OVERVIEW:
This 21-day guided expedition in Ecuador offers a full alpine experience, combining climbs of six iconic volcanoes—including Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Chimborazo, and Antisana—with glacier training and cultural immersion. Expert guides and comfortable lodges ensure a balanced journey of adventure, skill-building, and Andean culture.
Day- by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Day 2: Quito City Tour & Middle of the World
Day 3: Transfer to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Day 4: Acclimatization Hike to Corazón
Day 5: Hike to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Day 6: Summit Iliniza Norte (5,126 m)
Day 7: Quilotoa lake – Relaxing Day
Day 8: Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge
Day 9: Cotopaxi Summit
Day 10 : Scenic Transfer to Otavalo
Day 11: Visiting Cuicocha Lake
Day 12: Transfer to Cayambe Refuge
Day 13: Summit Cayambe
Day 14: Relaxation at Papallacta Hot Springs
Day 15: Transfer to Antisana Base Camp
Day 16: Antisana Summit
Day 17: Transfer to Baños City
Day 18: Free Day for Recovery in Baños
Day 19: Hike to Chimborazo High Camp
Day 20: Chimborazo Summit (6,268 m)
Day 21: End of Expedition & Transfer to Quito
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s historic capital. You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to a comfortable hotel in the colonial district. Take time to settle in, meet your guides, and receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming journey.
Max Altitude
2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Meals
-
Accomodation
Comfortable hotel in Quito
Duration
Arrival day
Day 2 – Quito City Tour & Middle of the World
Discover Quito’s vibrant UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument at the Equator. Immerse yourself in Ecuador’s rich history, scientific heritage, and cultural diversity.
Max Altitude
2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Comfortable hotel in Quito
Duration
Full day city tour
Day 3 – Transfer to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
After breakfast, enjoy a 1.2-hour drive from Quito to Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3,300 m), passing through rural villages and scenic Andean landscapes. In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization hike to Saquihua Hill to help adjust to the altitude.
Max Altitude
3,300 m (10,827 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Duration
Half-day hike and transfer
Day 4 – Acclimatization Hike to Corazón
Start early at 7:00 AM from El Chaupi and drive to the trailhead at 4,000 m. The hike passes through Andean grasslands and becomes more technical near the summit of Corazón Volcano. The trek lasts about 4 to 6 hours. Return to the lodge for rest.
Max Altitude
4,786 m (15,702 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Duration
Full day
Day 5 – Hike to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Start at 10:00 AM with a drive to La Virgen parking lot. From there, hike about 3 hours through rugged Andean terrain to reach the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge, with increasingly stunning views as you gain altitude.
Max Altitude
4,750 m (15,580 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Duration
Half-day hike
Day 6 – Summit Iliniza Norte (5,126 m)
Start the climb at 5:00 AM with a light breakfast, then depart the refuge at 6:00 AM. Hike toward the saddle between the peaks before beginning a 3-hour scramble to the summit of Iliniza Norte. At the top, take time to enjoy the views of the surrounding Andes.
Max Altitude
5,126 m (16,818 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Duration
Full-day climb
Day 7 – Quilotoa lake – Relaxing Day
Depart El Chaupi for Quilotoa Lagoon, stopping at a local hut and the Tigua community en route. After visiting the viewpoint, hike one hour down to the lagoon’s shore for photos and rest. Return to El Chaupi after lunch.
Max Altitude
3,914 m (12,841 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Duration
Full-day
Day 8 – Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge
From El Chaupi, drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park. Continue to the parking lot at 4,500 m, then hike one hour to José Ribas Refuge. After dinner and rest, prepare at midnight for the summit climb.
Max Altitude
4,864 m (15,958 ft)
Meals
Dinner
Accomodation
José Ribas Refuge
Duration
Half-day hike and overnight rest
Day 9 – Cotopaxi Summit
Wake at midnight for a light breakfast and final gear check before starting the Cotopaxi summit climb at 1:00 AM. Reach the top (5,897 m) in 5 to 6 hours, enjoy the views, then descend to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. After packing and a quick meal, head to the parking lot and transfer to Baños for the night.
Max Altitude
5,897 m (19,347 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Duration
Full-day and transfer
Day 10 – Scenic Transfer to Otavalo
Travel north through stunning Andean valleys to reach Otavalo, a town famous for its indigenous culture and vibrant market. Enjoy free time at the Plaza de los Ponchos to explore local crafts, textiles, and handmade souvenirs.
