OVERVIEW

Climb Cayambe and Chimborazo
Climb Cayambe and Chimborazo, two of the most impressive mountains in the region, on a 9-day tour and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Our team of expert guides will accompany you at all times to ensure your safety and provide you with an unforgettable mountaineering experience. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the nearby villages and learn about their rich culture and traditions. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Ecuador!

ITINERARY

# Day	Place	Altitude
Day 1	Hike Pasochoa Volcano	4200 m./13,779 ft
Day 2	Corazón Volcano Summit	4788 m./15,708 ft
Day 3	Iliniza North Summit	5126 m./16,818 ft
Day 4	Quilotoa Lake Rest day	3914 m./12,841 ft
Day 5	Cayambe Refuge	4700 m. /15,419 ft
Day 6	Cayambe Summit	5790 m./ 18,996 ft
Day 7	Papallacta City Free day	3250 m./ 10,662 ft
Day 8	Chimborazo High Camp	5300 m./ 17,388 ft
Day 9	Chimborazo Summit	6.268m. /20,702 ft

Climb Cayambe and Chimborazo program DAY BY DAY

Day 1: Hike Pasochoa Volcano

Elevation: 4200 m./13,779 ft

We will pick you up at 8:00 am.Then we will drive for two hours to get to Pasochoa parking lot. We will then hike through a large forest and when we are in the middle of it, the 4230-meter summit will appear. There is a steep sloop on the ascent, but once there we will have beautiful views. We will drive to El Chaupi village. Overnight at Andes Alpes base camp.
Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain lodge 👈visit us!!!

Day 2: Summit Corazón Volcano

Elevation: 4788 m./15,708 ft

From El Chaupi village. We will start early in the morning after breakfast 7:00 We will be driving up to the trailhead (13,120ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazon summit. We will have lunch during the hike that is about 6-hour long. Return to the hostel.
Meals: (Breakfas/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain lodge 👈visit us!!!

Day 3: Summit Iliniza North

Elevation: 5126 m./16,818 ft

We start early in the morning after breakfast 7:30 We will be driving up to the “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3.900m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,580ft/4.750m). We will relax for couple of minutes and we took the opportunity to put our helmet and harness for continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then head up to Illiniza north summit; it will take us between 2 to 3 hours to get to the summit, the way back to the parking lot it will take us between 2 hours. Drive back to El Chaupi. Overnight at the Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfas/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain lodge 👈visit us!!!

Day 4: Quilotoa Lagoon Rest day

Elevation: 3914 m./12,841 ft

We’ll leave from El Chaupi in the morning and drive the Quilotoa Lagoon. During the tour we will stop at an Indian hut and visit the Tigua community to observe the leather crafts that they make here. The tour will about 4 hours, then we’ll arrive the viewpoint and admire the size of the crater and its lagoon. We will then descend along a varying road which will take us an hour until we arrive at the bottom of the lagoon. There we will take photos and rest, then after lunch we will be back in El Chaupi after 3 hours driving.
Meals: (Breakfas/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain lodge 👈visit us!!!

Day 5: Cayambe Refuge

Elevation: 15,419 ft. / 4700 m.

From “El Chaupi” will drive to Cayambe is a massive glaciated extinct volcano. It is located about 70 km Northeast of Quito and is the highest point on the surface of the earth through which the Equator directly passes. Cayambe is the third highest mountain in Ecuador. It is characterized by good climbing opportunities and impressive glaciers. With easy access from the comfortable Rules Oleas Cayambe Refuge. We will arrive at the shelter after about 3.5 hours of driving and rest for a couple of hours at the Refuge, until dinner time and get ready to make our final ascent.
Meals: (Breakfas/ Lunch / Dinner)
Accommodation: Cayambe Refuge

Day 6: Summit Cayambe

Elevation:5790m/18,996ft.

