This December, we will be climbing in Ecuador, on a trek which includes two of Ecuador’s highest and most impressive peaks – Cotopaxi (5897m) and Chimborazo (6310m).

Approximate costs are expected to be around £900 for flights, and £1000 for the trek, depending on numbers.

Ecuador Climbing Special

This 10 day trip combines Ecuador´s two highest and most impressive peaks, Cotopaxi (5897 m./19347ft) and Chimborazo (6310 m./20702ft.), with an acclimatization package which includes Pasochoa (4200m./13780ft.) and lliniza Norte (5126 m). During the excursion we spend a free day in Baños. There you have the possibility to relax in the famous hot springs, do some mountain biking, horse back riding or visit one of the several waterfalls of the surrounding area. The most compact and ambitious climbing program for those climbers with very limited time.

Daily Itinerary

• Day 1: Quito – Pasochoa – Quito. We leave early in the morning towards Pasochoa (4200m/13780ft). This will be our first acclimatization climb and an introduction to the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes. For a large part of the day, we will have an opportunity to observe the flora of the Andean plateau and the majestic flight of a In addition, on the inside of the crater it is possible to see the forest with native trees known as Polilepis, the same trees that grow on the vertical walls that reach to the border of the crater. Due to its location near the National park of Cotopaxi, the view one of the highest active volcano in the world is outstanding. The walk takes approximately five hours in total. Return to Quito. ( BL)
• DAY 2: Quito – Guagua Pichincha – Quito. Our acclimatization continues on the Guagua Pichincha (4800 m/ 15500ft) with Quito in the foothills of the mountain. We will begin to climb from an altitude of approximately 4200m/13780ft. On the final stretch, before reaching the summit, we will be rewarded with spectacular views of the inside of the active crater with its smoke and recently formed lava domes. The ascent will take three hours and then it will take two hours to descend to the vehicle. Return to our hotel in Quito. (B, BL)
• DAY 3: Quito – Ilinizas. This day we will arrive to El Chaupi a small town close the Ilinizas. We will take a short walk to explore “Bosque Encantado” until 4300mts. we return to the lodge to prepare the ascent of Iliniza Norte the following day. (B, BL, D)
• DAY 4: Summit day on Iliniza Norte. Our climb begins after a breakfast at five in the morning. We will arrive at the saddle between the two mountains (4650m) in three hours approximately we will see the almost perfectly formed cone of Cotopaxi and the massive Antisana in the horizon. We will continue up the East Ridge to the North peak and will arrive to the summit in two hours (5126m./16818ft.). At the summit, we will be rewarded with a face-to-face view of Iliniza Sur and at the distance, Chimborazo. Return to our car and immediately depart towards

• DAY 5: Cotopaxi National Park. This day we can visit the Jose Ribas refuge 4.800m.- walk up to the entrance of the glacier 5.000m. And back down to the lodge Tambopaxi 3.750m./ (B, BL)
• DAY 6: Cotopaxi National Park – Climber´s hut on Cotopaxi. After inspecting our equipment and packing, we will drive to the parking area (4600m). After approximately an hour walk, we will arrive at the refuge Jose Ribas (4800m). Training on the nearest glacier, we will learn and practice snow climbing skills, self-arrest, rope handling and glacier travel. Return to the refuge to prepare for the ascent. (B, BL, D) (B, BL)
• DAY 7: Summit day on Cotopaxi. We will begin the ascent at one in the morning. We will walk for an hour over scree and snow slopes until we arrive at the bottom of the glacier (5100m). After five to six hrs, we will reach the summit (5897m/19560ft) where we will be able to admire the gigantic crater that is 800 meters in diameter, the sea of clouds covering the Amazon, the lane of volcanoes, Cayambe, Antisana, and Chimborazo. We will descend to the refuge in two or three hours where we will pack and then travel to the charming city of Baños. (B, BL)
• DAY 8: Rest day in Baños. This day will be dedicated to sightseeing, rest and recover. We will visit the surrounding waterfalls and later, if you wish, the well known thermal baths. (B)
• DAY 9: Chimborazo – Climber´s hut. We will travel to the Carrel Refuge (4800m) on Chimborazo. We will need to walk a short thirty minutes to arrive at the Whymper Refuge (5000m) where we will prepare for an ascent on the highest mountain in Ecuador. (B, BL, D)
• DAY 10: Summit day on Chimborazo – Return to Quito. We will depart at midnight and continue on the Castillo route. Once over the edge of the glacier, we have to overcome a section of short raises in the first third of the climb. After, we climb the final steps to the Veintimilla summit (6270m). We will traverse across to climb to the Whymper summit, the furthest point from the center of the earth. The ascent will take eight to ten hours and we will descend to the refuge in four hours. Return to Quito. (B, BL)
  B:Breakfast BL:Box Lunch D:Dinner

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