Summits of Ecuador – 13 days

This high-altitude program has been carefully designed by us to ensure proper acclimatization, giving you the best possible chance of successfully achieving the remarkable challenge of climbing the summits of Cotopaxi—the highest active volcano in the world at 5,897 meters—and Chimborazo, which, at 6,268 meters, is the closest summit on Earth to the sun.
We will begin our acclimatization in the Otavalo region, located in northern Ecuador, with hikes around Cuicocha Lake (3,200 m), followed by the ascent of Imbabura (4,580 m), an iconic peak of Imbabura Province. To conclude this northern section, we will venture onto the glacier of Cayambe Volcano.
We will then travel south to the stunning Quilotoa area before heading to Illiniza North (5,126 m), a beautiful peak offering an alpine atmosphere, followed by the majestic Cotopaxi.
After this effort, and as a way to unwind, we will visit the charming spa town of Baños, known for its thermal waters and located at the foot of the active Tungurahua Volcano.
Finally, we will complete the journey with the ascent of Chimborazo, reaching an altitude of 6,268 meters.

Itinerary :

Day 1: Colonial Quito – Mitad del Mundo – Quito
Visit of colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Mitad del Mundo monument. Overnight at a hotel in Quito.

Day 2: Quito – Otavalo Market – Cuicocha Lagoon – San Clemente Community
Departure from Quito by private vehicle to Imbabura Province, reaching Otavalo where we will visit its famous traditional market, the most renowned in Ecuador. After free lunch on site, we will visit Cuicocha Lake in the afternoon, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Ecuador, located within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Hike around the lake and its crater (approx. 4.5 hours). In the late afternoon, transfer by vehicle to the Caranqui community of San Clemente. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
B – D

Day 3: San Clemente – Ascent of Imbabura (4,630 m) – Otavalo
Breakfast. Ascent of Imbabura Volcano (4,630 m). Picnic lunch during the hike. Overnight at a hotel in Otavalo.
B – L (picnic)

Day 4: Otavalo – Cayambe Glacier – Machachi
Breakfast. Departure to Cayambe Volcano, ascent to the refuge at 4,500 m, followed by a walk on the glacier. Picnic lunch. Transfer by private vehicle to Machachi. Dinner and overnight at a lodge in Machachi.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 5: Machachi – Quilotoa Lagoon – Chugchilán
After breakfast, departure by private vehicle to the indigenous community of Quilotoa. Hike inside the Quilotoa crater. Picnic lunch. Hike from Quilotoa to Chugchilán or around the crater. Dinner and overnight at a lodge in Chugchilán.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 6: Chugchilán – Machachi
After breakfast, hike around the village of Chugchilán, ascending the western cordillera and following it while enjoying beautiful views over the Sigüe and Toachi rivers. Opportunity to observe rural life (3 to 4 hours of hiking). Lunch. After lunch, transfer to Lasso, skirting the Illinizas massif. Dinner and overnight at a lodge in Machachi.
B – L – D

Day 7: Machachi – Illinizas Refuge (4,700 m)
After breakfast, drive by private vehicle to the village of El Chaupi at the foot of the Illinizas massif. From there, take a mountain road to the area known as “La Virgen” in the Illinizas Reserve, where the hike begins with load carrying up to the refuge at 4,700 m. Overnight in the refuge.
B – L – D

Day 8: Ascent of Illiniza North (5,126 m) – Lasso
After breakfast, early departure at dawn for the ascent of Illiniza North (5,126 m) to benefit from optimal conditions and enjoy the exceptional views over the Andes and surrounding valleys, weather permitting. Descent back to the valley, then transfer to Lasso at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano. Overnight at a lodge in Lasso.
B – L

Day 9: Lasso – Cotopaxi Refuge (4,800 m)
After breakfast, drive by private vehicle to the refuge parking area at 4,500 m, then hike up to José Ribas Refuge (4,800 m). Glacier training session to test equipment, assess each participant’s level, and receive basic instructions for glacier travel with your mountain guide. Picnic during the glacier activity. Return to the refuge. Dinner and overnight at José Ribas Refuge.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 10: Ascent of Cotopaxi (5,897 m) – Baños
Between midnight and 1:00 a.m., begin the ascent in rope teams of the highest active volcano in the world with our mountain guides. Return to the refuge for breakfast, then descend to the parking area and transfer to the town of Baños. Relaxation. Overnight at a hotel in Baños.
B

Day 11: Baños
After breakfast, visit Baños and its surroundings, including the Route of the Waterfalls. Observation of the active Tungurahua Volcano if conditions permit. Overnight at a hotel in Baños.
B

Day 12: Baños – Whymper Refuge (5,000 m)
Breakfast. Departure by private vehicle to Chimborazo Refuge at 4,800 m. Ascent to Whymper Refuge at 5,000 m. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at the refuge. Night ascent of Chimborazo.
B – L (picnic) – D

Day 13: Ascent of Chimborazo (6,268 m) – Quito
Breakfast at the refuge after the ascent. Return to Quito. Overnight at a hotel in Quito. End of the program. B