OVERVIEW:
If you are dreaming of a truly unique trekking and climbing adventure, this 16-day program is designed to offer you the best of Ecuador’s Andes. From hiking through remote Andean villages on the famous Quilotoa Loop to summiting some of the country’s most iconic volcanoes — Corazón, Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo — this expedition combines breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and world-class mountaineering. With progressive acclimatization built into the itinerary, expert ASEGUIM/UIAGM-certified guides, and cozy mountain lodges, you will enjoy an unforgettable journey through Ecuador’s spectacular highlands — one that will challenge, inspire, and reward you at every
turn.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Arrival in Ecuador
Upon arrival at Quito International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the capital. The day is yours to relax and begin adjusting to the altitude. In the evening, your guide will provide a full briefing about the exciting adventure that awaits.
Max Altitude
2,800 m
Meals
-
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
-
Duration
-
Arrive at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge | Acclimatization Hike & Gear Check
This morning, you will travel along the stunning Avenue of Volcanoes to El Chaupi. After checking in at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge (3,300 m), you’ll enjoy a beautiful acclimatization hike to Saquihua Hill and review your trekking and climbing gear with your guide.
Max Altitude
3,300 m → 3,900 m
Meals
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
~5 km
Duration
2–3 hrs
Transfer to Sigchos & Trek to Isinlivi
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Sigchos, where your adventure on the Quilotoa Loop begins. The day’s trek leads through rolling hills, farmland, and picturesque canyons, ending at the peaceful village of Isinlivi, where you will overnight in a cozy mountain lodge.
Max Altitude
2,800 m → 2,950 m
Meals
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge in Isinlivi
Distance
~12 km
Duration
4–5 hrs
Trek to Chugchilán
Today’s hike will take you deeper into the Andean highlands. The trail winds through dramatic canyons, ancient farmlands, and small hamlets, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before reaching the charming village of Chugchilán.
Max Altitude
2,950 m → 3,200 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge in Chugchilán
Distance
~12 km
Duration
5–6 hrs
Trek to Quilotoa Crater Lake
You’ll ascend steadily today to the rim of the magnificent Quilotoa Crater. The reward is breathtaking — a vibrant turquoise lake surrounded by dramatic volcanic walls. You’ll enjoy time to explore the crater rim before settling into your nearby lodge.
Max Altitude
3,200 m → 3,914 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge in Quilotoa
Distance
~12 km
Duration
5–6 hrs
Trek to Zumbahua & Return to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
After breakfast, you’ll trek down to the colorful market town of Zumbahua, completing your Quilotoa Loop adventure. From there, you’ll transfer back to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge for rest and preparation for the high-altitude climbs ahead.
Max Altitude
3,914 m → 2,900 m → 3,300 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
~10 km
Duration
4–5 hrs
Climb Corazón Volcano (4,790 m)
Today you will summit Corazón Volcano, an excellent acclimatization climb. The route leads through paramo grasslands and rocky ridges, offering sweeping views of the Avenue of Volcanoes. You’ll return to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge for the night.
Max Altitude
3,300 m → 4,790 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lucnh, Dinner
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
~10 km
Duration
6–7 hrs
Hike to Ilinizas Refuge
With acclimatization progressing, today’s hike takes you to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700 m), nestled between Iliniza Norte and Sur. You’ll enjoy the high-mountain scenery and prepare for tomorrow’s summit of Iliniza Norte.
Max Altitude
3,300 m → 4,700 m
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Distance
~5 km
Duration
3–4 hrs
Climb Iliniza Norte (5,126 m)
An early alpine start brings you up the rocky slopes of Iliniza Norte. This non-technical climb involves scrambling and offers incredible views from the summit. After the descent, you’ll return to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge to rest.
Max Altitude
4,700 m → 5,126 m → 3,300 m
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
~6 km
Duration
6–7 hrs
Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge
After breakfast, you’ll drive into Cotopaxi National Park and hike to José Ribas Refuge (4,864 m). The afternoon is for rest, hydration, and final preparations for the summit of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Max Altitude
3,300 m → 4,864 m
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
José Ribas Refuge
Distance
~1.5 km
Duration
1 hr
Climb Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m
You’ll begin your summit climb before midnight, ascending Cotopaxi’s glaciers under the stars. As dawn breaks, you’ll reach the summit, where panoramic views of the Andes await. After descending, you’ll return to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge.
Max Altitude
4,864 m → 5,897 m → 3,300 m
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge
Distance
10 km
Duration
8–10 hrs
Relaxing Day in Baños City
After several days in high altitudes, you’ll transfer to the vibrant town of Baños de Agua Santa. The day is yours to enjoy hot springs, waterfalls, or local markets — a perfect way to relax and recharge for the final climb.
Max Altitude
1,800 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
-
Duration
Free day
Transfer to Chimborazo Reserve & Hike to Whymper Refuge
You’ll travel south to Chimborazo Fauna Reserve, home to vicuñas and dramatic highaltitude landscapes. From the trailhead, you’ll hike up to Whymper Refuge at 5,000 meters, where you’ll spend the night preparing for the summit.
Max Altitude
1,800 m → 5,000 m
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Whymper Refuge
Distance
~3 km
Duration
2–3 hrs
Hike to Chimborazo High Camp (~5,300 m)
Today’s short but crucial hike brings you to Chimborazo High Camp. After settling in, the afternoon is for resting, hydrating, and reviewing summit techniques with your guide. The goal: to be fully ready for tomorrow’s big climb.
Max Altitude
5,000 m → ~5,300 m
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
High Camp (tent)
Distance
~2 km
Duration
2 hrs
Climb Chimborazo Summit (6,268 m)
Starting before midnight, you’ll ascend Chimborazo’s glaciers. As the sun rises, you’ll reach the summit — the closest point to the sun on Earth! After descending, you’ll transfer to Riobamba or Quito for a well-deserved celebration.
Max Altitude
5,300 m → 6,268 m → 2,800 m
Meals
Breakfast, Box Lunch
Accomodation
Hotel in Riobamba or Quito
Distance
~10 km
Duration
10–12 hrs
Transfer to Quito Airport
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Quito International Airport for your international flight — concluding an unforgettable 16-day adventure through the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Max Altitude
2,800 m → 0 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.
