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

Climb: Corazon Volcano (4791 m)
The lodge is located just at the foot of the Corazon Volcano a short drive to the trailhead from where the team will follow a well marked trail on the Eastern side of the mountain. During the ascent there are excellent views down to the volcano Avenue and the town of Machachi. This is a very pleasant hike and an perfect complement to the acclimatization. Another advantage is that this volcano is much less visited than other acclimatization mountains and this provides a very different atmosphere. The last few meters before reaching the summit go over an easy scrambling section. The summit is just in the crater rim and has a panoramic view to the Western flank. The descent is done by the same trail.
Night in hotel.
Ascent: 890 m / Descent: 890 m / Highest altitude: 4791 m / Activity duration: 6-7 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 to the town of Baños (3 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

Town of Baños de Santa Agua (1820 m) – Rest Day
The town of Baños, as it if locally know, lies in the Tunguragua province just at the foothills of the active Tunguragua Volcano (5023 m). Baños is called the “Gateway to the Amazon” as it’s the last andean town before reaching the Amazon basin. Due to its privileged location, this town offers a great deal of activities. The best known are the hot-springs (baños), which one can enjoy many places around town. Adventure sports are also widely spread like mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, etc.
Baños also have some great scenery with the famous waterfalls that lie few kilometers down the valley. The best known are “El Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s pot) and “El manto de la Novia” (the Bride’s veil), which can be visited taking a local taxi. The “Tarabita” (Cable-car) to cross over the Pastaza River and on the other side of the valley, it is possible to hike through the orchards and gardens of the local peasants.
In few words, there are plenty of options to do or just take a easy going day to enjoy the nice temperature and beautiful surroundings.
Night at hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast

Chimborazo – High Camp (5330 m)
After a day of leisure and a relaxing morning in the town of Baños, the group will pack and drive (3 h) back to the highland towards Chimborazo National Park. On the way, there will a couple of short stops and time to buy the last snacks before leaving “civilization”. Chimborazo volcano is an impressive mountain that stands out from the “Volcanoes Avenue”. The indigenous farmed land that surrounds the mountains are all traditionally worked and very colorful during the harvest season. While driving up to the main entrance, it is possible to see very dramatic landscapes where the actions of the old eruptions have shaped the geography of the place. After crossing the park borders, the landscape turns very arid, like a desert, where it is possible to see one of the rare South American camelids: Vicuñas. These animals are difficult to see because they life in quiet inaccessible areas. They are master to survive in difficult conditions. The ones living in this park are not originally from the area, but introduced many years ago and over time became permanent residents.
The road goes all the way to the door of the lower hut “Refugio Hermanos Carrel” (4800 m), from where the hike starts toward Chimborazo’s high camp (5330 m).
Once on the march, the first part is basically a flat moraine until it begins to gain progressively altitude until reaching the top of the ridge. After a short walk on the ridge there is a flat area at the base of a rock tower known as “El Castillo”, the place where the high camp is located.
The rest of the afternoon-evening will be to prepare the climb and have an early dinner. The mountain guides will provide all the information and help to assure the best logistic for such a demanding climb.
Night in tents.
Ascent: 530 m / Highest Altitude: 5330 m / Activity duration: 2 – 2,5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Climb: Chimborazo Volcano (6268 m)
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and also the highest in the world measured from the center of the earth, due to is location on the tropical belt. The mountain has five mayor summits all linked by a ridge called the “Arista del Sol” (Sun’s ridge), which probably is the main reason of its Quichua name, which translates “Ice braid”. The main summit is the Whymper (6268 m), named after the British mountaineer Edward Whymper who has the first person to climb it on 1880 along with the Swiss Carrel brothers.
Climbing Chimborazo by its normal Southwest route is a challenging affair, is 938 meters ascent and a long 1468 meters descent in one push at a considerable altitude. The terrain is also complex, as it changes from an easy moraine trail to ice, snow and rock sections, with some easy scrambling at some specific spots. Even though it is not a technical climb, it is physical demanding. The climb starts between 11 PM to 12 AM, according to the team fitness, acclimatization level and meteorological conditions. The mountain guide will decide the departure time and wake up the clients up, 1 hour before, to have some breakfast and get ready for the activity.

The first part of the route is no longer the normal route, but a variant known as the “Marco Cruz route”, named after the legendary Ecuadorian mountaineer who first ascended it. This variant joins the normal route after “El Castillo” rock pillar, making the ascent much safer and more scenic. After gaining more altitude to approx. 5600 m where the glacier’s edge is, rising on a wide ridge that goes up to an approximate altitude of 5850 m. From this point a gentle traverse elevates westwards reaching 6000 m and then a relative strait up climb to the first summit: the Veintimilla (6230 m), then descend few meters to cross a col and then back up to the main summit: Whymper (6268 m). This is a memorable ascent to a summit above 6000 meters and a test of physical and mental endurance.
The descend is done by the same route back to the Carrel hut and, after packing, there will be a transfer ready to take the group back to Quito (4 h).
Ascent: 938 m / Descent: 1468 m / Highest Altitude: 6268 m / Distance: 2,4 Km. to the summit and 5,1 Km. back down to the starting point / 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