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Ecuador offers some of the most spectacular high-altitude mountaineering experiences in the world, with Cayambe (5,790 m), Cotopaxi (5,897 m), and Chimborazo (6,268 m) forming an iconic trilogy for climbers seeking a challenging and rewarding expedition. Each of these volcanoes presents unique conditions, stunning landscapes, and technical ascents, making them a dream destination for both experienced and aspiring mountaineers.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Cayambe Refuge
Cayambe is a massive glaciated extinct volcano. It is located about 70 km Northeast of Quito and is the highest point on the surface of the earth through which the Equator directly passes. Cayambe is the third highest mountain in Ecuador. It is characterized by good climbing opportunities and impressive glaciers. With easy access from the comfortable hut Ruales Oleas Cayambe Refuge. We will arrive at the shelter after about 3.5 hours of driving and rest for a couple of hours at the Refuge, until dinner time.
- Altitude: 4700 meters (15,419 feet)
- Accommodation: Cayambe Refuge (Ruales Oleas Bergé)
- Meals:(-/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 150 km
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Day 2
Cayambe Summit
We will wake up at midnight, eat a light breakfast, put our gear on and start our climb around 01:00 in the morning; the ascent takes about 6 to 7 hours. The route to the summit follows a safe glacier terrain to the summit. A gaping bergschrund sometimes presents a challenge in route finding and an exciting extra obstacle. Once at the summit (18,996ft/5790 m) we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings, and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the Refuge we will rest for a while, then pack our belongings and drive to "Hotel Ilinizas Mountain Lodge".
- Altitude: 5790 meters (18,996 feet)
- Accommodations: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/ -/-)
- Distance: 4 km
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours to the summit
Day 3
Cotopaxi Refuge
From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here we will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m/14,763 ft) then we’ll hike up for around an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge. Then we will have dinner and rest until midnight. At this point we will pack our belongings and get ready to make our final ascent.
- Altitude: 4,864 meters (15,958 feet)
- Accommodations: Cotopaxi Refuge (Jose Rivas)
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance: 1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
- Duration: 1 hour hike
Day 4
Summit Cotopaxi
Midnight will be our wake-up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5.897m) will be around 01h00, not before having a light breakfast and getting our stuff ready for the ascent, the climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit we’ll take our time to take pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head down back to the refuge, which will take us 2 to 3 hours. Once at the refuge will pack our belongings, have something to eat and go down to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to take us to the Ilinizas Mountain Lodge hotel.
- Altitude: 5,897 meters (19,347 feet)
- Accommodations: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Distance: Climb 10 k (round trip).
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit
Day 5
Chimborazo High Camp
In the morning at 10:00 am we will meet with the guides to drive to the Chimborazo wildlife reserve. We will arrive at the refuge Hermanos Carrel. From there we will start the hike to the High camp in approximately 2 to 3 hours. We get to the high camp once here; we will stay in the Domes. In the afternoon we will prepare and double check all the gear for the climbing. Where we’ll have dinner and get some rest until 23h00. There will be an early light breakfast served just before getting ready with our gear and start heading up.
- Altitude: 5,300 meters (17,388 feet)
- Accommodations: Overnight in 4- season tents or Domes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Distance: 2.5 km (hike), Transfer (110 km)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours (hike including breaks)
Day 6
Chimborazo Summit
At midnight we will start our climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest volcano, Chimborazo, which will take us about 8 to 9 hours. We’ll get to the summit (20,702ft/6268) in the early hours, the perfect spot for resting and pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the refuge; it will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in refuge we’ll pack our gear, where our transportation will be ready to drive up to the Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
- Altitude: 6,268 meters (20,702 feet)
- Accommodations: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Distance: 9 km (Round Trip)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours to the summit (including breaks)
- Mountain Climbing Local Insurance
- Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM
- ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
- Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Land transportation and transfers
- National parks fees and permits
- Registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity)
- Accommodation:
- 3 nights at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
- 1 night at Jose Rivas Refuge
- 1 night in Overnight in 4- season tents or Domes
- All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
- Tents, and camping utensils for high camp.
- International flight tickets
- Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
- Insurance of any kin
- Hotels in Quito
- Tips
- Travel accident and health insurance
- Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
- Other non-specified expenses
This tour is designed for climbers with good physical condition and some previous high-altitude trekking or mountaineering experience. Technical skills are helpful but not mandatory—our ASEGUIM-certified guides will provide instruction and support.
The highest point is the summit of Chimborazo at 6,268 m / 20,564 ft, the highest mountain in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun from Earth’s center.
Yes, the itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization in mind, including gradual elevation gain and overnight stays at high-altitude lodges and refuges.
We provide all the technical climbing gear (crampons, harness, helmet, boots, etc.). A full gear list will be shared upon booking. You should bring your own layered clothing, backpack, sunglasses, and personal items.
Yes. All meals during the mountain program and lodging in refuges and Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge are included. Hot meals and drinks are available each day.
We keep groups small for safety and a personalized experience. The guide-to-client ratio is 1:2 for summit days.
Our guides are trained in high-altitude response. We monitor acclimatization closely, and contingency plans are in place, including descent and evacuation if needed.
Absolutely! We can adapt the program to your needs—add extra acclimatization days, a rest day, or combine it with cultural or nature tours in Ecuador.
We provide private transportation from your hotel in Quito to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge and all points during the tour. Airport pick-up is also available on request.
The best climbing seasons are June–August and December–February, but we operate year-round, depending on weather and glacier conditions.