Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are two of the most famous Summits in the Andes of Ecuador, offering a perfect combination of trekking and climbing.
For mountaineers seeking the ultimate challenge in Ecuador, summiting both Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Chimborazo (6,263m) in one expedition is an unforgettable experience. This 11-day itinerary combines acclimatization, high-altitude training, and expert guidance to give you the best chance of success. If you’re planning to conquer these two iconic volcanoes in 2025, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Climb Cotopaxi and Chimborazo?
Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are two of the most famous peaks in the Andes, offering a perfect combination of technical climbing and stunning landscapes. Cotopaxi’s symmetrical, glacier-covered cone is an ideal warm-up for Chimborazo, which is the farthest point from the Earth’s center due to its equatorial location.
Overwiew
Conquer Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes in one unforgettable expedition. Climb Cotopaxi (5,897 m) and Chimborazo (6,268 m) with expert ASEGUIM-certified guides, starting from our high-altitude base at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge. Glacier training, acclimatization hikes, and breathtaking summits — this is the ultimate Andes climbing experience.
11-Day Climbing Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Quito (2,850m)
Day 1: Arrival to Quito
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where your Trip
Advisor will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Quito,
Ecuador’s vibrant capital. Take the rest of the day to relax and
start acclimating to the altitude.
- Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito
- Meals: (-/-/-)
- Distance: 40 km from the airport
- Duration: 45 – minutes transfer
Day 2: Acclimatization Hike – Saquihua Hill
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you from Quito to Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3300 m. 10,827Ft.), a cozy retreat surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. The scenic 1.2-hour drive passes through rural villages and rolling highlands, setting the tone for your adventure. In the afternoon, your first acclimatization hike begins. The trail to Saquihua Hill is a gentle yet rewarding trek, helping your body adjust to the altitude.
- Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,795 feet)
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Distance: 4 km (round trip)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Day 3: Acclimatization Hike – Corazon
From El Chaupi village, we will start early in the morning after breakfast at 7:00 am. We will drive up to the trailhead (13,120ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazón summit. The hike is about 4-6 hours long. Return to the Lodge.
- Altitude: 4,788 meters (15,708 feet)
- Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: (Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 10 km (round trip)
- Duration: 4-6 hour (including summit time)
Day 4: Climb – Iliniza Norte Summit
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 5: Hike to 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: 4,864meters (15,953 feet)
- Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge
- Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Distance: 1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
- Duration: 1 hour hike
Day 6: Cotopaxi Summit
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 5 to 6 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 Baños city. Overnight in the hotel.
- Altitude: (5,897 meters / 19,347 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Baños City
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Distance: Climb 10 k (round trip).
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit (including breaks) 2-3 Hours Back Down Transfer: 3 hours Drive to Baños
Day 7: Baños City Free Day
This is a relaxing day; in this beautiful town you can do different activities that can be purchased on behalf of the passengers. It’s a free day its surroundings offer many possibilities like the route of the waterfalls, hikes inside the “cloud forest”, besides, depending on our interest, with an extra cost, we could try rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. Night in hotel.
- Altitude: (1800meters / 5,905 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Baños City
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Distance: (-)
- Duration: (-)
Day 8: 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)
- Accommodation: Overnight in 4- season tents or Domes
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance: 2.5 km hike.
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours (hike including breaks)
- Transfer: 110 Km – Drive from Baños
Day 9: 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)
- Accommodation: Overnight in 4- season tents or Domes
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Distance: 9 km (Round Trip)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours to the summit (including breaks)
- Transfer: 230 km – Drive to Quito
Day 10: Recovery and Travel to Quito
After the intense physical effort of the previous summit attempts, we dedicate this day to rest and recovery. Enjoy a relaxed morning at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge, where you can stretch out your legs, review photos from the climbs, and share stories over a warm Andean breakfast.
In the afternoon, we will organize the private transfer back to Quito (approx. 2 hours), where you can check into your hotel or head to the airport depending on your flight schedule.
- Altitude: From 3,300 m (El Chaupi) to 2,850 m (Quito)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito (optional, not included unless requested)
- Meals: (Breakfast included at the lodge)
- Distance: Approx. 90 km
- Duration: 2–3 hours travel time
Day 11: Departure to Home
After a final breakfast overlooking the Andes, enjoy a private transfer to the airport. Depart Ecuador with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and luxurious moments. Until next time, Ecuador awaits your return!
- Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito
- Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
- Distance: 40 km from Quito
- Duration: 45 – minutes transfer
Physical Preparation and Training
Climbing two high-altitude peaks requires serious preparation:
- Cardio and endurance training: Running, cycling, or stair climbing.
- Strength training: Focus on legs, core, and upper body.
- Altitude acclimatization: If possible, train at elevation before arrival.
Gear Checklist
- Mountaineering boots (double-layered for warmth)
- Crampons and ice axe
- Harness and helmet
- Down jacket and waterproof layers
- Gloves, hat, and thermal base layers
- High-energy snacks and hydration system
Book Your Climb with Experts
Guided tours are mandatory for these Summits . Cotopaxi Summit offers an 11-day expedition led by expert mountaineers, ensuring safety and the best chance of summiting both peaks.
Final Tips
- Allow time for proper acclimatization.
- Follow your guide’s instructions carefully.
- Stay hydrated and eat well for energy.
- Enjoy the journey—the views and experience are worth it!
Are you ready for the ultimate Ecuadorian climbing adventure? Book your expedition today!
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