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Embark on the ultimate high-altitude adventure with our 12-Day Glacier & Summit Expedition in Ecuador – a transformative mountaineering school designed for climbers seeking to build glacier skills, gain summit experience, and push their limits in the heart of the Andes. This comprehensive program combines technical glacier training, rock and ice climbing instruction, and guided ascents of iconic peaks such as Iliniza Norte and Antisana. Based at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge, our acclimatization base, you’ll receive expert guidance from ASEGUIM/UIAGM-certified mountain guides as you develop real alpine techniques on Ecuador’s most breathtaking volcanoes. Whether you're preparing for bigger climbs abroad or seeking a personal challenge, this expedition offers the perfect blend of education, adventure, and unforgettable Andean landscapes.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Quito
Land in Quito, Ecuador’s capital at 2,850 m. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to a comfortable hotel. Rest and prepare for your high-altitude journey.
- Altitude: 2,850 m
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito
- Meals: (-/-/-)
- Distance: 45 km
- Duration: 1 hour
Day 2
Gear Check & Transfer to El Chaupi
Meet your guides, do a full gear review and fitting, and transfer to El Chaupi village, the gateway to the Ilinizas. Overnight at the cozy Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
- Altitude: 3,300 m
- Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)
- Distance: 100 km
- Duration: 2 hours
Day 3
Acclimatization Hike to Saquihua
Explore the Saquihua ridge, a gentle but effective acclimatization hike with views of Corazón, Ilinizas, and Cotopaxi.
- Altitude: 3,900 m
- Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 5–6 km
Duration: 3–4 hours
Day 4
Hike to La Virgen or 3,900 m Parking – Camp
Begin your ascent toward the Iliniza Massif. Reach the Virgen sector or parking area and set up high mountain camp under the stars.
- Altitude: 3,900 m
- Accommodation: High-altitude camp
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 3–4 km
- Duration: 3 hours
Day 5
Trek to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Continue hiking toward the high-altitude Nuevos Horizontes hut between Iliniza Norte and Sur.
- Altitude: 4,700 m
- Accommodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 3 km
- Duration: 3–4 hours
Day 6
Summit Iliniza Norte & Rock Skills Practice
Start early for the summit of Iliniza Norte (5,126 m). After the summit, practice rock scrambling and fixed rope techniques.
- Altitude: 5,126 m
- Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 6–8 km
- Duration: 6–8 hours
Day 7
Recovery at the Lodge
Enjoy a full day of rest, good food, and light activity at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
- Altitude: 3,300 m
- Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: Optional walks
- Duration: Flexible
Day 8
Transfer to Antisana & Camp Setup
Drive to the base of Antisana and set up camp at approx. 4,500 m. Technical briefing with your guide.
- Altitude: 4,500 m
- Accommodation: Mountain camp
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 130 km + 1–2 km hike
- Duration: 4–5 hours tota
Day 9
Full Glacier School & Ice Climbing Skills
Practice advanced glacier travel, anchor systems, and ice climbing on Antisana’s glacier.
- Altitude: 4,800–5,000 m
- Accommodation: Mountain camp
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 3–5 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
Day 10
Rest & Prepare for Summit Push
Hydrate, review gear and the summit plan. Rest early for the midnight climb.
- Altitude: 4,500 m
- Accommodation: Mountain camp
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: (-)
- Duration: Flexible
Day 11
Antisana Summit & Papallacta Spa
Summit Antisana (5,758 m) during an unforgettable night climb. After descent, transfer to Papallacta hot springs to relax.
- Altitude: 5,758 m
- Accommodation: Papallacta Spa Hotel
- Meals: (Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 8–10 km + 60 km drive
- Duration: 10–12 hours
Day 12
Transfer to Airport or Continue Your Journey
After breakfast at Papallacta, you’ll be transferred to Quito International Airport for your flight home. If you wish to continue exploring Ecuador, we’ll gladly assist you with extensions to the Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, or other Andean adventures.
- Altitude: 2,850 m
- Accomodation: (-)
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Distance: 70 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- UIAGM/ASEGUIM-certified guides
- 11 nights accommodation (lodges, refuges, camps)
- All meals as per itinerary
- Private transportation during the tour
- All park permits and fees
- Full glacier & rock climbing instruction
- Group technical equipment (ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness)
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Antisana & Iliniza summit certificates
- Flights to/from Ecuador
- Personal clothing & gear (rental available upon request)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Snacks, beverages, souvenirs
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
This program is ideal for intermediate trekkers and beginner-to-intermediate climbers who are in excellent physical condition. Previous trekking experience is required; prior climbing experience is helpful but not mandatory.
You will summit Iliniza Norte (5,126 m) and Antisana (5,758 m). Both peaks provide an excellent introduction to technical mountaineering in the Ecuadorian Andes.
You’ll receive hands-on training in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, self-arrest techniques, fixed rope systems, ice climbing, route finding, and altitude management – all with certified UIAGM/ASEGUIM guides.
Yes, all permits and national park entrance fees are included in the package price.
You’ll stay in a mix of comfortable mountain lodges, high-altitude refuges, and fully equipped alpine camps.
Yes. Ice axes, crampons, helmets, harnesses, and other gear are available for rent at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge. Let us know in advance what you need.
You should engage in regular cardiovascular training, hiking with a backpack, and strength exercises at least 2–3 months prior to your trip. Acclimatization hikes above 3,000 m prior to arrival are highly recommended.
Safety is our top priority. If summit attempts must be canceled due to weather or glacier conditions, our guides will offer alternative activities or training. No refunds are issued for weather-related cancellations.
Yes, it can be. That’s why the itinerary includes progressive acclimatization. Our guides are trained in high-altitude response and carry emergency oxygen and first aid kits.
Contact us at 📧 info@cotopaxi-travel.com or via WhatsApp 📲 +593 981 333 483. We’ll guide you through availability, payments, and preparation.