OVERVIEW:
Trek the scenic Quilotoa Loop and summit Corazón, Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo.Enjoy expert guidance, gradual acclimatization, and cozy lodges—an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and mountaineering.
Day- by-Day Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Ecuador
Day 2. Arrive at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge | Acclimatization Hike & Gear Check
Day 3. Transfer to Sigchos & Trek to Isinlivi
Day 4. Trek to Chugchilán
Day 5. Trek to Quilotoa Crater Lake
Day 6. Trek to Zumbahua & Return to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Day 7. Climb Chimborazo Summit (6,268 m) y 7. Climb Corazón Volcano (4,790 m
Day 8. Hike to Ilinizas Refuge
Day 9. Climb Iliniza Norte (5,126 m)
Day 10. Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge
Day 11. Climb Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m
Day 12. Relaxing Day in Baños City
Day 13. Transfer to Chimborazo Reserve & Hike to Whymper Refuge
Day 14. Hike to Chimborazo High Camp (~5,300 m)
Day 15. Climb Chimborazo Summit (6,268 m)
Day 16. Transfer to Quito Airport
DETAILED ITINERARY
Arrival in Ecuador
Arrival at Quito International Airport, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Theday is free to rest and acclimate to the altitude. In the evening, your guidewill conduct a comprehensive briefing aboutthe upcoming journey.
Max Altitude
2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Meals
-
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
-
Duration
Arrival day
Arrive at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge | Acclimatization Hike & Gear Check
Travel along the breathtaking Avenue of Volcanoes to El Chaupi. Upon arrival, check in at Iliniza Mountain Lodge situated at 3,300 meters. Spend the afternoon on an acclimatization hike to Saquihua Hill and review your trekking and climbing equipment with your guide.
Max Altitude
3,300 m (10,827 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
~5 km
Duration
Half-day hike and gear preparation
Transfer to Sigchos & Trek to Isinlivi
After breakfast, you will drive to Sigchos to begin your Quilotoa Loop trek. The route passes through rolling hills, farmland, and scenic canyons, finishing in the tranquil village of Isinlivi. Overnight stay in a comfortable mountain lodge.
Max Altitude
2,800 m (9,186 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Mountain lodge in Isinlivi
Distance
~12 km
Duration
Full-day trek
Trek to Chugchilán
Today’s hike leads deeper into the Andean highlands, winding through dramatic canyons,ancient farmlands, and small villages. The trail offers panoramic mountain views before arriving at the charming village of Chugchilán.
Max Altitude
3,200 m (10,500 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Lodge in Chugchilán
Distance
.
Duration
Full-day hike
Trek to Quilotoa Crater Lake
Today, you will ascend steadily to the rim of the stunning Quilotoa Crater. The reward is a breathtaking view of the vibrant turquoise lake surrounded by dramatic volcanic walls. You will have time to explore the crater rim before settling into your nearby lodge
Max Altitude
3,914 m (12,841 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Lodge near Quilotoa
Distance
-
Duration
Full-day trek
Trek to Zumbahua & Return to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
After breakfast, you will trek down to the vibrantmarkettown of Zumbahua, completing your Quilotoa Loop journey. From Zumbahua, transfer back to Iliniza Mountain Lodge to rest and prepare for the upcoming high-altitude climbs.
Max Altitude
Approximately 3,000 m (9,840 ft) at Zumbahua
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
Half-day trek and transfer
Climb Corazón Volcano (4,790 m)
Today you will summit Corazón Volcano, an ideal acclimatization climb. The route traverses páramo grasslands and rocky ridges, providing expansive views of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Return to Iliniza Mountain Lodge for overnight rest.
Max Altitude
Summit at 4,786 m (15,702 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
Full Day climb
Hike to Ilinizas Refuge
As your acclimatization advances, today’s hike leads to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700 m), situated between Iliniza Norte and Sur. Enjoy the high-mountain scenery and prepare for tomorrow’s ascent of Iliniza Norte.
Max Altitude
4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Distance
-
Duration
Half-day hike
Climb Iliniza Norte (5,126 m)
An early alpine start takes you up the rocky slopes of Iliniza Norte. This non-technical climb includes scrambling and rewards you with stunning summit views. After descending, return to Iliniza Mountain Lodge for rest.
Max Altitude
Summit at 5,126 m (16,824 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
Full day climb
Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge
After breakfast, you will drive into Cotopaxi National Park and hike to José Ribas Refuge at 4,864 meters. The afternoon is reserved for rest, hydration, and final preparations for the summit attempt of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Max Altitude
4,864 m (15,958 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
José Ribas Refuge
Distance
-
Duration
Half-day hike and acclimatization
Climb Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m
Begin your summit climb before midnight, ascending Cotopaxi’s glaciers under the stars. Reach the summit at dawn for panoramic views of the Andes. After the descent, return to Iliniza Mountain Lodge to rest.
Max Altitude
Summit at 5,897 m (19,347 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
-
Duration
Full-day climb
Relaxing Day in Baños City
After several days at high altitude, transfer to the lively town of Baños de Agua Santa. Enjoy a free day to relax in hot springs, visit waterfalls, or explore local markets — the perfect pause before your final climb.
Max Altitude
1,820 m (5,971 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
-
Duration
Travel and free day
Transfer to Chimborazo Reserve & Hike to Whymper Refuge
Travel south to Chimborazo Fauna Reserve, known for its wild vicuñas and striking high altitude scenery. From the trailhead, hike to Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters to spend the night and prepare for the final summit.
Max Altitude
5,000 m (16,404 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Whymper Refuge
Distance
-
Duration
Half-day hike and acclimatization
Hike to Chimborazo High Camp (~5,300 m)
Today’s short but important hike leadsto Chimborazo High Camp. After settling in, spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and reviewing summit techniques with your guide in preparation for tomorrow’s climb.
Max Altitude
5,300 m (17,388 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
High Camp (tent)
Distance
-
Duration
Short hike and acclimatization
Climb Chimborazo Summit (6,268 m)
Climb Chimborazo’s glaciers starting before midnight, reaching the summit at sunrise—the closest point on Earth to the sun. After descent, transfer to Riobamba or Quito to rest and celebrate.
Max Altitude
6,310 m (20,702 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Riobamba or Quito
Distance
-
Duration
Full day
Transfer to Quito Airport
Transfer and departure day
Max Altitude
2,800 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
-
Distance
-
Duration
-
Maps
SERVICES
Include
- All private transfers, including airport pick-up and drop-of
- All transportation during the program
- Accommodation in hotels, mountain lodges, refuges, and tents as described
- All meals as described in the itinerary
- Certified ASEGUIM/UIAGM mountain guide for all climbs
- Additional trekking guide for Quilotoa Loop
- Park entrance fees (Cotopaxi National Park, Chimborazo Reserve, Quilotoa)
- Climbing permits for Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
- Group technical climbing equipment (helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, rope)
- Support vehicle and logistical support throughout
- Pre-expedition preparation support via email and WhatsApp
Not include
- International airfare to/from Ecuador
- Personal travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing gear (boots, down jacket, backpack, gloves — available for rental if
needed) - Sleeping bag for high camps (available for rental)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
EQUIPMENT
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.
