Climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo

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 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 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 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 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.