Max Altitude
2,532 m (8,307 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Otavalo
Duration
Travel and free afternoon
Day 11 – Visiting Cuicocha Lake
After breakfast, take a peaceful drive to Cuicocha Lake. Enjoy lakeside walks, stunning views, and learn about its volcanic and cultural history. A perfect day to relax and connect with nature.
Max Altitude
3,150 m (10,335 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Otavalo
Duration
Half-day excursion
Day 12 – Transfer to Cayambe Refuge
Travel east into Ecuador’s highlands to Cayambe Volcano, the only snow-capped peak on the Equator. Arrive at Cayambe Refuge at 4,600 m, set beneath the glacier. After settling in, your guide will conduct a technical briefing and gear check to prepare for the next day’s climb.
Max Altitude
4,600 m (15,092 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Cayambe Refuge
Duration
Arrival and acclimatization day
Day 13 – Summit Cayambe
Start at midnight for a 6–7 hour glacier climb to the 5,790 m summit. After taking photos, descend to the refuge, then transfer to Papallacta for overnight rest.
Max Altitude
5,790 m (18,996 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Papallacta
Duration
Full-day climb
Day 14 – Relaxation at Papallacta Hot Springs
After days in the mountains, unwind in Papallacta’s soothing hot springs, nestled in the Andes. Enjoy a cozy hotel stay and relax in warm mineral waters surrounded by cloud forest and páramo views.
Max Altitude
3,300 m (10.827 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Papallacta
Duration
Rest and relaxation day
Day 15 – Transfer to Antisana Base Camp
Set up camp at 4,500 m in the wild Antisana Reserve. Spend the afternoon organizing gear, reviewing safety, and planning tomorrow’s demanding climb.
Max Altitude
4,500 m (14,764 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
High camp tent
Duration
Arrival and expedition prep day
Day 16 – Antisana Summit
Begin the 6–8 hour climb to Antisana’s 5,758 m summit at 1:00 AM. After reaching the glacier and gearing up, ascend under starlight. Enjoy summit views, then descend to base camp, rest, and transfer to Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
Max Altitude
5,758 m (18,891 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Duration
Full-day climb and transfer
Day 17 – Transfer to Baños City
Travel to Baños, a picturesque town at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano. Experience stunning waterfalls, scenic canyons, and pleasant weather.
Max Altitude
1,820 m (5,971 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Duration
Transfer day
Day 18 – Free Day for Recovery in Baños
Enjoy a free day in Baños with optional activities available for purchase. Explore waterfall trails, hike in the cloud forest, or try rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking,or horseback riding at extra cost. Overnight at the hotel.
Max Altitude
1,820 m (5,971 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Duration
Full-day
Day 19 – Hike to Chimborazo High Camp
Meet your guides and head to Chimborazo Reserve. Hike from the refuge to High Camp (2–3 hrs) and settle into your dome. Spend the afternoon preparing gear, then rest after dinner before the midnight summit push.
Max Altitude
5,000 m (16,404 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Domes at High Camp
Duration
Half-day hike and acclimatization
Day 20 – Chimborazo Summit (6,268 m)
Start the Chimborazo summit climb at midnight, with an 8 to 9-hour ascent to the 6,268 m(20,702 ft) summit. Enjoy rest and photos at the top before descending 3 to 4 hours back to the refuge. After packing, transfer to Quito.
Max Altitude
6,268 m (20,702 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Duration
Full-day climb and transfer
Day 21 – End of Expedition & Transfer to Quito
Enjoy breakfast, say goodbye to your teammates, and transfer to Quito for your flight.
Max Altitude
2,850 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
-
Duration
Tranfer airport
SERVICES
Include
guide
• All private transportation during the itinerary
• 20 nights of accommodation in mountain lodges, hotels, refuges, and tents (all
clean and comfortable)
• All meals show above in the itinerary
• Summit climbs of Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana, and Chimborazo
• Entry fees and permits for all national parks and climbing zones
• Group technical climbing equipment (ropes, anchors, ice screws, tents)
• Glacier and rope technique workshops during the expedition
• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Quito
• 24/7 support from the Cotopaxi Travel team
Not include
• International airfare to/from Ecuador
• Personal climbing gear (boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axes, etc.) –
available for rental
• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
• Optional activities in Baños or Papallacta (spa, zipline, etc.)
• Additional hotel nights before or after the program
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.
