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

City Tour in Quito with Pichincha Volcano’s Cable-car
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city located high in the Andes Mountains. Renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, the city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring charming plazas, churches, and monasteries. Quito’s rich cultural scene includes numerous museums and art galleries, while its unique location near the equator offers stunning natural landscapes and panoramic views from the nearby Pichincha Volcano. With a blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty, Quito is a captivating destination for travelers.

The Quito Cable Car, or Teleférico, offers one of the most spectacular and scenic experiences in Ecuador’s capital. Located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, this cable car ride gives visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Quito and its surrounding valleys.
The ride begins at an altitude of 2950 meters at the base station and climbs up to Cruz Loma, a viewing platform at approximately 4050 meters. The entire ride lasts around 18 minutes, and during this ascent, travelers will be able to witness an incredible transformation in landscapes—from the bustling urban sprawl of Quito to the lush Andean highlands.

Start your exploration in Quito’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Plaza Grande, home to the Presidential Palace and the impressive Cathedral of Quito. Wander through the charming streets lined with colonial architecture, visiting landmarks like the La Compañía de Jesús Church with its stunning baroque interior.

Next, head to the San Francisco Church and Plaza, one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Quito.
Then, drive to El Panecillo, a hill topped with a statue of the Virgin of Quito, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. On clear days, we may observe several of the snow-capped volcanoes surrounding the capital. It is also a great opportunity to simply soak up the local atmosphere of this easygoing city.

La Mitad del Mundo, located just north of Quito, is a popular tourist attraction marking the equatorial line. Visitors can straddle the equator with one foot in each hemisphere at the monument. The site features a museum showcasing indigenous culture and scientific exhibits about the equator. At Intiñan Museum, the visitor can enjoy interactive demonstrations on the unique phenomena occurring at the equator. This visit provides a fun and educational experience, highlighting Ecuador’s geographical significance.

REMARK: The order of visits may vary depending on the weather, traffic, and factors beyond our control.

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 back (2 h) to Quito.
Night in hotel.
Ascent: 516 m / Descent: 516 m / Highest altitude: 4164 m / Activity duration: 5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Summit: Guagua Pichincha volcano (4794 m)
The Pichinchas are three summits located on the western range just above Quito. The Guagua Pichincha is the highest and youngest of the summits; the other two are the Rucu Pichincha and the Padre Encantado (Enchanted Father), and both of them are lower. Guagua is also where the last eruption took place in 1999, but it is considered safe to climb by geologists. The Guagua and the Rucu are very popular ascents due to their location on the outskirts of the capital and their convenient access.

Pick-up at the hotel in Quito and transfer (2 hours) to the trailhead at a parking place at 4150 m. From the parking place, the hike ascends through a “paramo” area, finding its way through changing vegetation up to the moraine. The ascent is very straightforward, but the distance to cover is considerable. There is a significant gain in altitude during the hike, which works great as preparation for higher summits. The trail back is the same as the ascent. From the parking place, there is a 2-hour drive along the beautiful “Volcano Avenue” to the accommodation close to the towns of Machachi and El Chaupi (2930 m).

Ascent: 644 m / Descent: 644 m / Highest altitude: 4794 m / Activity duration: 6 hours
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