Arrival in Quito
Ecuador, a country in South America, is renowned for its remarkable diversity and stunning landscapes. It is often referred to as “The Land of Volcanoes” due to its numerous active and dormant volcanoes that shape its terrain. These volcanoes, part of the Andean Volcanic Belt, contribute to Ecuador’s rich geological and ecological tapestry.

The country’s volcanoes offer not only spectacular scenery but also opportunities for adventure and exploration. From the towering Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, to the majestic Chimborazo, whose summit is the closest point on Earth to space, Ecuador’s volcanic peaks attract mountaineers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.

Beyond their physical beauty, Ecuador’s volcanoes hold cultural and historical significance. Indigenous communities have long revered these mountains, considering them sacred and integral to their identities. Many of Ecuador’s towns and cities are situated near volcanoes, adding to the country’s unique charm and character.

Overall, Ecuador’s volcanoes symbolize both the raw power of nature and the resilience of the people who call this diverse country home. They stand as iconic landmarks, inviting visitors to marvel at their grandeur and explore the breathtaking landscapes they shape.

Arrival in Quito and transfer to hotel.

Included meals: None

Quito: Full day City tour with “Mitad del Mundo”
Full day private city tour in the historical part of Quito, including La Basilica Church, La Compañia Church and El Panecillo Hill. We leave the hotel by our private transport and will see the transformation from the new part of the city to the absolutely beautiful historical and colonial part of Quito. We will make some stops during the tour and visit all the interesting churches, plazas etc., but also will have time to simply soak up the local atmosphere, the many shops and sellers. Afterwards, we continue to “El Panecillo”, the hill in the center of Quito overlooking the city and the historical center. From here, on clear days, we may observe several of the snow-capped volcanoes surrounding Quito.
 After lunch, visit to “Mitad del Mundo” where you can stand on the equatorial line and do some fun experiments.
Included meals: Breakfast

Climb: Pasochoa Volcano (4164 m)
Pasochoa Volcano is an extinct volcano located about 30 kilometers south of Quito. Pasochoa is unique due to its lush, verdant caldera, which contrasts sharply with the more barren landscapes typically associated with volcanic areas.

The crater, formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, has since been overtaken by a cloud forest teeming with biodiversity. This natural reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including more than 50 species of birds and numerous mammals. Hiking trails wind through the forest, offering stunning views and opportunities for nature observation.

