Sample itinerary
These are high mountains and clients should be fit, prepared and equipped, the optional summit ascents will require the use of crampons, safety ropes and an ice axe.
8 day trekking adventure, experienced crew, tourist class hotels, high quality camping equipment with spacious tents.
Highlights included in the price
2 day guided trek on Cotopaxi, 5897m, including optional summit ascent
4 day guided Mt Chimborazo trek, 6310m, (optional summit ascent paid locally)
Visit Quito and Banos
Day 1: Quito - Pasochoa
From Quito we head south for an acclimatisation walk in the Pasochoa Volcano highlands, with beautiful views of Ruminahui, Sincholagua, Antizana and Cotopaxi Volcanoes, approx 4-5hrs trekking, camp at 4200m.
Day 2: Pasochoa - Cotopaxi
Transfer to Cotopaxi trailhead 4600m, from where we trek to Ribas hut 4800m, 1-2hrs trekking.
Day 3: Cotopaxi
We trek via the Northwest route to Cotopaxi summit 5897m, 6-7hrs ascent, (clients opting not to summit will visit the impressive glaciers) after the trek we transfer to our hotel in Riobamba for a well earned rest.
Day 4: Cotopaxi - Tambococha
Transfer to our Chimborazo trailhead, our trek follows the most spectacular Northwest slopes to Tambococha camp 4100m, approx 6hrs trekking.
Day 5: Tambococha - Pogyos
We trek to Pogyos camp, probably passing herds of vicunas and llamas then descend to our camp at 3900m, approx 6-7hrs trekking.
Day 6: Pogyos - Chimborazo
We enjoy a restful day with a transfer and 1hrs trek to the famous Whymper hut, 5000m.
Day 7: Chimborazo - Baños
We have the option to climb Mt Chimborazo, 6310m Equador’s highest peak, (this is at extra expense paid locally). The demanding summit trek starts at midnight and follows the normal Southwest route approx 8 – 9hrs up and 4 – 5hrs back to Whymper hut for a hot lunch. The remainder of the group will be walking in the Whymper hut area before lunch. We will all then transfer down to our hotel in Banos.
Day 8: Baños - Quito
A free morning to relax or explore Banos, then return to Quito where our tour ends on arrival.
Important Note: In order to adjust to the altitude, please plan to arrive in Quito 3 days prior to trek departure.
Tour operators offering this adventure:
Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com