We will wake up at midnight, eat a light breakfast, put our gear on and start our climb around 01:00 in the morning; the ascent takes about 6 to 7 hours. The route to the summit follows a safe glacier terrain to the summit. A gaping bergschrund sometimes presents a challenge in route finding and an exciting extra obstacle. Once at the summit (18,996ft/5790 m) we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the Refuge we will rest for a while, then pack our belongings and drive to "Papallacta village”. Overnight in the hotel.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Accommodation: Hotel in Papallacta

Day 7: Papallacta City Free Day

Elevation:3250 m./10,662 ft

Papallacta is an ideal place to relax and recover energy. It is a small thermal viallage located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, famous for its natural hot springs that come from volcanic springs. After a relaxing day in Papallacta, climbing Chimborazo is an exciting and challenging experience. Combining a day of relaxation in Papallacta with the adventure of climbing Chimborazo is a unique and enriching experience for those looking to enjoy nature and challenge their physical limits. Here we will stay for a few hours and Drive back to El Chaupi. Overnight in Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain lodge 👈visit us!!!

Day 8: Chimborazo High Camp

Elevation: 5300 m./17,388 ft

In the morning at 9:00 am we will meet with the guides to drive to the Chimborazo wildlife reserve. We will arrive at the refuge Hermanos carrel from there we will start the hike to the High camp in approximately 2 to 3 hours we get to camp once here, we will accommodate in our tents. In the afternoon we will prepare and double check all the gear for the climbing. Where we’ll have dinner and get some rest until 23h00. There will be an early light breakfast served just before getting ready with our gear and start heading up.
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Accommodation: Overnight in 4-season tents

Day 9: Chimborazo Summit

Elevation: 6.268m. /20,702 ft

At midnight we will start our climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest volcano, Chimborazo, which will take us about 8 to 9 hours. We’ll get to the summit (20,702ft/6268) in the early hours the perfect spot for resting and pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the refuge; it will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in refuge we’ll pack our gear, where our transportation will be ready to drive up to Quito.
Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
Accommodation: (-)

SERVICES

Services included in the tour cost:

Acclimatization Climbing Program
Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
Land transportation and transfers
Accommodations:
5 nights in Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
1 night at Cayambe Refuge
1 night at Hotel in Papallacta
1 night in tents (Chimborazo High Camp)
All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
Porters, tents, and camping utensils for high camp

Not included:

International flight tickets
Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
Insurance of any kind
Hotel in Quito
Tips
Travel accident and health insurance
Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
Other non-specified expenses

_________________________________________________________

Recommendations:

What to Bring?

1.- Head torch
2.- Helmet (includes)
3.- Sun Glasses
4.- Buff/ Warm cap
5.- Backpack
6.- First layer
7.- Second layer
8.-Third layer (Waterproof Windbreaks, Waterproof pants)
9.- Mittens/Gloves
10.- Harness (Includes)
11.- Inside gloves
12.- Carabiners (Includes)
13.- Thermal pants
14.- Ice ax (includes)
15.- Dynamic Rope (includes)
16.- Thermal Lycra
17.- Gaiters (includes)
18.- Socks Mountain
19.- Crampons (Includes)
20.- Mountaineering boots (Includes)
21.- Sleeping Bag
22.- Battery Groups AAA
23.- Sunscreen
24.- Trekking Poles
25.- Thermo / Canteen fro Water
26.- Energy bars

PRICES & PAYMENT

On this trip, places are still available

Group of 2......... 0000 USD per person
Group of 3......... 0000USD per person
Group of 4......... 0000USD per person

Price: PLEASE CLICK NOW

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION

Payment

In order to confirm the reservation of any tour service provided by Cotopaxi Travel Company Cia. Ltda. we require a pre-payment of 30% of the tour price. The remainder is to be carried out before climbing tour or travel starts. We will not send confirmations, vouchers or flight tickets until the full balance has been received, and we reserve the right to cancel your trip if full payment is not received prior to the start date.
PRICES, SURCHARGES AND CREDIT CARD CHARGES
All prices we advertise are accurate at the date published/advised, but we reserve the right to change any of those prices prior to booking. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen programme including the cost of any peak-season supplements, upgrades or additional facilities which you have requested.
For all payments made by credit card, a 6% service fee will be added to the cost. The additional costs for every transfer made out to Cotopaxi Travel Company Cia. Ltda. Ecuadorian Taxes and bank transfer fees, will have to be paid by you, the client. We are obligated tu charge 12% IVA for every payment realized by Ecuadorian citizens.

Cancellation by You

Notice of cancellation by you must be given in writing. Should you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:

- 30 days or more before the Departure Date = loss of deposit.
- 29 to 15 days from the start of the trip = 50% of total trip cost
- Less than 14 days before the Departure Date = loss of 100% of total trip cost,
unless agreed otherwise with cotopaxi travel due to unforeseen circumstances.

