As you venture further, the challenge intensifies, leading you towards the iconic Cotopaxi. Rising tall at 5,897 meters, it proudly claims the title of Ecuador's second-highest mountain. Renowned for its allure among mountaineers, Cotopaxi presents a thrilling opportunity to test your skills and push your limits.
But the adventure doesn't end there. Prepare to reach new heights as you make your way towards the grand finale - Chimborazo. Towering above the Ecuadorian landscape at a staggering 6,263 meters (20,564 feet), it stands as the country's highest peak. What makes Chimborazo truly extraordinary is its unique claim to fame - measuring from the Center of the Earth, it proudly holds the title of the tallest mountain in the world.
This extraordinary program has been meticulously designed to ensure your success. Don't underestimate the significance of your promotion, and let this itinerary be your ultimate training ground. With each step, you'll not only conquer mountains but also conquer your own limitations, preparing yourself to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. Join us on this life-changing adventure, where you'll not only witness the breathtaking beauty of Ecuador's mountains but also discover the strength and resilience within yourself. It's time to rise to new heights and celebrate your journey towards greatness.
Climb the most Iconic summits of Ecuador
Share time with the local people
Stay at unique places in every location
Be led by top experienced guides at every step you take
Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature
Hiking
Climbing
Culture
Wildlife
Year around (best from October to February)
18 years old
Full Itinerary
Corazon
Our trekking journey commences at an altitude of 4,000 meters (13,200 feet), ensuring a gradual acclimatization process as we steadily ascend towards the summit. The trek itself will take approximately 4 hours, during which we'll traverse through picturesque moors, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings. As we approach the final stretch, we'll navigate through rocky terrain, conquering the last part of the ascent. The sense of accomplishment as we reach the summit is truly indescribable, with the vast expanse of the Ecuadorian landscape unfolding before us. After this exhilarating adventure, we'll make our way to a comfortable lodge where a delicious dinner awaits. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate, reflecting on the day's triumphs and preparing for the exciting experiences that lie ahead.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Illiniza Norte
Brace yourself for a challenging trek, as the steep slope demands strength and determination. As we ascend to the summit, we'll push ourselves to reach the pinnacle of Iliniza Norte, marking our first accomplishment of surpassing the 5,000-meter mark on this extraordinary circuit. The ascent and descent of this magnificent peak will take approximately 7 hours, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the rugged beauty of the surroundings.
Each step brings us closer to the summit, where panoramic vistas await, treating us to breathtaking views of the Ecuadorian landscape. After conquering the summit, we'll make our way back to our comfortable lodge, providing a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cotopaxi Basecamp
Upon reaching the refuge, we take a well-deserved break to rest and recharge. As the afternoon unfolds, we indulge in a satisfying dinner, preparing ourselves for the extraordinary midnight ascent that lies ahead. To ensure we are in prime condition for the climb, we seize the opportunity to grab a few hours of sleep, allowing our bodies to rejuvenate and energize.
Overnight: Basecamp
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cotopaxi Summit
Under the starry night sky, we navigate the snow-covered slopes, guided by the soft glow of our headlamps. The ascent presents a thrilling and awe-inspiring challenge, pushing our physical and mental limits. However, fear not, for this climb boasts a relatively low technical level, making it accessible to those with a passion for mountaineering and a sense of adventure. As we ascend higher, the panoramic views of the majestic Andes unfold before our eyes. The rugged beauty of the landscape, adorned with towering peaks and sprawling glaciers, paints a picture of awe-inspiring grandeur. Amidst the climb, we are rewarded with glimpses of the active crater, a reminder of the dynamic forces at work beneath our feet.
After hours of perseverance and determination, we reach the pinnacle of Cotopaxi, standing proudly atop the summit at 5,897 meters. The sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking vistas that surround us create an indelible memory that will last a lifetime. Take a moment to soak in the remarkable views, capturing the essence of the Andean landscape from this lofty vantage point. Having conquered the summit, we begin our descent, carefully navigating the slopes with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. The journey back to the Mountain Refuge will take approximately 2-3 hours, providing an opportunity to reflect on the incredible feat we have just accomplished. Once we arrive at the refuge, we bid farewell to the majestic Cotopaxi and make our way to our hotel, where rest and relaxation await.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Chimborazo Trek
Our trek begins with a gentle exploration along the base of the magnificent Chimborazo. As we traverse the rolling grasslands, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the imposing mountain, its snow-capped peaks towering above us. The landscape unfolds in front of us, offering a peaceful and immersive experience in the natural world. Keep a keen eye out, as we may have the privilege of spotting the elegant alpacas and elusive vicuñas that inhabit this area. These fascinating creatures add a touch of wonder to our journey, allowing us to witness the harmonious coexistence between wildlife and the captivating Andean environment.
