
Lightweight, quick-dry short-sleeve shirts
Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts
Long pants made of quick-dry material
Sandals or comfortable shoes
Swimsuit and personal towel
Hat or cap with strap
Sunglasses with UV protection
Backpack with waterproof cover
Insect repellent (preferably citronella-based)
Sunscreen
Refillable personal water bottle
Flashlight with spare batteries or rechargeable LED flashlight (500 lumens)
Binoculars (10×42) for better observation
Notebook for daily checklist
Small pocketknife (can be useful in some cases)
Reading material for your free time
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.