Pick-up at the hotel in Quito and transfer (2 h) to the trailhead, located at an altitude of 3848 m. From this point, a very well-marked trail will lead the way through farmland up to the paramo area. Here, the trail heads southwards, ascending progressively until the base of the crater. The last section is the steepest, following a mountain trail up to the crater rim. The final meters to the summit are along the edge of the crater, offering nice views down to the valley of Machachi, also known as the “Avenue of Volcanoes,” and the highlands to the west. On clear days, there is a perfect view of the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Rumiñahui, and Artisana volcanoes. The descent follows the same trail back. Upon returning to the starting point, the group will be transferred (2 h) to a mountain lodge near the town of El Chaupi and Machachi (2930 m).
Ascent: 516 m / Descent: 516 m / Highest altitude: 4164 m / Activity duration: 5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Los Pinos campsite (3300 m)
Early transfer (4 h) to the town of Angamarca (2985 m), located on the Western flank of the Andes. The first part of the road is very good, leaving it after 2,5 h for a dirt road that makes the last bit of the trip a bit slow. There will be a couple of stops at viewpoints, as the landscape is very nice and different from the main valley, where Quito is located. Angamarca is a remote village with a traditional way of life, which gives a good insight of the local life style. The trek starts from the town, after having lunch. The day’s hike is about 3 hours and follows a local trail to meet a dirt road which leads to the first camp: Los Pinos (3300 m).
Night in tents.
Ascent: 315 m / Highest altitude: 3300 m / Activity duration: 3 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Pigua Campsite (4073 m)
After breakfast and having packed down the camp, the ascent will follow the Yayachanchi’s valley up a river that carries the same name. The hike starts by a dirt road and after 30 min. it takes a local trail. The Ascent is constant and very enjoyable; passing corn and beans fields on the way. After a relative steep climb, the first houses of the Yayachachi town (3900 m) will appear. This isolated settlement, was until recent time only accesible by foot or horse, but a recently open dirt road has ease access and improved the life of the local people. A short break for a snack and then keep on by the same valley, leaving the settlement, and aiming at a well marked ridge which, after gaining altitude, traverses towards the East reaching the Pigua mountain pass (4200 m). From the pass an easy descend to one of the most beautiful valley on the trek, crossing a river, and heading to “La Chorrera de Pigua” (Tigua’s waterfall), where it camp (4073 m) will be setup.
Night in tents.
Ascent: 900 m / Descent: 127 m / Highest altitude: 4200 m / Activity duration: 6-7 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Quilotoa Crater Lake (3900 m)
Leaving Pigua’s campsite, taking an almost inexistent trail up the mountain side heading East, will lead to the highest point on the trek: Zumbagua mountain pass (4466 m). This pass has some of the best views to the high volcanoes, when clear, it is possible to see Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, Chimborazo, Los Altares and the active Tunguragua with its smoke column emerging from the crater. From the pass, a green valley opens downwards, dying in a lower valley that continues to an Indigenous settlement. After the settlement and descending a narrow gorge, the local’s transports will take (30-45 min) the group to the town of Zumbagua and from there on to Quilotoa’s crater lake (3900 m). Quilotoa is a known tourist attraction in Ecuador, due to its great location and the perfect round shape of the crater and the deep green colour of the lake inside the crater. The place is very relaxed and perfect to enjoy a cold beer watching the sunset, with the Ilinizas in the background.
Night in local hostel.
Ascent: 393 m / Descent: 766 m / Highest Altitude: 4466 m / Activity duration: 6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Chugchilan town (3198 m) – End of trek
About 8 AM the hike starts walking around about a third of the crater by a spectacular trail on the crater’s rim (4020 m). With clear skies the view is incredible towards the distant Cotopaxi and Illinizas volcanoes, the lake at the bottom of the crater, the Western valley and Guayama town. From the rim, the path descends into the Guayama valley and follows a series of trails and dirt roads until the Toachi River gorge (2995 m). This last section is quite steep following a old trail to the river crossing, where a short hike will lead up to the town of Chugchilan (3198 m), where the transport will be waiting to drive by a different road back too Machachi.
Night at mountain lodge
Ascent: 203 m / Descent: 1025 m / Highest Altitude: 4020 m / Activity duration: 5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Ilinizas – Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677 m)
The climb starts after an 1 hour transfer from the mountain lodge up to the parking place located at 3680 meters. From here, the group will follow a trail by the “paramo” (Andean highland), which changes as it gains altitude into a rocky moraine. The terrain gets steeper reaching a well marked ridge that ascend to a valley that divides the twin peaks and where the Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677 m) is located. After arrival the mountain guide will give the pertinent instruction for the next day’s climb and will help to prepare all the needed gear. The Nuevos Horizontes hut is a very, very basic accommodation with one big area, where both the bunkbeds and the kitchen are located. The hut has the basic services as kitchen, dinning tables and toilets.
Night in dormitory with bunkbends.
Ascent: 817 m / Highest altitude: 4677 m / Distance: 4,22 Km. / Activity duration: 3-4 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Climb: North Iliniza Volcano (5126 m)
The Iliniza Volcanoes are twin peaks located in the Andes Mountains near Quito. The North Iliniza (5126 m) and South Iliniza (5248 m), both offer stunning panoramic views and are popular destinations for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts. The surrounding area is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for outdoor adventure and nature exploration.

