Climb Ecuador mountain tour, 12 days

Extreme Trekking | Mountain Biking | Mountain Climbing | Scuba Diving | White water rafting & kayaking | Other Adventures

Sample itinerary

Day 1 Quito
In the evening you receive a detailed briefing about the trip from the guide.

Day 2 Quito - Cotopaxi National Park
Departure from Quito towards Cotopaxi National Park. We drive to Limpiopungo valley where we spend the night at the Tambopaxi Mountain Refuge (3.800 m).

In the afternoon we walk to the Inca ruins ‘El Salitre’, where the Incas used to pay homage to Cotopaxi. In the afternoon return to the refuge.

Day 3 Rumiñahui
After breakfast we walk to Rumiñahui volcano. We cross Páramo-vegetation, sandy slopes and rocks. There are magnificent views of Cotopaxi from the top and also the possibility of observing condors. Return to the refuge.

Day 4 Cotopaxi Refuge
Today we reach the Refuge on Cotopaxi - “Jose Rivas” (4,800m). We drive about 1 hour to the car park at 4600m and from here we walk to the refuge in approximately 1 hour.

After a picnic-lunch we head to the glacier, where your guide will teach you the basic climbing techniques that you will use during the climb. In the late afternoon return to the refuge for dinner and bed.

Day 5 Cotopaxi glacier
The glacier school includes two practical sessions on the mountain, the first on the afternoon of the first day, and the second on the afternoon of the second day. We look at the theory and practical use of equipment, knots and harnesses, rescue, ice screws - the whole spectrum of mountain skills and high altitude medicine and basic first aid.

Day 6 Cotopaxi summit
We start climbing at midnight. After a small breakfast we set off for the top (5897 m). If the weather and physical conditions are good we reach the summit in 5-6 hours. From there we have a marvelous a spectacular view of the Andes. After returning to the refuge, refuelling and packing up we drive to Baños, where we spend the night at Hostal Isla de Baños. (Breakfast/Lunch)

Day 7 Baños hot springs
A day to rest in Baños, wander around, or relax in one of the hot springs. You can also rent a bike and ride down the waterfall road. Or head off rafting or horse riding on the slopes of Tungurahua – an active volcano (not included in our price but we would be happy to make suggestions and organize any activities you may like to do).

Day 8 Chimborazo refuge
We leave Baños and drive via Ambato and Guaranda to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge (4,800m) on Chimborazo. Lunch on the way. The Whymper refuge is about a 30 minute walk from the car park. If the weather conditions are good there’s time for an acclimatization walk in the afternoon.

Day 9 Chimborazo summit
The climb begins at midnight, and if the weather is good and you are fit and strong the climb takes between 8-9 hours. Returning to the refuge takes 4-5 hours. Afterwards we head back to Quito.

Day 10 Chimborazo chill or Papallacta hot springs
This is a buffer day - If the weather conditions weren’t good yesterday this gives a second opportunity to climb Chimborazo. Otherwise we make a day trip to Papallacta hot springs, an ideal place to go for a short walk on the paramo and to relax in the hot springs. In the afternoon we drive back to Quito.

Day 11 Cayambe refuge
Leave Quito in the morning and drive to the north using the Pan-American road to reach Cayambe town, then we take the mountain road passing the Hacienda Piemonte to the refuge at 4,600m. In the afternoon if the weather conditions are good we do an acclimatization walk.

Day 12 Cayambe summit climb
We start climbing at midnight. After a small breakfast we climb through the magnificent glaciers to the summit (5,897 m) in approx. 6-7 hours then return to the hut. In the afternoon we drive back to Quito and transfer to the hotel.

The best time for climbing these peaks is during late January and early February.

Please note: You should already have acclimatised, by spending several days at altitudes in excess of 4,000m before starting this programme.

Tour operators offering this adventure:

Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com