Climbing the highest active volcanoes & mountains

8 days/7 nights Daily from/to Quito This tour is recommended for anyone who likes mountain climbing. Some previous experience is required. You will be able to improve your fitness and your climbing technique on this tour.

 
Iliniza Norte (5.116 m / 16.785 ft) is an old volcano with craggy points and sandy slopes. It is ideally suited for climbing practice and acclimatization. It is also referred to a “Tioniza”, which means “female mountain”.

Cotopaxi (5.897 m/ 19.347 ft) is the highest active volcano on earth. With its year-round moderate climate and its beautiful scenery, it is one of the most attractive mountains in the Andes.

Chimborazo (6.310 m / 20.702 ft) is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the farthest point from the Earth’s center. Climbing Chimborazo is a true challenge and conquering it a great accomplishment.

 
Itinerary

Day 1: Quito — Iliniza
After a 2½ hour drive you reach an altitude of 3.500 m / 11.500 ft. You will hike up to the base camp “La Virgen“ at 4.000 m / 13.000 ft. Camp chores follow, like setting up the sleeping, eating and bathroom tents. You will spend the night at this altitude. (-/L/D)

Day 2: Iliniza Norte Today’s climb to reach the summit of Iliniza Norte at 5.116 m / 16.785 ft will take about five hours. The trip back will be accomplished in about three hours. You will spend your second night at 4.000 m / 13.000 ft. (B/BL/D)

Day 3: Return to Quito
The rest of the day will be at your own leisure to help you further acclimatize to the altitude. You may use this as a day of rest or have us organize a local excursion for you, such as a tour through the old city center, a visit to the equator monument “Mitad del Mundo”, or a ride on the world’s highest cable car, the Teleférico, up to Cruz Loma (4.100 m / 13.451 ft), a foothill of Quito’s main mountain, Pichincha (4.698 m / 15.413 ft). (B/-/-)

Day 4: Quito — Cotopaxi National Park
A three-hour drive takes you to an altitude of 4.500 m / 14.765 ft. From here, you climb to the José Ribas shelter at 4.800 m / 15.750 ft. Overnight stay. (B/BL/D)

Day 5: Cotopaxi National Park — Baños Today’s adventure is the six-hour climb to the summit of Cotopaxi (5.897 m / 19.347 ft). On your way back, you stop for a brief rest at the José Ribas shelter before driving to the small town of Baños. (B/BL/-)

Day 6: Baños
Rest, recovery, and relaxation are the motto of the day at the soothing hot springs of Baños. (-/-/-)

Day 7: Baños — Chimborazo
A three-hour drive takes you to the first Refuge on Mount Chimborazo at 4.800 m / 15.750 ft. After a one-hour hike, you reach the Edward Whymper shelter at 5.000 m /16.405 ft. Lodging at the shelter. (B/BL/D)

Day 8: Chimborazo — Quito With an early start you will reach the summit of Chimborazo after an eight-hour climb. The return trip to the Edward Whymper shelter can be accomplished in about 3,5 hours. Return to Quito via Riobamba. (B/BL/-)

Note: We encourage anyone who enjoys hiking and mountaineering to participate in this tour. After a thorough acclimatization process, your chances of reaching the summits of these three volcanoes are very good.

What you need to bring: rain gear, flashlight, warm clothing, sleeping bag, backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat, small daypack, camera. 

 
Services:

• Volcano/mountain climbing as described, with private transportation
• Qualified English-speaking travel guides (German-speaking travel guides upon request)
• Meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Equipment (helmets, crampons, ice pick, climbing harness etc.)
• Tent, sleeping bag
• National park admission fees

Non-included services:

• Stay in Baños (hot springs admission, meals etc.)
• Hotel and meals in Quito
• Suitable sports/climbing/trekking wear
• Not specified meals and beverages
• Tips and personal expenses

Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to change due to  organizational or climate factors.

 
Prices:

Minimum number of participants: 2

Iliniza—Cotopaxi–Chimborazo, 8 days/7 nights

Subject to change. Prices may be higher on national holidays.