This morning’s goal is to climb the North Iliniza. The North summit is the easier of the two from a technical point of view, but still a demanding physical ascent. The climb starts from the Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677 m). The hike heads towards the col and then ascends to the north. The climb itself is very panoramic, as it follows the southern ridge of the mountain with spectacular landscapes on both sides. During the ascent, there will be short, easy scrambling sections before reaching the summit. Depending on logistics, weather conditions, and the physical shape of the team, the descent can be done by the same trail or by following the northern ridge, down a big scree area, making it a circular route. Back at the parking place, the team will be transferred (2 hours) to Cotopaxi National Park’s Tambopaxi refuge.

Ascent: 449 m / Descent: 1266 m / Highest altitude: 5126 m / Distance: 1.39 km to the summit and 5 km back down to the starting point / Activity duration: 8 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Cotopaxi – Glacier training (4990 m)
After a good rest and a well-deserved breakfast, a 2-hour transfer will take the group to the Cotopaxi parking area (4587 m). Then, a 1-hour hike will bring the group to Cotopaxi’s mountain hut (4847 m). After a short break, the hike continues for another 45 minutes up to the lower part of the glacier (4990 m). Once there, the team will gear up and follow the guide’s instructions on the use of crampons, ice axes, ropes, and all the appropriate technical gear for the climb. This is not an alpine course, just a brief introduction to the techniques needed for the ascent. This activity will also improve acclimatization due to the physical exertion at altitude.

After the training, the team will head back down to the hut for the night (4847 m). The rest of the afternoon is for the climb preparations. The guides will give a detailed briefing about all aspects of the ascent and help with all the gear. An early dinner will be served, and then rest until the guides call for breakfast, usually around midnight.
Night at the hut in dormitories with bunk beds.

Ascent: 403 m / Descent: 143 m / Highest Altitude: 4990 m / Distance: 1.2 km one way / Activity duration: 4 – 5 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Climb: Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m)
The Cotopaxi volcano ascent is a thrilling adventure suitable for climbers looking to tackle one of Ecuador’s most iconic peaks. At 5897 meters (19,347 feet), Cotopaxi is the second highest volcano in Ecuador and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.

The summit day starts very early; departure time will be set by the mountain guides according to the team’s physical condition and the weather forecast, usually between 11 PM and 2 AM. Breakfast will be served 1 hour before the scheduled departure. The team will begin the ascent from the hut, following a well-marked trail that gently ascends over a fine stone moraine for about 1 hour. Once on the edge of the glacier (4990 m), the group will gear up and, in case of a big group, divide into smaller teams with a ratio of 2 clients to 1 guide. The Cotopaxi climb requires endurance and a good deal of mental strength. Cotopaxi’s glacier is quite safe, and the climb is not technically difficult, but there are a few crevassed areas and some icy slopes that make the route interesting.

The first section of the glacier is a gentle slope that gets steeper as it goes higher. There is a series of switchbacks known as “Heart Breaker,” which is the toughest part of the ascent due to its demanding steepness and continuity. After this, a very nice ridge gradually gains altitude, passing close to the prominent rock face known as “Yanasacha” at about 5630 m. From this point, a relatively long traverse to the right leads to another set of switchbacks that go up to the crater’s rim and a few meters later to the main summit. The climb takes an average of 7-8 hours. Cotopaxi’s summit is one of the most spectacular, looking down into the double rim crater, and on clear days, it is possible to see most of the neighboring volcanoes such as Antisana, Cayambe, Ilinizas, Chimborazo, El Altar, and the active Tungurahua. The descent follows the same route back, taking between 3-4 hours. Once back at the huts and after the whole group reunites, there is a short hike down (20 minutes) to the parking place and a drive back to Quito (2 h).

Ascent: 1050 m / Descent: 1315 m / Highest Altitude: 5897 m / Distance to the summit: 2.47 km / Distance from summit to parking place: 3.22 km / Activity duration: 10-12 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Departure
Time to leave the volcanoes of Ecuador!
Pick up at hotel and transfer out to Quito’s Airport (1-2 h) – End of services
Included meals: Breakfast