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climb Cayambe

Climb Cayambe - 4 Peaks in 7 Days

In only 7 days you have the opportunity to climb 4 volcanoes and get to the summit of two of the most famous volcanoes in Ecuador, including the 3rd highest peak in the country, the Spectacular Cayambe Volcano!

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Travel program

Itinerary:

Day 1: Flight to Quito (2800 m) – Transfer to the Hotel

Day 2: Quito – Pasochoa (4200 m) – El Chaupi (3300 m)

Day 3: El Chaupi – El corazón Volcano (4788 m)

Day 4: EL Chaupi – Illiniza Norte (5126 m)

Day 5: El Chaupi – Cayambe Shelter (4600 m)

Day 6: Cayambe Shelter – Cayambe Summit (5790 m) – Quito

Day 7: Otavalo Indigena Market – Quito

Detailed Program


Day 1: Flight to Quito (2800 m) – Transfer to the Hotel
Arrived in Mariscal Sucre Airport, Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Quito.
Depending on the time of your flight. We can possibly visit to the Historical Center of Quito

Day 2: Quito – Pasochoa (4200 m) – El Chaupi (3300 m)
We will leave from Quito (9,186 ft/2800 m) early in the morning and drive southeast for about an hour through the Andean highlands until we get to the Pasochoa trailhead (10,827 ft/3300 m). The hike goes through an amazing primary Andean forest, great for bird watching, we can easily encounter the exotic hummingbirds during the hike. As we gain elevation will be able to see the surrounding snow caped mountains such as Antisana, Cayambe, Illinizas, and Cotopaxi on a clear day. The hike will take us about 6 hours round trip. Transfer to the Village of the El Chaupi where we will stay at the Hostel Andes Alpes www.andesalpescafe.com (10,827 ft/3300 m). (B/BL)

Day 3: El Chaupi – El Corazón Volcano (4788 m)
We start early in the morning after breakfast (7:30am) and drive up to the trailhead (13,120 ft/4000 m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grasslands. We will then navigate the sandy scramble section, which leads to the Corazon summit (15,702ft/4788 m). We will have lunch during the hike that is about 8 hours long. Return to the hostal. Dinner and Lodging. (B/BL/D)

Day 4: EL Chaupi – Illiniza Norte (5126 m)
We start early in the morning after breakfast (7:30) and drive to the “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795 ft/3900 m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,580 ft/4750 m). We will relax for couple of minutes and take the opportunity to put on our helmet and harness to continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then head up to the Illiniza Norte summit. It will take us between 2 and 3 hours to get to the summit (5126 m), and the way back to the parking lot it will take us about 2 hours. Drive back to El Chaupi, overnight at the Hostal Andes Alpes (B/BL/D).

Day 5: El Chaupi – Cayambe Shelter (4600 m)
Cayambe is a massive glaciated extinct volcano. It is located about 95 km Northeast of El Chaupi and is the highest point on the surface of the earth's equatorial line. Cayambe is the third highest mountain in Ecuador. It is characterized by good climbing opportunities and impressive glaciers. With easy access from the comfortable hut Ruales Oleas Cayambe Refuge. We will arrive at the shelter after about 3.5 hours of driving and we will rest for a couple of hours at the Refuge, until dinner time. (B/D)

Day 6: Cayambe Shelter – Cayambe Summit (5790 m) – Quito
We will wake up at midnight, get a light breakfast, put our gear on and start our climb around 1am; 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 (18,996 ft/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, and start packing our belongings in order to drive to Quito. (B/D)

Day 7: Otavalo Indigenous Market – Quito
The Otavalo cultural tour is a wonderful way to discover and combine the famous artesian indigenous market in Ecuador and some of the amazing views outside Otavalo.

After breakfast (8am) we will drive north from Quito through the Sierra highlands; our first stop will be at Quitsato Middle of the world, and then onto Cayambe, where we can taste and learn about the town´s famous biscochos (local biscuits). We then arrive at the famous Otavalo Market where you will have time to eat lunch and buy handicrafts. The main market day in Otavalo is Saturday; After exploring the market and having lunch we will depart Otavalo and make a stop at Laguna Cuicocha, which is located in a volcano crater, and contains two green islands. We´ll then visit Cotacachi. This town is famous for its leather goods and is a great place to pick up a bargain! After that we will make our way back to Quito. (B/L/D)


Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner BL= Box Lunch

What's Included


Services included in the prices:
  • 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 in hotels (double room)Quito 2 nights
  • Hostal Andes Alpes 3 nights
  • Oleas Ruales Refuge 1 night
  • Hotel in Otavalo 1 night
  • All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: Breakfast, BL: Box lunch and D: Dinner)

Not included:
  • Personal mountain gear (warm cloths, sleeping bags, sunglasses, head lamp, etc.)
  • International flight tickets
  • Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Tips
  • Travel accident and health insurance
  • Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
  • Other non-specified expenses

Prices & Dates


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
Dates & Prices: To be determined / Contact us!
Places: On this trip, places are still available. *Available
Trip-code: Number ►Ec-1981
Duration: 8 days
Participants: Minimal: 2 Maximal: 12
Country / Location: Ecuador
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

Legend Booking-information
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