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Itineraries
Day 1
Hike to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Our adventure starts in the morning at 10:00 am. We´ll drive to La Virgen parking lot (3,900m), the starting point of our trek. From here, we embark on a 3-hour hike through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, ascending to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge. The air thins as we gain altitude, and the beauty of the Andean highlands surrounds us with every step.
- Altitude: 4,700 meters (15,420 feet)
- Accommodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 5 km
- Duration: 2-3 hour
Day 2
Summit Iliniza Norte
Our climbing day starts at 5 am. We will have a light breakfast, pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later. We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/ 5.126 m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful
surroundings.
- Altitude: 5,126 meters (16,818 feet)
- Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 10 km (round trip)
- Duration: 4-6 hours (including summit time)
Day 3
Quilotoa Lake - Relaxing Day
We’ll leave from El Chaupi in the morning and drive to Quilotoa Lagoon. During the tour, we will stop at an Indian hut and visit the Tigua community to observe their leather crafts. The tour will take about 4 hours, then we’ll arrive at the viewpoint to admire the crater and lagoon. We will descend along a varying road for about an hour to the bottom of the lagoon, where we can take photos
and rest. After lunch, we’ll return to El Chaupi after a 3-hour drive.
- Altitude: 3,914 meters (12.841 feet)
- Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/Dinner)
- Distance: 108 km Transfer
- Duration: 2 (hours hike)
Day 4
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)
Day 5
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 Quito.
- Altitude: 6,268 meters (20,702 feet)
- Accommodations: Overnight in 4- season tents or Domes
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 9 km (Round Trip)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours to the summit (including breaks)
- Transfer: 230 km- Drive to Quito
- 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:
- 2 nights at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
- 1 nigh at Nuevos Horizontes 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
No previous mountaineering experience is required, but good physical condition is essential. Our certified guides will provide instruction and support throughout the trip.
Yes! This tour is designed to help your body adapt to altitude. Climbing Iliniza Norte (5,126 m) and hiking around Quilotoa Crater (3,914 m) are excellent for preparing to summit Chimborazo (6,268 m).
- Certified ASEGUIM/UIAGM mountain guide
- All technical climbing gear
- Meals and lodging during the 5 days
- Transportation from Quito or Latacunga
- Entry fees to national parks and refuges
We provide technical gear, but you’ll need personal items such as warm layers, hiking boots, gloves, headlamp, sunglasses, and a small backpack. We’ll send a full gear checklist after booking.
You’ll stay in cozy local lodges and a mountain refuge. One night is spent at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge, one near Quilotoa, and one at Carrel Refuge on Chimborazo.
Yes, we include round-trip transportation from Quito, Latacunga, or Riobamba. We’ll coordinate pickup with you after reservation.
Yes, with proper acclimatization and our experienced ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified guides, the climbs are safe. We always monitor weather and glacier conditions.
The best climbing conditions are usually from June to August and December to February.
Both options are available. Solo travelers can join a scheduled departure or request a private tour. Groups receive a discount.
Easy! Just contact us:
📧 info@cotopaxi-travel.com
📱 WhatsApp: +593 981333483