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This 16-day mountaineering school in Ecuador is a complete expedition program that combines cultural immersion, progressive acclimatization, technical glacier training, and summit ascents of the country’s most iconic volcanoes. Participants climb Iliniza Norte (5,126 m / 16,818 ft), Cayambe (5,790 m / 18,996 ft), and Chimborazo (6,268 m / 20,564 ft), while enjoying Quito’s colonial heritage, Quilotoa Lagoon, Papallacta Hot Springs, and Cotopaxi National Park. Designed for gradual adaptation to altitude, this itinerary ensures safety, cultural richness, and the best chance of summit success under the guidance of ASEGUIM & IFMGA-certified mountain guides.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Quito
Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport where your guide welcomes you. Private transfer to hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.
- Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito
- Meals: (-/-/-)
Day 2
Quito City Tour
Guided exploration of Quito’s UNESCO Old Town: Plaza Grande, La Compañía church, and San Francisco Monastery. Afternoon visit to the Equator Line (Mitad del Mundo). Perfect for gentle acclimatization.
- Altitude: (2,850 m / 9,350 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
Day 3
Transfer to El Chaupi
Drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes to El Chaupi, a small Andean town surrounded by peaks. Stay at Chuquiragua Lodge, your comfortable base for acclimatization and upcoming climbs. Evening expedition briefing.
- Altitude: (3,300 meters / 10,827 feet)
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
- Meals: (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4
Acclimatization Hike: Corazón Volcano
Ascent of Corazón (4,790 m / 15,715 ft), a moderate non-technical climb that offers excellent acclimatization and views of Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, and Rumiñahui. Return to lodge.
- Altitude: (4,790 meters / 15,715 feet)
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
- Meals: (Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: 6–7 hrs
Day 5
Trek to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Trek into Los Ilinizas Reserve, climbing through páramo vegetation to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700 m / 15,419 ft). Rustic overnight stay at altitude.
- Altitude: 4,700 m / 15,419 ft
- Accommodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Distance: ~5 km
- Duration: 3–4 hrs
Day 6
Summit Iliniza Norte
Alpine start for the ascent of Iliniza Norte (5,126 m / 16,818 ft). The route includes scrambling and ridge walking with fantastic views of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Descend and transfer back to El Chaupi.
- Altitude: 5,126 m / 16,818 ft
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Distance: ~8 km
- Duration: 7–8 hrs
Day 7
Quilotoa Lagoon & Return to El Chaupi
Scenic drive to Quilotoa Crater Lake (3,914 m / 12,841 ft), one of Ecuador’s most spectacular volcanic lakes. Gentle rim hike and cultural encounters with local communities. Return in the afternoon to El Chaupi for overnight.
- Altitude: (3,914 meters / 12,841 feet)
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
- Meals: (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8
Transfer to Cayambe Refuge
Drive north to Cayambe National Park. If road conditions allow, transfer by car up to Ruales Oleas Refuge (4,600 m / 15,092 ft); otherwise hike in. Guides provide technical briefing for glacier school.
- Altitude: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
- Accommodation: Ruales Oleas Refuge
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Glacier School on Cayambe
Full day of mountaineering training: use of crampons, ice axe, roped glacier travel, crevasse rescue. Hands-on learning on the glacier.
- Altitude: (4,800 meters / 15,748 feet)
- Accommodation: Ruales Oleas Refuge
- Meals: (Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner)
Day 10
Summit Cayambe & Transfer to Papallacta
Summit attempt of Cayambe (5,790 m / 18,996 ft) with glacier ascent under starlit skies. Rewarding sunrise views at the summit. After descent, transfer directly to Papallacta Hot Springs for recovery.
- Altitude: (5,790 meters / 18,996 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Papallacta
- Meals: (Breakfast/Box Lunch/-)
- Distance: 12–14 km
- Duration: 10–12 hrs
Day 11
Papallacta Hot Springs
Full recovery day in Papallacta (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by páramo landscapes. Optional short hikes in the ecological reserve.
- Altitude: (3,300 meters / 10,827 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Papallacta
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
Day 12
Cotopaxi National Park
Travel to Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy easy acclimatization hikes, wildlife observation (wild horses, llamas). Overnight at Tambopaxi Lodge (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) with Cotopaxi’s glacier cone as backdrop.
- Altitude: (3,700 meters / 12,139 feet)
- Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13
Chimborazo High Camp
Drive south to Chimborazo Reserve. Short trek of 2–3 hrs to High Camp (5,300 m / 17,388 ft). Early dinner and rest before summit night.
- Altitude: (5,300 meters / 17,388 feet)
- Accommodation: Chimborazo High Camp
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Day 14
Summit Chimborazo
Summit attempt of Chimborazo (6,268 m / 20,564 ft), Ecuador’s highest mountain and closest point to the sun. Technical glacier climb with unforgettable sunrise. Descend and transfer to Riobamba or Quito.
- Altitude: (6,268 meters / 20,564 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Riobamba / Quito
- Meals: (Breakfast/Box Lunch/-)
- Distance: 10–12 km
- Duration: 10–12 hrs
Day 15
Extra Day for Weather Conditions
Summit attempt of Chimborazo (6,268 m / 20,564 ft), Ecuador’s highest mountain and closest point to the sun. Technical glacier climb with unforgettable sunrise. Descend and transfer to Riobamba or Quito.
- Altitude: 6,268 m / 20,564 ft
- Accommodation: Hotel in Riobamba / Quito
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
- Distance: 10–12 km
- Duration: 10–12 hrs
Day 16
Return Home
Private transfer to Quito International Airport for departure. End of services.
- Altitude:(-)
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Accomodation: (-)
- Distance: (-)
- Duration: (-)
- Professional IFMGA / ASEGUIM-certified mountain guides
- Private ground transportation
- Hotels, lodges, haciendas & refuges
- Meals as listed in itinerary
- National park entry fees & climbing permits
- Group technical climbing equipment
- International flights
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent)
- Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
- Extra meals & drinks in cities
- Tips and personal expenses
Our expedition includes Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft), Chimborazo (6,310 m / 20,702 ft), and Cayambe (5,790 m / 18,996 ft) — Ecuador’s most iconic Andean peaks.
Depending on the chosen program, the expedition lasts between 9 and 12 days, including acclimatization hikes and summit attempts.
Basic mountaineering experience is recommended. However, our certified ASEGUIM/UIAGM guides provide full glacier training and technical instruction for all participants.
Yes. The program includes lodges, mountain refuges, and high camps, with all meals during the expedition. Vegetarian or vegan options are available upon request.
Technical gear such as boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and helmets are required. You can rent full equipment through our Andes Alpes Mountain Gear Rental service.
Yes. We recommend Global Rescue or any mountain-specific travel insurance that covers high-altitude activities.
The ratio is 1:2 for summit climbs and 1:4 for acclimatization hikes, ensuring personalized guidance and safety throughout the expedition.
We include buffer days to increase summit success. In case of extreme weather, we offer alternative climbs or adjustments at no extra cost (except lodging).
With proper acclimatization, our summit success rate exceeds 80%, thanks to experienced guides and optimal scheduling during the best climbing season (November–February).
Contact us directly via WhatsApp or email to confirm availability. A 50% deposit secures your spot; the balance is due before the expedition starts.