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: 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 (2-3 h) to the city of Quito or the town of Papallacta for a day rest.

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 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Rest day – Quito or Papallacta (2800/3300 m)
Today is an easy going day to rest, recover and enjoy before the next climb.
It is possible to choose to stay in Quito or Papallacta, but it has to be decided in advance. There are plenty of activities to do either at the capital or at Papallacta’s hot springs.
Included meals: Breakfast

Antisana’s high camp (4500 m)
After a good resting day, the team will get ready for one of the best climbs in Ecuador: Artisana volcano! The group will depart from Quito or Papallacta and drive about 2-3 hours, depending on the road conditions, to Artisana’s high camp (4500 m) located at the base of the volcano on the western flank. The transport will stop right at the campsite, which is very confortable. The idea is to get there after lunch and use the afternoon to prepare for the climb. The guide will provide all the necessary help and instructions for the climb. An early dinner and a good rest before the night’s challenge.
Night in tents.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Climb: Antisana Volcano (5704 m)
The team will wake up early, around midnight, and have some breakfast before the departing. Once on the move, the guides will lead the way by the moraine up to the glacier’s edge. After gearing up and dividing the group in teams with a ratio of 2 clients per guides, the climb will begin by the spectacular Artisana’s glacier. One of the most challenging part of the climb, is the route finding, as it is one of the less climb volcanoes and the “standard route” is seldom marked, so the guides have to do a good job navigating through a sea of seracs and snow fields. Our goal is Artisana’s main summit (5704 m), the highest of the four, and also the most accessible. The climb, though not technically difficult, presents a series of obstacles, which makes the climb real fun. The ascent is very beautiful, as the glacier has beautiful shapes and colors. It is definitely one of the best climbs in the country!
The summit has a fantastic panoramic view towards the neighboring volcanoes: Sincholagua, Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, Cayambe, between others and to the East the mighty Amazonas.
The descent is following back the ascent’s route down to the high camp. After packing down and taking a good break, the transport will take the group back to Quito (2 h).
Ascent: 904 m / Descent: 904 m / Highest altitude: 5704 m / Distance: 10,20 Km. to the summit and back down to high camp / Activity duration: 12 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic