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

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 there is a 3 hours drive across Los Chillos and Tumbaco valley and up over the Andes, down to Papallacta town (3300 m).

Ascent: 644 m / Descent: 644 m / Highest altitude: 4794 m / Activity duration: 6 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Trekking: Laguna Volcan Campsite (3642 m)
The transport will pick the group up and drive back up the valley (45 min) until the head of trail called: El Tambo (3638 m). The hike starts by a horseshoe trail over a swampy area and up to the Potrerillos pass (3950 m), then descends by a valley densely cover with “paramo” vegetation down to the Volcano Lake, where the first campsite will be established (3642 m).
Night in tents.
Ascent: 312 m / Descent: 308 m / Highest Altitude: 3950 m / Activity duration: 5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Antisanilla Campsite (4090 m)
Today is the longest ascent of the trek; therefore an early start is a must. Leaving the Volcan Lake, the trail begins a constant ascent between shallow valleys and ridges until reaching the highland’s plateau. Then an eastwards traverse to a volcanic valley that gently ascents passing Santa Lucia Lake and up to Santa Lucia Pass (4380 m) to descent to one of the camping areas around Antisanilla (4090 m).
Night in Tents.
Ascent: 738 m / Descent: 290 m / Highest Altitude: 4380 m / Activity duration: 8 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Taracocha lake Campsite (4214 m)
Once again an early departure, due to the long distance to be cover this day. The altitude difference is not that bad, but the hike is close to 20 Km. The first part, from Antisanilla to Hacienda Pullurima (3920 m), is mostly flat and a bit downwards; crossing some of the most beautiful swampy valleys covered with hard vegetation called Cushions “Cojines”. During the hike the view is quite impressive, having the Antisana volcano to the East and in the distance the Sincholagua and Cotopaxi volcanoes. From Hacienda Pullurima, by the way a huge ranch specialized in the breed of bulls, the trail goes in an almost straight line up the slope, aiming to the base of Sincholagua volcano, and just before the Taracocha Lake and the campsite (4214 m).
Night in tents.
Ascent: 170 m / Descent: 294 m / Highest Altitude: 4090 m / Activity duration: 8-9 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Rio Pita (3750 m) – End of trek
Sunrise on Taracocha Lake is amazing, having the mighty Cotopaxi just in front and the Antisana behind. After breakfast, the team will head up to the highest point in the trek: Sincholagua mountain Pass (4408 m). The ascent is progressive and will go from “Paramo” vegetation with high grass to a rocky moraine. On the pass there is a great panorama to the Cotopaxi volcano and the valley below. The Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Ilinizas, Corazon volcanoes are also visible and, in the distance, the city of Quito. Descending is a great walk by a lovely green valley that ends at Pita River’s bed (3750 m). A short 40 minutes hike by the river up to the mountain lodge with a perfect view to Cotopaxi volcano.
Night at the mountain lodge.
Ascent: 194 m / Descent: 658 m / Highest Altitude: 4408 m / Activity duration: 7-8 h
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