TREKKING IN ECUADOR »

Ecuador is a paradise for all mountaineers, the beginner and the advanced. We recommend to start with the technically not very difficult Illiniza North (5126 m) and the famous Cotopaxi volcano (5897 m), for the more advanced then the highest mountain Ecuador’s, the Chimborazo (6310 m), as well Cayambe (5790 m) and the Antisana. For the very advanced climber present itself the Illiniza South and Altar.

To be able to reach all the peaks it is necessary to have a good acclimatization of at least five days in the altitude and we recommend to carry out one of our trekking tours.

All our tours start in Quito and we travel in private transports. All the technical equipment, the overnight stays in tents or refuges and the entrance fee to the National Parks are in the prices included. Experimented English speaking mountain guides lead the climbs, always one for every two participants.

The best time in the year for the climbs are the months December and January and again from June to September.

2 Days / 1 Night

On the right hand side just before arriving to the Cotopaxi National Park the two Illinizas stick out of the western Cordillera. While the South peak only is recommended for the very advanced climber, the Illiniza North presents itself as an acclimatization climb for the following higher mountains.

Day 1 Quito - Refuge Illiniza
In the morning departure from Quito to the small village of Chaupi and Lunch. We follow the dirt road to the parking lot on 4000m and ascend to the refuge below the saddle between the two peaks at 4750m (around 3 hours). Dinner and overnight in the refuge.

Day 2 Ascent - Quito
After the breakfast ascent to the peak. The last section is exposed and rocky and need some experience in the mountains. Picnic on the way. Descent to the parking lot and return journey to Quito where we arrive in the late afternoon.

On of the highlights for all mountaineers belongs the highest freestanding volcano of the world (5897 m). The ascent takes place in the night and for the roundtrip you should calculate about 8 hours.
It is not necessary to have good technical skills for the ascent but it is important to have a good physical condition and a good acclimatization to the altitude. We recommend to carry out one of our trekking tours in the Andes or to climb for example the Illiniza North.

Day 1 Refugee Cotopaxi – Glacier training
In the morning departure from Quito to the Cotopaxi National Park. From the parking lot we walk for about 45 minutes uphill to the refugee José Ribas at 4800 m. After the lunch practice on ice and the guide explains the use of the equipment and controls the condition of all the participants.
Early dinner and we try to sleep as early as possible.

Day 2 Summit - Quito
At midnight small breakfast and latest at 01.00 ascent to the peak, passing the Yanasacha, the black rock cliff even visible from Quito. From the peak beautiful view in to the crater and around on the other snow capped mountains. Back to the refuge and well-deserved breakfast. Afterwards descend to the parking lot and return journey to Quito, where we arrive around lunch time.

The Chimborazo is the king of the Ecuadorian Andes and is considered an extinguished volcano. His highest peak is the point of the surface which is the most furthest away from the center of the earth, thanks the bulging on the equator.

For the whole roundtrip starting in the Whimper refuge you should calculate with about 12 hours. The participants need a very good physical condition and a good acclimatization to the altitude. The ascent goes over glacial ice and depending the season the hard frozen ice may get technically very demanding. Experience in climbing on ice is strongly recommended.

Day 1 Quito – Riobamba – Refuge
In the morning departure from Quito in direction of Riobamba and over the wind swept altiplano to first refuge on 4800m. From here ascend to the Whimper refuge on 5000m with beautiful view on the surrounding valleys. Preparing of the equipment, early dinner and we try to sleep as early as possible.

Day 2 Summit – Quito
At midnight small breakfast and latest at 01.00 ascent to the highest peak. The ascent takes at around 8 hours and for the descend you should calculate with 4 hours. Back to the refuge and well-deserved breakfast. Afterwards descend to the parking lot and return journey to Quito, where we arrive in the late afternoon.

By good weather condition it is possible to see the third highest mountain already from Quito. His peak is the highest point on earth direct on the equator line.
For the whole roundtrip starting in the refuge you should calculate with about 9 hours. The participants need a very good physical condition and a good acclimatization to the altitude. The ascent goes over glacial ice and needs average technical skills. Experience in climbing on ice is recommended.

Day 1 Quito - Cayambe - Refuge
In the morning departure from Quito in direction of the village Cayambe and on to the parking lot of the refuge Ruales – Oleas – Berge at 4800m. Lunch and afterwards practice on ice and preparing of the equipment, early dinner and we try to sleep as early as possible.

Day 2 Summit - Quito
At midnight small breakfast and latest at 01.00 ascent to the peak. The last part goes over heavily crevassed glacial ice. Back to the refuge and well-deserved breakfast. Afterwards descend to the parking lot and return journey to Quito, where we arrive in the early afternoon.