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The Illiniza is an active volcano that, as a result of a big eruption 5000 years ago, formed the two peaks actually known as North and South Illinizas.
North Illiniza can be climbed in only 1 day if you are well trained and have the enough acclimatization. If not, it would be better to do it in 2 days so that you can be well acclimatized before the Cotopaxi climb.
From any part of Ecuador, I suggest getting to El Chaupi village (3300m high) one day before the beginning of the trip. It will help your body to get adapted to the height, making easier the climbing to the summit. In El Chaupi you will find many hostels and lodges to overnight.
The following morning, after breakfast at 7 am, we will be transferred to the Illiniza parking at 3.950 meters. From the virgin, we will walk about 2 or 3 hours until we get to Nuevos Horizontes Hut at 4.700 meters of height. In the hut, we can rest for a while, drink a coca tea and keep rock climbing to the summit for other 2-3 hours.
Once we reach to Illiniza North summit we can enjoy the magnificent viewpoints around this volcano. Depending on time and weather conditions we can stay there for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, we will descend to the virgin again where our transport will be waiting. Return to Quito.
- Qualified and experienced Ecuadorian local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM - max 2 climbers per guide)
- Registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity)
- Technical mountain equipment (Mountaineering Boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Land transportation and transfers to Reserva Ecologica Los Ilinizas
- All meals during the hikes and climbs
- Personal mountain gear (warm cloths, sleeping bags, sunglasses, head lamp, etc.)
- International flight tickets
- Hotel in Quito
- Tips
- Insurance of any kind
- Travel accident and health insurance
- Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
- Other non-specified expenses
We kindly refer to our Terms and Conditions page which can be found in the footer of our website.
In Ecuador you can hike all year, but these are the seasons:
- High Season: June to August / December to January
- Low season: February to May / September to November
No prior climbing experience is required. Climbers should be in good physical condition and it is highly recommended that they have some backpacking experience.
Small backpack, hiking shoes (better if waterproof), thermal pants, waterproof pants, long sleeve thermal shirt, an extra long sleeve thermal shirt, one fleece or polar, a windbreaker jacket, gloves, a cap, a buff, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle and… A lot of energy!