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: 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, drive back to quito and drop off at designated spot.

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