Overview
This 16-day mountaineering school in Ecuador is a complete expedition program that
combines cultural immersion, progressive acclimatization, technical glacier training, and
summit ascents of the country’s most iconic volcanoes. Participants climb Iliniza Norte
(5,126 m / 16,818 ft), Cayambe (5,790 m / 18,996 ft), and Chimborazo (6,268 m / 20,564
ft), while enjoying Quito’s colonial heritage, Quilotoa Lagoon, Papallacta Hot Springs, and
Cotopaxi National Park. Designed for gradual adaptation to altitude, this itinerary ensures
safety, cultural richness, and the best chance of summit success under the guidance of
ASEGUIM & IFMGA-certified mountain guides.i
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito
Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport where your guide welcomes you. Private
transfer to hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.
- Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
- Meals: —
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito
Day 2- Quito City Tour
Guided exploration of Quito’s UNESCO Old Town: Plaza Grande, La Compañía church, and San Francisco Monastery. Afternoon visit to the Equator Line (Mitad del Mundo). Perfect for gentle acclimatization.
- Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito
Day 3 – Transfer to El Chaupi
Drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes to El Chaupi, a small Andean town surrounded by peaks. Stay at Chuquiragua Lodge, your comfortable base for acclimatization and upcoming climbs. Evening expedition briefing.
- Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
Day 4 – Acclimatization Hike: Corazón Volcano
Ascent of Corazón (4,790 m / 15,715 ft), a moderate non-technical climb that offers excellent acclimatization and views of Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, and Rumiñahui. Return to lodge.
- Altitude: 4,790 m / 15,715 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: 6–7 hrs
Day 5 – Trek to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Trek into Los Ilinizas Reserve, climbing through páramo vegetation to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700 m / 15,419 ft). Rustic overnight stay at altitude.
- Altitude: 4,700 m / 15,419 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
- Distance: ~5 km
- Duration: 3–4 hrs
Day 6 – Summit Iliniza Norte
Alpine start for the ascent of Iliniza Norte (5,126 m / 16,818 ft). The route includes scrambling and ridge walking with fantastic views of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Descend and transfer back to El Chaupi.
- Altitude: 5,126 m / 16,818 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
- Distance: ~8 km
- Duration: 7–8 hrs
Day 7 – Quilotoa Lagoon & Return to El Chaup
Scenic drive to Quilotoa Crater Lake (3,914 m / 12,841 ft), one of Ecuador’s most spectacular volcanic lakes. Gentle rim hike and cultural encounters with local communities. Return in the afternoon to El Chaupi for overnight.
- Altitude: 3,914 m / 12,841 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Chuquiragua Lodge
Day 8 – Transfer to Cayambe Refuge
Drive north to Cayambe National Park. If road conditions allow, transfer by car up to Ruales Oleas Refuge (4,600 m / 15,092 ft); otherwise hike in. Guides provide technical briefing for glacier school
- Altitude: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Ruales Oleas Refuge
Day 9 – Glacier School on Cayambe
Full day of mountaineering training: use of crampons, ice axe, roped glacier travel, crevasse rescue. Hands-on learning on the glacier.
- Altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Ruales Oleas Refuge
Day 10 – Summit Cayambe & Transfer to Papallacta
Summit attempt of Cayambe (5,790 m / 18,996 ft) with glacier ascent under starlit skies. Rewarding sunrise views at the summit. After descent, transfer directly to Papallacta Hot Springs for recovery.
- Altitude: 5,790 m / 18,996 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Papallacta
- Distance: 12–14 km
- Duration: 10–12 hrs
Day 11 – Papallacta Hot Springs
Full recovery day in Papallacta (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by páramo landscapes. Optional short hikes in the ecological reserve.
- Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Papallacta
Day 12 – Cotopaxi National Park
Travel to Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy easy acclimatization hikes, wildlife observation (wild horses, llamas). Overnight at Tambopaxi Lodge (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) with Cotopaxi’s glacier cone as backdrop.
- Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge
Day 13 – Chimborazo High Camp
Drive south to Chimborazo Reserve. Short trek of 2–3 hrs to High Camp (5,300 m / 17,388 ft). Early dinner and rest before summit night.
- Altitude: 5,300 m / 17,388 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Chimborazo High Camp
Day 14 – Summit Chimborazo
Lorem fistrum por la gloria de mi madre esse jarl aliqua llevame al sircoo. De la pradera ullamco qué dise usteer está la cosa muy malar.
- Altitude: 6,268 m / 20,564 ft
- Distance: 10–12 km
- Duration: 10–12 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Riobamba / Quito
Day 15 – Extra Day for Weather Conditions
Reserved as a buffer for summit attempts. If weather prevents climbing, stay at Chimborazo
High Camp (5,300 m / 17,388 ft) or Hermanos Carrel Refuge (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) to wait
for improved conditions.
- Altitude: 5,300 m / 17,388 ft (High Camp) or 4,800 m / 15,748 ft (Refuge)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: High Camp / Refuge
Day 16 – Return Home
Private transfer to Quito International Airport for departure. End of services.
Meals: Breakfast