Cancellation by Cotopaxi Travel Company

A trip may be cancelled as a result of unforeseen events and beyond Cotopaxi Travel´s control including but not limited to war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural Cotopaxi Travel• Calle Guayaquil 6-74 y Sanchez de Orellana- Latacunga - Cotopaxi - Ecuador Terms & Conditions 2 or nuclear disaster, fire, epidemics or health risks, closed or congested airports, ports or stations, changes imposed by re-scheduling or cancellation of transport, adverse weather conditions.

More Info please visit our Terms & Condicitions

DATE

LOCATION

Country / Location: Ecuador

IMPORTANT DETAILS

In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons

High Season: June to August / December to January
Low season: February to May / September to November

Ecuador is a fantastic destination that offers plenty of options for travel lovers. In addition to the Andes, Galápagos and Amazon Jungle are also part of this amazing land.

Difficulty: Demanding
Places:

*Available
Trip-code: Number ►Ec +593
Duration: 2 days
Participants: Minimum: 2 Maximum: 12
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

Legend Booking-information
EZZ - Single room supplement
On this trip, places are still available.
On this trip, only a few places left.
This trip is sold out / closed.

FAQ'S TIPS AND ADVICES

FAQ's

IS NECESSARY PREVIOUS GLACIER EXPERIENCE?

Having previous glacier experience is not required. We do recommend that you have joined one of our best acclimatization and ascent programs containing instructions and skills that we teach you as previous mountaineering training helps you enjoy the overall experience. Is also important that you try out your mountaineering gear prior to joining this adventure if you don’t have we have for you in our rental equipment shop.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB COTOPAXI?
A). In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons - High Season: June to August / December to January - Low season: February to May / September to November
B). Likewise, weather forecasts are very unpredictable. Therefore, we recommend being prepared for all types of weather.
DO I REALLY NEED RESCUE INSURANCE?
We strongly urge you to purchase travel and accident insurance. We recommend Global Rescue for both types of insurance.
IS COTOPAXI A DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN?
A). Cotopaxi is a relatively safe climb on the routes we climb. The biggest challenges are the high altitude and people not coming physically prepared. Some groups try to ascend too quickly and do not take the time to acclimatize. We do not have this issue because our itinerary has been carefully planned over years of experience working in low oxygen environments.
ACCLIMATIZATION IS IMPORTANT AND HOW DO I PREPARE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE?
A). Acclimatization is the most important and should be taken seriously. Even if you are fit and practice any physical activity, it is important to follow the process for a successful climb.
B). Firstly, there is some very specific training you should be doing. Learn more. Let’s be clear, always pick the itinerary with more acclimatization built in. After that, you need to focus on mapping out a training plan that focuses on strength and endurance. We will pace the trip at lower heart rates so we can perform for longer periods of time. You still need to be comfortable hiking for 6+ hours. We know that building up the weight you carry in your backpack for hours at sea level builds endurance, strength and cardio which stress tests your body for high altitude. We can help you learn more about how to prepare for your high-altitude adventure.
WHAT KIND OF GEAR, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING?
A). We will provide you with a full detailed itemized kit list so that you.
SAFE TO BRING AND LEAVE OUR BAGS IN THE BASE CAMP?
A). Yes, you can leave a bag of items not needed in our base camp. You can also leave valuable items in the safe.
WHAT ROUTE DO WE CLIMB ON?
A). Depending on the glacial conditions we will follow the safest route to the top. We also leave from the refuge at 4864 m./15,958 ft for all our summit attempts
. DO YOU HAVE TRAINING ADVICE?
A). If you sign up to one of our trips, we can give ongoing advice. We also have training courses in Cotopaxi that you can sign up to.
CAN I PAY WITH CREDIT CARD?
A). Yes, you can do it
TIPS
Develop a personalized training plan. Mountaineering requires multiple types of training, each focusing on a different need:
Cardio workouts to improve the overall fitness level of your heart and lungs.
Interval sessions to boost your ability to process more oxygen with each breath.
Strength and endurance exercises so you can haul a heavy load and sustain physical output for many hours.
Balance and flexibility training because you need both for mountaineering.
Hiking days to extend your training into real-world situations.