After immersing ourselves in the marvels of the Chimborazo surroundings, we reach the refuge nestled at an elevation of 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), right at the base of the mountain. Here, we can marvel at the sheer grandeur of Chimborazo, appreciating its geological magnificence from up close. As the day comes to an end, we make our descent from the refuge, bidding farewell to the majestic mountain. We then make our way back to our lodge, for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Chimborazo, High Field at 5300m
These sturdy structures provide a comfortable and sheltered space as we prepare for the exhilarating summit climb, which will commence at midnight. It is crucial that we take this time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. A nourishing dinner will be served early in the afternoon, ensuring we have the fuel needed for the challenging ascent that lies ahead. As we gaze towards the sky, we are filled with anticipation and excitement, knowing that the highest peak in Ecuador awaits us. The summit of Chimborazo is a monumental achievement, and we are ready to conquer it. With determination and a sense of adventure, we will embark on a remarkable journey under the starry night sky, pushing ourselves to reach new heights and overcome challenges along the way.
Overnight: Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Chimborazo Summit 6263m and Return to Quito
As we ascend, the grandeur of the Andean mountains unfolds before us. On clear days, we are treated to a magnificent sight of the Altar and the distant, active Tungurahua volcano. These natural wonders serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring forces that shape our planet. Reaching the Whymper summit is an unforgettable moment, as we stand atop one of Ecuador's highest peaks.
Take a moment to soak in the incredible accomplishment and the awe-inspiring vistas that stretch out before us. After savoring the summit experience, we begin our descent, navigating the challenging terrain for about 3-4 hours. Our return journey takes us back to the high field, where we collect our belongings and bid farewell to the majestic Chimborazo. From there, we make our way down to the parking lot, filled with a sense of accomplishment and admiration for the natural wonders we have witnessed. Our adventure concludes as we embark on the journey back to Quito, reflecting on the incredible feat we have just achieved.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
LET'S DESIGN YOUR ADVENTURE
Certified English speaking Mountain Guide
6 nights accommodation based in double occupancy
Meals as described in the Itinerary
Private Transport
Water and snacks
International or domestic flights
Mountaineering equipment (available for rent)
Airport transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Optional activities
Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
Accommodation: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service. - Single Supplement Costs: Generally this fee is not incurred as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room, but if you prefer not to share and have your own room, then there will be an associated fee
Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes Mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 5 out of 5. A challenging expedition at high elevation, is highly recommended you train responsibly before the trip.
Weather and Elevation: In Ecuador the weather can be very variable depending on which side of the Andes you are traveling to, so it is highly recommended to come ready for all kinds of weather. When they say “Ecuador, All in One Place” they mean it! The altitude determines the temperature and the higher you go the colder it gets. Don’t let the geographic location of the country fool you. Even at a mere 15,000 feet the temperatures can feel like those of a winter in the northern United States. The coastal lowlands in the western part of Ecuador are typically warm with temperatures in the region of 25 °C (77 °F). Coastal areas are affected by ocean currents and between January and April are hot and rainy. The weather in Quito is consistent with that of a subtropical highland climate. The average temperature during the day is 70 °F (21 °C), which generally falls to an average of 50 °F (10 °C) at night. The average temperature annually is 64 °F (17.8 °C). There are only really two seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October to May.
Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples, we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath advices: no vaccinations needed for this trip
We do recommend travelling light for this expedition. A duffel bag of 50 litters for your luggage and a backpack of 20 litters for daily activities should be sufficient. In Ecuador and The Galapagos, the weather can change drastically so please be ready.
Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants
Two pairs of winter pants
Four non-cotton T-shirts
One cotton T-shirts
One water T-shirt
One fleece
One rain jacket
One pair of rain pants
Two buffs
One pair of tennis shoes
One pair of hiking boots
One pair of climbing boots
One pair of flip flops
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Head lamp
Optional binoculars
All personal climbing gear (check out the second list)
NOTE: Laundry is available almost at every location and it is cheap, this helps traveling light too.
REGULAR SEASON PRICE FOR SHARED DEPARTURES:
DEPARTURES 2024 - 2025
$2440/per person
All premium features
Go private
We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.
